Many of my clients start with a manuscript critique, a process in which I read your entire manuscript to get a feel for the manuscript’s potential for success. My manuscript critique includes an evaluation report (generally about 15 pages) in which I evaluate and detail problem spots, offer suggestions for improving the structure of the manuscript, and address any issues in:
- Character development
- Plot/subplots
- Voice and tone
- Writing quality
- Narrative style
- Setting
- Overall story arc
- Any problem spots
In this report, I also offer suggestions and advice on how to (practically) market your book once published (based on real-world examples of what’s worked for my past clients), explain the pros and cons on self-publishing or traditional publishing, and how to find your book’s target audience.
In the manuscript critique process, I write on the manuscript itself and address issues that I may have as a first-time reader (for example, pointing out something that is too vague, inconsistent, etc.). I also recommend next steps for your manuscript—if you should proceed with publishing your book, or if it needs copyediting, line editing, etc. In the manuscript critique process, I do not do any editing or ghostwriting of any kind.
After I deliver the completed manuscript critique (along with the 10-page report) back to you, it will be up to you to make those suggested changes as you see fit.
What This Includes:
I take the editor-author relationship seriously, and I’m in your corner to help your book succeed. I’m here to make sure you are as prepared as possible to succeed in this saturated industry, and that means pumping you full of knowledge and resources (in addition to superb editing!) to ensure your book stands the best chance for success, especially against less prepared authors.
Every manuscript critique service includes:
- Email or phone support: If you have questions about your book, the publishing industry or simply would like advice or feedback, feel free to ask! I’m a publishing professional here to answer as many questions as you have.
- 15-page report: In this report, I evaluate and detail problem spots in your book’s major components: plot clarity, story conflict, pacing, tension, and reader engagement, dialogue, character development, narrative style and POV, setting description, and a focus on your book’s opening and closing lines.
After the manuscript critique, your book will still need to undergo a couple rounds of actual editing (line editing and copyediting) before publishing, but getting the story’s big-picture elements right (in the manuscript critique process) is a critical part of a successful novel. If you’re interested in also getting your manuscript edited, consider one of my editing packages. The manuscript critique service is part of The Standard editing package.
Please read my guide for information on sample edits, editing packages, rush project options, and the scheduling process.
Questions? Ready to get on the schedule? Contact me!
Book editor Kristen Hamilton is the owner and sole employee of Kristen Corrects, Inc., where she provides manuscript editing services for traditionally and self-publishing authors. Several authors whose books she has edited have won awards and have topped Amazon’s best sellers lists.
Reading is Kristen’s passion, so when the workday is over, she can usually be found curled up with a good book alongside her four cats. She loves watching cat videos and scary movies, eating pizza, teaching herself French, and traveling, and she is likely planning her next vacation. She lives outside of Boise, ID.