In the new year, when kids go back to school after the holiday break, it’s often the time that authors can once again hear themselves think–and return to their writing.

Have you rewritten and progressed as far with your story as you can? Do you need a professional eye cast on your manuscript at this point?

If so, I will help jumpstart your efforts with a discount for January and February ONLY. My “Back to School” special for January and February ONLY is $50/hour. After October, it goes back to $75.

Why me?

Besides critiquing my own 55+ books for children and adults, I taught writing for 27 years and did freelanced editing for two publishers. I critique middle grade (8-12), tween (10-14), teen (12-16) and adult novels (and occasionally nonfiction.) 

I write a lengthy (4-6 page) single-spaced letter of comments to go with the manuscript critique, point out your strengths and weaknesses, suggest changes along with many examples to strengthen the manuscript. I return edited manuscripts with critiques to writers within two weeks, usually much less.

Nuts and Bolts

I can do critiques on paper or electronic critiques. I can print out the manuscript here (for a $10 paper-and-ink fee), or you can send it to me by snail mail, double-spaced and printed on one side of the paper. I make comments directly on the manuscript as I read, plus write a critique letter. Electronic critiques are done using the Word Comments feature, plus a critique letter.

I charge $75 per hour. On AVERAGE, a 25,000-word middle-grade novel takes me about 6-7 hours. Please include a $100 deposit when you send me the manuscript; the rest is due after I complete the critique. I send a bill for the remainder when I return the manuscript. Keep the bill for your tax records, as it is a deductible business expense.

If interested, contact me, and I’ll be in touch within 24 hours.