As a self-published author, I know how difficult it is to polish a novel and/or nonfiction book to get it ready for publication. That's why I studied hard to learn the art of storytelling and began teaching it so that I would embed the information into my brain. But many of my students struggled to get a fully fleshed out story down on paper. Therefore, I've added 'book manuscript reviews and book coaching' to my list of services to help you realize your dream.

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A manuscript review is a high-level snapshot of your story structure, story concept, character development, pacing, use of dialogue, and narrative arc. I read the book all the way through and then provide you with a Review Sheet, which shows you where you might want to focus your efforts as you polish your book and get it ready for publication.

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This is not a full development audit, and I won't be line editing or proofreading. It's meant to be the next step from draft to polished manuscript.

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FICTION MANUSCRIPT REVIEW

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1. $300 for manuscripts of up to 100,000 words.

2. I will happily work with any fiction book, but my expertise is in mysteries, thrillers, and suspense/horror novels.

3. As a bonus, I'm offering a 1/2 hour video chat once the review is complete to discuss whatever you feel will help you take the next big step.

4. Plus, I'm offering a 10% discount for book coaching to anyone who orders a manuscript review.

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NONFICTION MANUSCRIPT REVIEW

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1. $200 for manuscripts of up to 60,000 words.

2. I specialize in self-help books, not highly technical manuscripts.

3. Bonus: 1 half-hour video chat.

4. 10% discount on book coaching

 

THE MANUSCRIPT REVIEW PROCESS

 

Are you confused as to what a manuscript review is, what your money will pay for, and what the deliverables are? Let me explain:

1. Before you pay anything, you’ll send me the first chapter or the first ten pages of your manuscript. This will allow me to get a snapshot of your writing style and genre to make sure I’m a good fit. My goal is always to help you reach your goal, so this is important. If after reading these few pages, I believe I can help make a demonstrable difference in your manuscript, then, and only then, will you pay for the review.

2. After payment, you’ll send me the full manuscript, and I will read it all the way through, making notes as I go. If I have questions I need answered immediately, I’ll reach out to you. 

3. When I’ve finished reading the entire manuscript, I will create a detailed summary, highlighting the areas that work well and those that require revision before it's ready to move into more detailed editing. Remember! This is not a development edit or a copy edit. This is what’s considered a macro-edit or high-level manuscript review.

4. The review will focus on:

• Nonfiction reviews will focus on the overall theme and functional structure, clear explanations of your thoughts and ideas, ease of understanding, momentum from one chapter to the next, compelling use of illustrations and stories, consistency of the narrator's voice, and your intended deliverable as the author.

• Fiction reviews will focus on the overall story structure, character development, story momentum, scene structure, setting, use of dialogue, pacing, consistency of point of view, and/or transitions from one point of view to the next.

   5. When I’m finished, I’ll craft a feedback letter that highlights the book’s strengths and

        then what needs to be revised before you consider having it edited for publication.

   6. I’m also offering a half-hour, one-on-one coaching call to further discuss the review,

       answer questions you might have, and offer any insights I might have.

 

Once again, for just $300 (payable in two monthly payments, if you prefer), you’ll get my professional feedback, a half-hour coaching call, and a 10% discount on further coaching if you choose.

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Thanks so much for considering a partnership with me. I look forward to working with you.

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If you're ready, scroll down to the contact form below before you pay, and let's get started!

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Process for booking an appointment:

1) My goal is to be as helpful to you as possible, so I require everyone to schedule a free 15-minute chat to make sure were a good fit.

2) Once we determine that working together is a go, I'll have you sign a very simple letter of agreement that spells out what we discussed so that we're both clear as to what the expectations are.

3) Once we both sign the LOA, we can get to work.

4) For payment, I use PayPal or Venmo. In some cases, depending on the extent of work we plan together, I might ask for 1/3 of the payment up front. Otherwise, payments aren't due until our work is complete.

Go HERE and scroll down to schedule your free 15 minute virtual chat to see if we're a good fit.

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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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Q: What if my draft is still messy and clunky or perhaps not even complete? Can I still submit it?

 

Of course! As long as you have a good idea of where you’re going, I can help you clarify what comes next. We should discuss this in advance, however, to determine your personalized quote.

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Q: If I like what you’ve done, can I add on developmental editing, copyediting, and/or proofreading?

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Sorry, no. I focus my talent on book coaching (helping authors clarify what their goals are and creating a story structure that works for them) and the manuscript review portion of the editing process. There are many talented book editors out there, and I can refer to a couple.

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Q: What if I need a couple of weeks to put some additional work into my manuscript? Can I still secure a spot now?

 

Yes! I’d want to receive your manuscript within two to three weeks, but if you want to be sure to secure your spot, I'd recommend you pay now. That might even give you the motivation you need to get the manuscript done.

 

Q: How long does the review take?

 

Depending on my schedule, it can take up to four to five weeks. The good news, however, is that I work pretty fast. I’m also retired from my regular day job. So, I try not to take on more work than I can handle and still enjoy my retirement.

 

Q: What if I haven't started writing, yet? Or if I'm still very early in the writing process?

 

Then hiring me as a book coach may be a better path for you. Together, we can get what you have in your head onto paper and ready for a manuscript review.

 

Q: What if I have more than one book?

 

I only review one book at a time. If you are writing a series, however, we can talk about your ideas going forward in the series.

 

Q: What guarantees do you provide?

 

I get it. This is a big step, and you’ll potentially spend thousands of dollars on professional editing services as you move forward in this process. All the more reason to make sure your book is structurally sound before you invest a gazillion hours writing something that doesn’t hang together well.

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Remember, the manuscript review is a snapshot of your work in progress. My goal will never be to ‘tell’ you how to write your novel or nonfiction book. My job is to help you realize your vision in a way that readers will engage and find entertaining or helpful. I can’t guarantee more than that. I will always strive, however, to exceed your expectations.

 

Q: Okay, I’d like to hire you to do my manuscript review. How do I get started?

 

Reach out to me through the contact form and let me know that you’d like to begin the Manuscript Review Process. I’ll have you send the first chapter or the first ten pages. If it looks like we’re a good fit, I’ll be in touch with a short agreement letter, outlining exactly what you can expect in the process and an invoice you can pay through PayPal or Venmo.

 

Thanks so much!