Ready to invest in your writing? That's amazing!

A manuscript critique is a deep read designed to identify your manuscript's essential strengths and weaknesses. When you book a critique, you'll receive an analysis of plot, character, pacing, theme, voice, and marketability. You'll also get fresh market research on competitor titles and suggested mentor texts, along with inspiring feedback that will help you take your manuscript to the next level. Clear editorial direction will help you prioritize revisions, so you'll know exactly what steps to take next. It's really a personal touchstone you can return to throughout the revision process. Whether you're querying an agent, self publishing, or submitting revisions to your in-house editor, a critique will help you move forward with confidence.

Taking the steps below will help you get the most out of your investment.

Read in your genre.

Many writers worry they'll be too influenced by other books if they read something similar to their own work, but it's important to understand the conventions of your genre. Experimenting is essential to the creative process, and you might find yourself breaking a few rules when you are doing truly original work. But first, learn what the rules are. You should be able to picture where your book will sit in the bookstore. Sharing your vision will help your editor guide you in the right direction.

Take a break.

Most editors recommend completing a full draft before booking a critique, but there's so much more you can do. Once you finish your first draft, take some time away, then revise. Share your work with a critique partner, take another break, and then revise until you feel stuck. You'll get more out of the critique if you've already spent time thinking deeply about your book.

Try writing sales copy.

How would you describe your story to readers? Going through this exercise might give you some insights and send you back to your desk to revise. And sharing your copy will help your editor understand your vision. It also helps to let your editor know what you love about your book and what you're struggling with or need an expert eye on.

Find an editor you adore.

We know that asking for feedback makes even the most experienced writers feel vulnerable. Being your editor is an honor. Of course, you want to hire someone who has experience working on the type of books you're working on. (Ask friends for recommendations and check out testimonials.) But you also want to hire someone you feel a personal connection to, someone you can trust, someone you can share your beautiful, messy heart with. In return, you'll get feedback that goes beyond the rules in a craft book and feels personal and inspiring. And you'll have a creative cheerleader on your side for life.

Give yourself a pep talk.

Booking a critique is a big deal. It means you believe in yourself, value creativity, and want to do everything you can to help your work shine. You get a million gold stars for getting this far. Schedule something fun and distracting while you wait for feedback from your editor.

I believe in book magic, and I believe in you! Ready to book a critique? I would love to see what you’ve been working on. Send me a message. Tell me all about your project. What do you love about it? What are you struggling with? What books inspired your work? What's your vision for this book? Together we can make your book shine!

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