manuscript Critique For Creative Writers
Every story begins with a spark
Every story begins with a spark. But when you’re deep in the world you’ve created - living alongside your characters, breathing their choices - it can be hard to step back and see the bigger picture.
That’s where a manuscript critique can help.
This service is for creative writers who want thoughtful, professional feedback on their draft. Whether you’re working on a novel, short story, novella, or memoir-style prose, I’ll read your work with care and curiosity, offering clear, constructive insights to help your story shine.
It’s not about tearing things apart, but about helping you build on what’s working - and gently highlighting areas that need more clarity, tension, or polish.
You’ve done the hard part: you’ve written the book - or the beginning of one.
Now let’s shape it into its strongest form, together.
Clarity, Encouragement, and a Clear Way Forward
What a Manuscript Critique Is - and What It Isn’t
A manuscript critique is a professional read-through of your full manuscript, followed by a written report that outlines what’s working, what’s holding the story back, and where you might go next. It’s not about combing every sentence for errors; it’s about stepping back to see the bigger picture and helping you move forward with confidence.
You’ll receive a carefully considered, bespoke editorial report tailored to your book’s needs. Depending on your manuscript’s length and complexity, this report is usually between 4 and 8 pages (A4) and includes:
A warm but honest summary of your manuscript’s strengths
Observations on plot, structure, character development, and tone
Notes on pace, flow, and consistency
Gentle signposting of any recurring issues
Suggestions for revision and next steps
It is not a copy edit or line edit, and you won’t see tracked changes in your manuscript. Instead, you’ll receive detailed, thoughtful feedback that honours the work you’ve already done - and helps you keep going.
What You’ll Receive
Your critique package will include:
A bespoke editorial report
Thoughtful, structured feedback tailored to your manuscript, including strengths, areas for improvement, and suggestions for revision. The tone is always respectful, encouraging, and honest.
Story-level insight
You’ll get observations on your manuscript’s big-picture elements - plot, pacing, character arcs, structure, voice, and themes - with a focus on what’s working and what might need rebalancing or rethinking.
Scene and flow guidance
Where relevant, I’ll comment on the rhythm and clarity of your chapters and scenes - whether things are building in the right places, where the momentum dips, and how to keep readers engaged.
Email follow-up support
After reading your critique, you might have questions - or want to clarify something. That’s why I also offer warm, thoughtful support by email as part of your Manuscript Critique. Just reply to my report, and I’ll be happy to answer your queries.
Pricing
£75
Up to 10,000 words
Full critique report (approx. 2-3 pages), email Q&A
£130
10,001 - 25,000 words
Full critique report (approx. 3-5 pages), email Q&A
£210
25,001 - 50,000 words
Full critique report (approx. 5-7 pages), email Q&A
Working on a Shorter or longer manuscript?
If your project is less than 10,000 words or over 50,000 words, I’d be happy to provide a tailored quote based on its length, genre, and scope. Every story is different; shorter manuscripts may take a little less time to read, whilst longer manuscripts can take a little more time to explore in depth. Just drop me a message with a few details about your work-in-progress, and I’ll get back to you with a friendly, no-pressure quote.
All critiques include:
A detailed, honest, and constructive critique tailored to your manuscript
Comments on plot, pacing, structure, characterisation, voice, and more
Warm, confidence-boosting encouragement to support your writing journey
Follow-up questions by email (within 14 days of delivery)
How It Works
Whether you’re polishing your final draft or figuring out what’s working in an early one, here’s how the Manuscript Critique process unfolds:
1. You get in touch
Send me a message with a brief overview of your manuscript - including the word count, genre, and where you’re at in your writing journey. I’ll confirm your quote and availability, and we’ll make sure the service is a good fit for your needs.
2. You secure your booking
Once we’ve agreed on the details, I’ll send over a short booking form, your Terms of Service, and an invoice for 50% of the total fee. Your booking is confirmed once payment is received, and your manuscript delivery date is agreed.
3. You send your manuscript
You send over your manuscript (in Word or Google Docs) by the agreed date. I’ll take it from there: reading, making notes, and preparing your editorial report with care.
4. I prepare your feedback
I’ll review your manuscript in full and write a comprehensive, constructive critique report (length may vary slightly depending on word count). My focus is on encouraging what’s working and gently guiding areas that need more attention.
5. You receive your report
When your report is ready, I’ll send it to you via email, along with your final invoice for the remaining 50%. Your critique is yours to reflect on, return to, and grow from - whether you’re revising now or letting it percolate for later.
6. You ask follow-up questions (if you like)
Once you’ve had time to digest the feedback, you’re welcome to email me with any questions about your report. This email support is included in the service — because I know how important it is to feel supported and seen as you shape your next steps.
FAQs
What if I’m not ready for a full critique yet?
That’s absolutely fine - many writers aren’t. You might still be finding your feet with the story, or just want to know if it’s ‘working’ at all. If that’s the case, I offer a free 500-word sample edit (for creative work) and I’m happy to discuss your project before you commit to anything more in-depth. I’ll meet you where you are.
Can I send a shorter manuscript?
Yes, absolutely. Manuscripts under 10,000 words (such as short stories, essays, or children’s picture books) are very welcome. Just get in touch for a bespoke quote. I price fairly based on the level of work involved.
Is this the same as developmental editing?
Not quite. Developmental editing is a much deeper, more collaborative process that often involves multiple rounds of feedback and reworking. A Manuscript Critique, by contrast, is a standalone service - offering thoughtful, honest, big-picture feedback on your manuscript’s structure, characters, voice, pacing, themes, and more. You then decide how and when to revise.
Will you be kind?
Yes. Always.
I believe critique should build, not break. It should support you in understanding your own intentions more clearly, and offer ideas and insights that help you make your story stronger. I’ll never be harsh. But I will be honest, constructive, and deeply respectful of the work you’ve done so far.
Will you fix my grammar or write in the margins?
No. A manuscript critique is not a copy-edit or line edit. You’ll receive a standalone editorial report that summarises your manuscript’s strengths and opportunities - no tracked changes, no in-text corrections. This keeps the focus on development and structure, rather than sentence-level work.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to share your work with an experienced, gentle editor who truly respects the creative process - I’d love to hear from you.
Send me a short message via my Contact page or email me at hello@lfpstudio.co.uk. Include your manuscript’s word count, genre, and a few lines about what you’d like help with.
Let’s get your story moving in the right direction - with clarity, care, and confidence.