Manuscript Critiques
Supporting the whole writerWelcome, fellow writer!
Congratulations on knowing feedback is an important part of making your manuscript the best it can be. There is so much about the publishing process that is out of our control as writers but what IS in our control is the quality of the manuscripts we send out.
I offer critiques of picture books and novels for a fee to writers committed to their craft. This means you’ve spent some learning the craft of writing picture books through classes, workshops or mentors, have spent time revising and are ready to take it to the next level.
Once I receive your inquiry, I may follow up with a few questions to see if we are a good fit and if it’s a go, I’ll give you a time frame and instructions on submitting your project.
AVAILABILITY
NOVELISTS: Due to my teaching and writing load, I am only reviewing first chapters from novelists at this time unless we've worked together before. I'm happy to provide referrals - just indicate that on the form.
PICTURE BOOK WRITERS: I am open to critiques and consultations so feel free to fill out the form! OR, if you want more "high level" feedback fairly quickly, check out my Fast & Lite Picture Book Feedback which, unless otherwise noted on that page, is always open for business! Please note: If you are new to picture books, I require that you have some basic knowledge of picture book foundational elements before we work together on your manuscript. This can be other classes, workshops or possibly books you've read--you can share your experience with me and we can discuss that before you sign up for anything. If you want to explore my foundational options, see my Consultation and Coaching page for more information.
MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES
A detailed letter explaining what I see as the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript and suggestions for improvement, in addition to comments and questions directly on the manuscript using Word Track Changes.
Save on a Query Review!
$25 off a Query Review if you also book a Critique or Consultation.
CHARACTER
VOICE
THEME
PLOT
PACING
STRUCTURE
WHAT TYPE OF CRITIQUE DO YOU NEED?
Novel
Middle grade and young adult novels continue to be popular categories with readers, especially middle grade. I enjoy and have critiqued most genres–contemporary realistic, fantasy, historical, humorous, paranormal, dystopian, etc. Due to my faculty position for the Regis University MFA in Creative Writing Program, I often have limited space for novelists so check my Availabilty notice!
Picture Book
I review and comment on picture book manuscripts up to 1,000 words. There are definitely publishers who publish picture books longer than 1,000 words, but most are looking for shorter manuscripts so that’s what my critiques focus on. For longer stories, contact me for fee information.
For a faster, less detailed critique, see the Fast & Lite Picture Book Feedback page.
NEW TO WRITING PICTURE BOOKS?
I strongly recommend one of my “I’m New to Picture Books” multi-session programs.
Editor/Agent Query
A query is often your first introduction to an editor or agent and it’s important to wow them if you can! I’m happy to review your query and provide feedback before you send it out to either an agent or editor. Download my one-page brochure for more information.
Note that I offer a discounted rate on query critiques if you combine it with a manuscript critique or a consultation.
REFERRALS
Wendi Silvano
Fiction
Rhyming and prose
Julie Danneberg
Fiction and nonfiction
Prose
Natasha Wing
Fiction
Rhyming
Tim McCanna
Fiction and nonfiction
Prose or rhyming
Anna Crespo
Brazilian Portuguese
translations
FAQs
What's the difference between a manuscript review and a critique?
How detailed is your feedback letter?
VERY.
Picture book writers: Depending on how much work you’ve done prior to the critique, the letter may be anywhere from one single-spaced page up to five! I highlight the things that really worked for me, where you’ve nailed different craft elements and then look at everything from character, plot, structure, theme, word choices, the role of illustrations, and anything else I see.
Novelists: Again, depending on how much work you’ve done prior to the critique, the letter may be anywhere from three single-spaced page up to eight or more! I go into detail for both major and minor characters, how minor characters support your theme and plot, overall structure, and pull sample scenes for deeper evaluation–their purpose, how they support the theme and plot, how they move the story forward, etc. And I always highlight the things that really worked for me and where you’ve been successful with various craft elements.
What do you include in your in-manuscript comments?
For both picture book writers and novelists, I will point out where things are working, where you have great writing, questions I have about a specific scene, where I’m drawn in, where my attention lagged, etc. I may also note examples of things I talked about in my letter.
What do I get in the follow up call?
The follow-up call (or email) is to clarify one or two things you are unsure about in the critique—questions you may have about a comment I made or a note I had in your manuscript. The call is not designed to discuss revision ideas or where to go next with the manuscript. That is outside the scope of the critique, though I’m happy to schedule a consult to discuss revision thoughts and more. Please visit my Consultation page for more information!
Testimonials
I just wanted to extend a giant THANK YOU.
This is, without a doubt, the most thoughtful/helpful/insightful critique I have ever received. So thank you again as your thoughts open up a fresh perspective on this story as well as other work in progress.
(picture book conference critique)
Denise, you have such a gift for critique. You are able to [get] to the heart of a story [and] give specific ideas for meaningful changes, while at the same time, complimenting the strengths of a manuscript. In this way, the writer (me) is inspired to move forward and keep writing!”
(private middle grade novel critique)
Let’s Work Together
Let me know what you are looking for and we can begin the process!
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NOTE: Please verify your email is correct before submitting the form, as this is the only way for me to contact you.
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