Manuscript Critique Consultation

Manuscript critiques are a valuable resource for authors and aspiring authors. They allow you to take a step back from your work and have it evaluated to find the strengths and weaknesses. Writers often cannot do this with their own work and good authors need constructive feedback. If you’ve had trouble landing the attention of an editor or agent, or if you’re just seeking advice, a critique consultation might be the help you need.

If you choose to have me look at your work, you will receive a full feedback evaluation consisting of and breaking down: CONFLICT, CHARACTERIZATIONS, PLOT, DIALOG, NARRATIVE, PACING, EDITORIAL, and SETTING, along with notes in the manuscript and anything that stands out as your strength or weakness in your writing.

GUIDELINES:

~Your manuscript must be finished or near finished before seeking a critique with me.

~I usually only evaluate romance novels, including its sub-genres (contemporary, paranormal, historical, futuristic, suspense.) If you have a children’s picture book, I will be happy to look at that as well, (targeted age of infant to 7 years.)

~You will be asked to sign an agreement stating that nothing I do or say may be used or quoted for the book, including letters to agents or editors. I need to be honest in what I say to give you the best advice. My advice is a tool for your writing, not for promotion.

~All transactions are done electronically by email after the agreement process. After you query me by email, I will send you the agreement to sign, which you will return to me by regular mail with a check. After receipt of that, you will email me your manuscript, which must be in Microsoft Word.

~If you are seeking a partial critique, (the first 50 pages) my fee is $150.00 and must include a full synopsis. If you are seeking a full critique, the fee is $300.00. If you are seeking a children’s book critique, my fee is $50.00. All of which, by the way, is significantly less than an editor’s fee.  

TESTIMONIALS: 

"Kelly's critique is thorough with proper explanations and it feels as though she actually cares about the work she is judging, and the author themselves." ~Karen Mason, author of Summerset and Winner Takes It All.

"I find Kelly's feedback to be an invaluable aid for my work. She is honest, thorough, and very insightful." ~Jenafer Humphries, writer and critique partner.

"Kelly Moran's advice has helped my writing immensely." ~T. Paek, screenwriter and critique partner.

QUESTIONS:

~You may email me with any questions you have that are not answered below.

HOW DO I KNOW YOU WON’T STEAL MY MATERIAL AND IDEAS?

            The moment your words are on paper, they are yours. You are protected by copyright and plagiarism is a crime. You have my word. It is written in our agreement. If that isn’t enough, then we are not a right fit.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT I GET MY MONEYS WORTH?

            Everything I provide is laid out above. I have never had an issue in the past. However, if for some reason you are dissatisfied, providing a legitimate reason in detail, I will return half of the amount that you have paid. I am giving valuable time and energy to each project, so there will be no refunds simply because you do not like what I say. I am honest. You deserve that too.

WHAT MAKES YOU THE RIGHT PERSON FOR ME?

            I can’t answer that. But chances are if you’re seeking my help, it is based on word-of-mouth, you’ve read my books, or know me elsewhere. I have been a Romance Writers of America member for two years, and in that time I have judged three chapter contests. I have been a book reviewer for Bookpleasures for three years. I’ve interviewed over fifty published authors on my blog, including bestsellers. I also have three critique partners myself who I evaluate and who do the same for my work-in-progresses.

ARE YOU OPEN TO CRITIQUING OTHER GENRES?

            Usually no. If in doubt, query me and we’ll see. In some cases I do go outside of the romance and children’s market.

DO YOU EDIT?

            In a word, no. If I see something that stands out, I will mention it. This includes formatting of the manuscript according to most guidelines. Critiques and consulting actually are more beneficial in the early stages than editing, as it gives you a more comprehensive approach to strength and weakness, providing professional advice.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE ONCE YOU HAVE MY MANUSCRIPT?

            Typically it takes me 2 weeks on a partial, 4 weeks on a full, and one week for a children’s. Give or take. I will let you know if my work load permits more time before we begin.

HOW DO WE GET STARTED?

            First, query me by email, (AuthorKellyMoran(AT)aol(DOT)com), with your name, pen name, email address, manuscript title, word count, genre, and a short blurb. You should hear from me shortly.