Manuscript Critique Services

Assess the market viability of the story. An editor can help show which market will (or will not) accept the tale and offer recommendations on the elements they believe the author should include for greater acceptance.

Gain a fresh perspective. Editors approach each manuscript with an open mind and offer their opinions based on the information found in the story. Authors may consider an editor’s ideas seriously because the insight is new and something they might not have otherwise considered.

Impartial input from a third party. Receiving feedback from an editor is more helpful than that given by family or friends, as the editor is less likely to worry about trying to spare the author’s feelings due to a personal relationship. 

Manage pacing problems within the story. The pace of your narrative affects your readers’ attention and interest. Is the information you provide in each scene sufficient, too little, or too much? Do you have areas of wordy description and other places where details are scarce? Does the story appear slower than you would like, or does it move too quickly? What can you do to fix these issues? An editor helps to answer these questions.

Pinpoint weaknesses and strengths. An editor shows where the story lacks energy and where it shines. The editor’s advice helps stimulate new ideas and ways to continue (or expand) the story accordingly.

Understand the difference between show and tell. Showing readers something through creative descriptions and dialogue is much different than telling them what they should see (or feel). An editor guides an author to help balance this discrepancy within their manuscript.