This in-depth novel critique is the heart of our editing service. It’s a detailed analysis of your novel, looking at character, dialogue, description, story, and other issues. It contains both a critique report, and manuscript annotations throughout the text itself.
It’s these annotations that make our service special; they’re like having somebody sit down beside you and go through every page of your novel, showing you exactly what works and what doesn’t.
Think of the critique as a concentrated writing course, based around your novel. When we identify weaknesses or problem areas, we use them as an opportunity to suggest improvements not only for this particular book, but for all your writing.
The Critique Report
The novel critique report looks at a range of factors, including your characters, dialogue, themes, plotting, and style. It summarises the points made in the annotations, and concludes with a list of work points to help you as you embark on the next draft of your novel. The length of the report varies, but it’s usually between seven and ten pages. It’s always written specifically for you; we don’t include copy-and-paste material in our critiques.
The Manuscript Annotations
As well as the report, our novel critiques feature annotations throughout the manuscript. We’ll show you where you may need to be telling us more (or less!) about a character, where the plot’s going off course, how you could tighten up your dialogue, and highlight lots of other issues in your writing. Although the critiques don’t include full copy editing, we will also highlight a lot of your typos and mistakes in spelling, grammar and punctuation—and provide further explanations in the report.
The exact number of annotations varies, but there’s usually one or more on almost every page. It’s pretty thorough.
After the Novel Critique
You’ll received your completed critique report and annotated manuscript by email. Take your time in going over it (we recommend starting with the report). If you have any questions about the comments, or would like any clarifications, you’re always welcome to email us.
Free sample edit
We offer a free five-page sample edit so that you can decide whether our critiquing service is right for you. Read more about this sample edit.
Pricing and ordering information
All novel critique prices include both the report and the manuscript annotations.
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UK
- For manuscripts over 25,000 words in length, the novel critique costs £10.00 per thousand words. For example, a 50,000 word manuscript would cost £500, and a 70,000 word manuscript would cost £700.
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USA
- For manuscripts over 25,000 words in length, the novel critique costs fifteen dollars ($15.00) per thousand words. For example, a 50,000 word manuscript would cost $750, and an 70,000 word manuscript would cost $1,050.
For an exact quote, completely without obligation, just get in touch.
(For manuscripts under 25,000 words, read about our short story critiques.)
To book, or for more information, visit our contact page.