manuscript Critique
And Developmental Insight
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.
I offer comprehensive manuscript critiques for fiction writers, memoirists, indie authors, and creative nonfiction writers seeking rigorous, big-picture editorial feedback. 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 providing high-level developmental strategies to resolve 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
An in-depth, one pass editorial evaluation to guide your next draft.
My Manuscript Critique service goes beyond surface-level feedback to provide structural analysis, thematic insight, and actionable recommendations — delivered as a single, comprehensive report.
It is designed to give you the depth of developmental insight without the ongoing, iterative commitment (and higher cost) of a full developmental edit. I read your manuscript once, analyse how it is functioning as a whole, and provide you with the editorial tools and strategies you need to tackle your next revision independently.
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 typically between 15 and 30+ pages and includes:
A warm but honest summary of your manuscript’s core strengths.
Developmental solutions: I don't just point out what isn't working; I provide high-level developmental suggestions and structural strategies to help you fix it.
Deep-dive observations on plot, structure, character arcs, narrative voice, and thematic clarity.
Notes on pace, flow, and consistency, highlighting where momentum builds and where it dips.
Actionable next steps and prioritised suggestions for your revision.
This service focuses entirely on big-picture feedback. You won’t see tracked changes or line-by-line comments within the manuscript itself; instead, you’ll receive a structured, highly detailed editorial roadmap designed to guide your revision as a whole.
What You’ll Receive
A comprehensive editorial report
Thoughtful, structured feedback tailored to your manuscript, including strengths, areas for improvement, and actionable suggestions for revision. The tone is always respectful, encouraging, and honest.
Story-level developmental insight
You’ll receive rigorous observations on your manuscript’s big-picture elements. Where relevant, I’ll highlight areas where further development or restructuring may strengthen the story, offering clear strategies to guide your next draft.
Scene and flow guidance
I’ll comment on the rhythm and clarity of your chapters and scenes: whether things are building in the right places, where the narrative tension dips, and how the flow might be strengthened to keep readers engaged.
Email follow-up support
After reading your report, you might have questions or want to clarify a specific point. After you’ve had time to reflect on the feedback, you’re welcome to send one follow-up email with any questions. I’ll respond fully and thoughtfully to help you move forward with clarity.
I am a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).
Pricing
A detailed, structured editorial report tailored to your manuscript, offering clear, actionable developmental insight into structure, pacing, voice, and development.
Includes follow-up questions and support via email.
£165
Up to 10,000 words
Structured editorial report tailored to your manuscript, with clear, actionable insight.
Includes follow-up questions and support via email.
£285
10,001 - 25,000 words
Structured editorial report tailored to your manuscript, offering clear, actionable insight.
Includes follow-up questions and support via email.
£425
25,001 - 50,000 words
In-depth structured editorial report with detailed insight into structure, pacing, voice, and development.
Includes follow-up questions and support via email.
£525
50,001 - 70,000 words
Extensive, fully tailored editorial report offering deep, considered insight across structure, pacing, character, and voice.
Includes follow-up questions and support via email.
Extensive, fully tailored editorial report offering deep, considered insight across structure, pacing, character, and voice, scaled to the length and complexity of your manuscript.
Includes follow-up questions and support via email.
Tailored quote from £625 (+ £9 per additional 1,000 words).
£625
70,001 - 80,000 words
From £625
Over 80,001 words:
Comprehensive structured editorial report with nuanced, manuscript-specific insight to support your next stage of revision.
Includes follow-up questions and support via email.
Many writers choose a Manuscript Critique before moving on to line editing or copy editing.
If you’d like editorial perspective on a smaller portion of your work, an Editorial Assessment offers a focused, big-picture review of up to 10,000 words. You may also prefer to use this service if your entire project is less than 10,000 words.
If your project is over 80,000 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
One round of follow-up questions by email within 7 days of final payment
Further editorial support, detailed in-text feedback, or ongoing discussion can be arranged as a separate service if needed.
How to Use Your Critique
Your report is designed to guide your next stage of revision, not to fix everything at once. Most writers find it helpful to:
Read the report through once without making changes
Identify 2–3 priority areas to focus on first
Work through revisions in stages, rather than all at once
You don’t need to solve everything immediately; clarity builds as you revise.
Who It’s For
This service is ideal for writers who:
Want rigorous, developmental feedback on structure, voice, flow, and impact.
Are preparing to undertake a major revision before hiring a copy editor.
Are considering submitting to agents or self-publishing and want to ensure the story's foundation is rock solid.
Would value an experienced, supportive editorial perspective without the cost of a full developmental edit.
Whether you’re polishing a final draft or working out what’s working in an early one, a manuscript critique can bring clarity and direction.
Genres I Work With
I enjoy working with thoughtful, committed writers at all stages of their journey, from first-time authors to those preparing work for submission. I usually work with a range of fiction and nonfiction, particularly projects that are voice-driven, character-led, or exploring meaningful ideas.
Genres I frequently work with
Literary fiction
Historical fiction
Contemporary fiction
Psychological fiction
Upmarket / book club fiction
Memoir
Narrative nonfiction
Creative nonfiction (including essays and reflective writing)
Speculative genres I enjoy
Science fiction
Dystopian fiction
Horror
Literary / atmospheric horror
Slipstream and soft speculative fiction
Selected projects
Crime and thriller (particularly where voice and character take precedence over plot)
Outside my current focus
Epic or high fantasy
Children’s fiction
Heavily technical genres
If you’re unsure whether your manuscript is a good fit, you’re always welcome to send a short sample as I’m happy to take a look.
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 60% 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 report (length may vary slightly depending on word count). My focus is on encouraging what’s working and providing developmental strategies for 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 40%. Your critique is yours to reflect on, return to, and grow from.
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.
Not Quite Ready?
If you’d prefer feedback on just a portion of your manuscript, an Editorial Assessment is also available. Get in touch to find out more.
FAQs
While the critique may highlight structural opportunities and areas where the manuscript could be further developed, it does not involve rewriting passages, restructuring chapters, or providing detailed scene-by-scene edits. The purpose of the critique is to provide clear editorial perspective so you can decide how to approach your next revision.
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 1,000-word sample edit for creative work. I’m happy to discuss your project before you commit to anything more in-depth. I’ll meet you where you are.
Is this the same as developmental editing?
Not quite. Developmental editing is a deeper, highly collaborative, and iterative process that often involves detailed scene-by-scene edits, structural rewriting, and multiple rounds of revision.
A Manuscript Critique, by contrast, is a one-pass service. It provides the same level of thoughtful developmental insight, but delivers it entirely through a standalone written report. It highlights strengths, identifies structural or narrative issues, and offers high-level guidance for revision — leaving you fully in control of applying those changes independently.
Will you be kind?
Yes. Always.
I believe the 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. There are no tracked changes or 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, thoughtful editor who respects the creative process, I’d love to hear from you.
You can 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.
If you’d like, you’re also very welcome to include a sample of up to 1,000 words. I’ll read it at no cost so we can make sure we’re a good editorial fit.
Let’s get your story moving in the right direction—with clarity, care, and confidence.
Availability: Each manuscript I work on receives dedicated, thoughtful attention, so I take on a limited number of projects at any one time. If you’re considering working together, I’d love to hear from you — I’m always happy to discuss timelines and availability.