Does your story have legs?
Sometimes it’s hard to look at your story objectively — especially if you’re just starting out, or if you’ve been staring at the same words for what feels like forever… Perhaps you’ve hit a point where you’re not sure if your story’s working. Perhaps you’re almost ready to send your manuscript out to agents or self-publish but need a second opinion. Or perhaps it’s just time to get some fresh perspective all round.
If that sounds like where you’re at, then you could probably do with a manuscript review and some professional feedback!
What is a manuscript review?
A manuscript review provides personalised feedback on your story as a whole: from plot and structure to characterisation and narrative voice. After giving your story a close reading, I’ll put together a comprehensive written report containing my analysis, observations and suggestions, as well as plenty of constructive and encouraging comments.
This can be particularly useful for first drafts as well as almost-finished drafts, as it’ll give you a clear sense of whether your story is doing what it’s supposed to, and give you tangible directions for improvement. Not only will the review highlight areas that may need a little more work, but it will also celebrate your successes, champion your strengths, and give you a boost of confidence in your skills. ‘Cause let’s be honest, we all need a pep talk sometimes!
Speaking of which, after you’ve received your manuscript review, you’ll also get the chance to discuss your feedback via a one-to-one video call, ask any further questions and chat about your story. The aim is to leave you feeling buoyed up and ready to tackle the next stage of your writing journey.
Why work with me?
I have 15 years’ experience helping writers to develop, edit and improve their work, and I have been teaching creative writing for over a decade. I’ve worked with thousands of authors, at every level of experience and every stage of the process — from early drafts and burgeoning ideas to developmental brainstorming and final draft tweaks. I’m an award-winning novelist, short fiction author, playwright and screenwriter and have devised hundreds of writing courses and workshops over the years. But most of all, I love helping other writers to find their way and feel confident about their work. :)
Oh, and these fine folk have some pretty nice things to say about me, too:
How much does it cost?
Every project is different, and every project will have different requirements, so I will need to see a sample of your manuscript and discuss what you’re hoping to get out of the review before I can give you an accurate quote. This will be based on the time involved and the depth of editing/feedback required.
My fees are guided by the CIEP’s minimum suggested rates and a per 1000 word base rate. Fees can be negotiated according to your budget, and payment can also be made in instalments if necessary.
How does the process work?
The first step is to get in touch to tell me more about your writing and what kind of support, feedback or editing you’re looking for. We can then discuss your options and you can send me a short sample of your work so I can get an idea of where you’re at and what approach might be most useful for you. We can also arrange a free 15 minute call or Zoom if you’d rather talk things over ‘face to face’.
Next, I will then provide you with a no-obligation quote based on your requirements. For manuscript-length work, payment needs to be made before work can commence, due to the time commitment involved. I accept payment via BACS or PayPal (handling fees may apply for writers outside the UK).
Depending on the length of the manuscript, I aim to complete the review/edit within 4-6 weeks. You will receive a marked up copy of your document with plenty of comments, questions and suggestions, along with an in-depth written report that covers all aspects of your writing, including structure, characterisation, pacing, narrative style, grammar and punctuation, and any other specific areas you’ve flagged up for feedback.
Once you’ve had time to read over the feedback, your review also includes an optional one-to-one 1hr Zoom call or phone call to discuss the work, clarify anything you’re not sure of, answer further questions, and make a plan for your next steps.
PLEASE NOTE: Manuscript reviews do not include proofreading or detailed line editing suggestions. For a deeper level of critique and advice, take a look at my in-depth editing & critique services instead.
To book, or if you have any other questions, please get in touch via the form below.
Book a manuscript review
Tell me a bit more about your writing and what kind of support you’re looking for:
More testimonials…
“Jo is extremely talented and knows her stuff when it comes to writing. She has helped me immensely in forming my ideas and structure for my memoir. What started as a simple idea and plan has turned into the beginnings of a comprehensive piece of work in response to her brilliant critique. Her feedback has been thoroughly helpful and encouraging. I really would be lost without her. I will be forever grateful for her help and support she has given me and have had the courage to enter a competition under her guidance. Thank you, Jo!”
— Min D
“Thank you so much. Your email knocked me for six. I was all prepared for constructive criticism. It hadn’t crossed my mind at all that your comments might be positive.
The day I got your email was pretty much one of the best days of my life. That sounds ridiculous but it’s the first time someone who isn’t my mum or a primary school teacher has said something that’s given me hope that I’m not deluded and that one day I might be able to write a book that people want to read. It was a big deal for me, so thank you.”
“I struggle with plotting and knowing whether it the story working as it should and hitting the right beats. Jo offered really constructive and helpful advice on where to pare things back and where to strengthen things — two things which sound deceptively simple, but in reality are not. It requires the person doing the critique to have a hold on the world that you have built and the characters that inhabit that world, whilst simultaneously ‘getting’ you as a writer. I loved speaking to Jo — it felt like I was talking to a good friend despite the fact that we had only really communicated via email before that first critique. The advice she offered was constructive, but it was more than that; it felt like she truly cared about my writing, my characters and my story — as if she was rooting for all of us from the side-lines. Jo is so warm, enthusiastic and genuine in her responses. Feedback can be so hard to receive, and I almost always come away from it feeling bruised and needing ‘processing’ time, however after Jo’s I felt confident — in myself and in the writing ahead.”
— Claire S
“Really great advice. Thanks for your patience and feedback. It’s lovely to have attention given to some of my fiction! Your input was all very constructive and thoughtful.”