What Do Manuscript Critique and Proofreading Entail?
Whether you need a quick proofread or deeper insight into your writing, we provide services tailored to your needs.
We offer two options:
| Option | Features | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Critique | Evaluation of overall effectiveness
Commentary and suggestions for revision (See below for list of critiquing parameters.) |
A fully developed, well-crafted manuscript
Improved writing abilities |
| Proofread | Proofreading for grammar, style, and consistency
(See below for list of proofreading parameters.) |
A polished, professional manuscript
Improved writing abilities |
Proofreading
When we proofread your work, we correct problems such as:
- Punctuation
- Grammar
- Consistency
- Misspelling
- Word choice/appropriateness
- Structure (Sentence, paragraph, and overall organization)
Critique
When we critique your work, we comment on its strengths, as well as on areas that need revision.We offer constructive feedback on a number of elements, including:
- Specific, sensory detail
- Economy of language
- Freshness of language and imagery
- Clarity
- Character development
- Plot
- Setting
- Dialogue
- Voice
- Figurative language (metaphor and simile)
- Line breaks
- Sound and meter
- Form and structure
- Flow and transitions
- Dramatic tension
What Do I Receive After You Complete the Critique/Proofread?
We return your proofread and/or critiqued manuscript in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is standard on most computers, and is also available for free download.
Our suggestions and markup appear as cross-outs, additions, and comments within the line of text and in the margins. For proofreading services, if you prefer, we are happy to send you a copy of your manuscript with all corrections implemented, in addition to a copy that shows the corrections as markup on your original manuscript.
What Types of Writing Do You Work With?
We work with all types of writing, including but not limited to:
Fiction
- Short stories
- Flash fiction and vignettes
- Novels
Poetry
- Free verse
- Formal
- Prose poetry
Nonfiction
- Creative nonfiction
- Essays
- Memoir/autobiography
- Biography
How Do I Get Started?
Please feel free to contact us any time with questions about our services or details on the submission process.
After an initial look at your piece, we provide a free, no-obligation estimate for your approval before we start any work. Along with the estimate, we send a payment request e-mail that includes details about your purchase and a link to PayPal(R) to complete payment.
Please note: If you’d like us to critique your work before your creative writing coach appointment for discussion during the session, please pay for the critique and submit your work at least five business days before our appointment. We will provide an estimate for your review and approval before we begin critiquing.
Please see Policies for information on cancellations and refunds.