MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES


Do you need feedback on your short story or picture book manuscript?

What I Can Do:

As a published writer, and a member of numerous critique groups for the past eight years, I've critiqued hundreds of manuscripts for beginning, intermediate and published authors. I will critique both short stories and picture book manuscripts. I'm sorry I do not provide critiques for rhyming stories. I will tell you what works well and where you need to take a second look, concentrating on the following aspects of your work:

Plot
Hook
Conflict/Tension
Character Development
Dialogue
Voice
Pacing
Rhythm and Wording
Show vs. Tell
Some line-by-line editing

What You Can Do:

Format your manuscript in standard style: double spaced with 1" margins all around and a 12 pt. font. Email me to schedule a critique, with CRITIQUE in the subject line of your email. Once I've agreed to take on your work, you may pay me via PayPal (this offers you the most security). After I've received your payment and your manuscript (sent as word document attachment), be patient. I can usually get your story back to you within a week. When your work is returned, please contact me with any questions you may have.

Fees:

Minimum charge is $55 for a picture book or short story manuscript up to 5 double-spaced pages. Each additional page is $5.

What People Say:

"As a published picture book author, I have high demands on myself when writing a new story. Annette's keen, critical eye has proved valuable to me in improving my work. She's able to dissect a picture book idea and hone in on key tension and plot points, essential to getting a story in the best submission shape possible."

-Alison Formento, author of THIS TREE COUNTS! THIS TREE, 1, 2, 3, THESE BEES COUNT! and THESE SEAS COUNT. www.alisonashleyformento.com.

"Annette's insightful critique will take any picture book or short story to the next level. With a solid understanding of both detail and big picture issues, she has a keen eye for identifying opportunities in a manuscript--ways to incorporate layers, fresh language, consistency, and story twists, as well as how to enrich character development and ramp up the plot. Annette will get you thinking about your manuscript in ways you hadn't thought of before. I highly recommend her critiques."

-Fiona Bayrock, award-winning children's author. www.fionabayrock.com.