WRITING CRITIQUES
I’m a lifelong lover of stories and a dedicated student of the writing craft. I bring years of hands-on experience, self-directed study, and a deep understanding of what makes fiction work, especially in the fantasy genre. I’ve spent countless hours learning from industry professionals, dissecting novels, and honing my craft. I know how much heart goes into writing a book, and I treat every manuscript I read with the respect and care it deserves.
Please note that I’m not a professional editor. My background includes academic and copywriting work, but fiction is where my passion lives. I especially love character-driven stories, compelling arcs, and immersive worldbuilding. If you write fantasy (whether it’s high, low, urban, or cozy) you’re in the right place. I also enjoy working with speculative fiction more broadly, and am open to other genres.
What You’ll Get Working With Me
✔ Clear, kind, and actionable feedback
✔ A reader and critique partner who gets genre fiction
✔ Flexible, personalized support (no copy/paste responses)
✔ Honest communication and respect for your creative vision
Whether you’re querying your first novel or polishing up your fifth, I’m here to help you level up with thoughtful, practical guidance. Writing is hard enough. Let’s make the revision process a little easier. We’ll do a brief email consult prior to getting started so you can ask any other additional questions you may have.
On A Personal Note
I’m a writer, too. I have more than one post on the Journal (blog) discussing why I love feedback, and why I think critique of our work is essential to improving our craft. I’m fortunate to have some excellent critique partners and editors I’ve hired over the years, and I’m so grateful I get to contribute to the writing community in this way as well. Whether you’re aiming for traditional publishing, or you’re excited to self-publish, I can help you prepare for putting work into the world that you’re proud of!
Landing an agent or publisher starts with a strong first impression. I help you sharpen your query letter and opening pages so they grab attention fast. I give specific, actionable suggestions focused on clarity, voice, and marketability. My goal is to help you show off your story’s strengths in a way that resonates not only with readers, but with industry professionals as well.
I currently offer 3 options:
Query Letter Review — $20
Query Package Review (Query Letter & First 5 Pages) — $40
Query Package+ Review (Query Letter & First 5 Pages + Synopsis) — $50
With all options, you can expect:
In-line comments, notes, and suggestions
Critique letter with a summary of my feedback
Quick turnaround time (2 days for Query Letter only, 4 days for Query Package, and 6 days for Query Package+)
SERVICES I OFFER
This is a reader-focused evaluation of your manuscript, designed to help you understand how your story lands with someone coming in cold, just like a future reader (or agent). I’ll give you honest, thoughtful feedback that highlights both what’s working and what might need another look. I specialize in speculative fiction, including all subgenres of fantasy and sci-fi, from cozy and character-driven tales to sweeping epics and high concept adventures, but I’m open to reading stories from any genre.
Feedback includes:
My overall impressions as a reader
Pacing and flow (where I felt hooked or where it lagged)
Emotional and character engagement
Clarity of worldbuilding and plot
Notable strengths and areas that caused confusion or pulled me out of the story
Light in-line comments (as needed for clarity or reactions)
Critique letter summarizing my overall feedback
2-week turnaround time
This is not a line-by-line manuscript critique or developmental edit. Think of it as your first look into how a target reader might respond. My goal is to give you a clear sense of your story’s impact before you send it off to agents, editors, or more in-depth critique partners.
*I accept manuscripts up to 120,000 words in length
Price: $200
This is a comprehensive critique focused on big-picture story elements, plus detailed commentary throughout your manuscript. It’s not a full developmental edit, but it goes much deeper than a beta read. It’s perfect for writers looking to revise with confidence.
You’ll receive:
A detailed editorial letter (typically 5+ pages) covering:
Plot and pacing
Character development and emotional arcs
Theme and tone
Worldbuilding (especially for speculative fiction)
Narrative structure and flow
Strengths
Specific suggestions for revision
In-line comments throughout the manuscript (with track changes), including:
Reader reactions (what’s working, what’s confusing, what’s missing)
Notes on clarity, consistency, and momentum
Suggestions for deepening character or tightening prose
This critique is designed to give you both a macro and micro view of your manuscript, helping you understand how it reads, where it shines, and what might need sharpening before the next draft.
*I accept manuscripts up to 120,000 words in length
Price: $400 $350 (Plus, includes Writer Chat—a $50 bonus value)
This service is for writers who don’t need a formal critique right now, but do want someone in their corner. I’m someone to talk things through with, break through blocks, and help you build confidence.
You’ll get:
A 30-minute consultation (your choice of chat or phone call) to:
Talk through story ideas
Explore plot or character problems
Brainstorm next steps or solutions
Ask questions about writing, querying, or the creative process
1 month of email access for continued support, including:
Bouncing around new ideas or plot twists
Light accountability check-ins
Casual feedback on short passages, or blurbs
Encouragement and honest, constructive responses
This is your chance to get some outside perspective without the pressure of a formal critique. Think of it as having a craft-savvy writing friend who’s just an email away.
Price: $50