I’m delighted to provide consultation and critique services on middle grade and young adult novels. I focus on the strengths and weaknesses of each manuscript and make recommendations for improving characterization, pacing, transitions, POV, consistency, continuity, and more.

 What I’ll look for in your work: 

• Characters – are they distinguished and fully formed
• Dialogue – does it sound realistic or forced
• Pacing – is there enough or too much action interspersed with dialogue
• Plot progression – does each scene/chapter move the story forward. Are there areas to expound on or scenes that are not necessary
• Transitions – do scenes/chapters flow seamlessly from one to another

Along with marking your hard copy with comments and changes, I’ll also provide recommendations for overall improvements and revision suggestions. When applicable, I may recommend authors and/or titles to study for craft, voice or genre. In addition, I’ll share my knowledge and insight of the market and offer submission advice when able.    

I will provide proofreading by flagging typos, mechanical issues, and grammatical errors as a perk as time allows, but highly recommend proofreading be saved for the final draft. Proofreading only fees are $4.00 per page as a new client and $2.50 per page on manuscripts that I have already completed a critique on.  

All manuscripts must be formatted in industry standard submission-ready form.  

Last name/Title in the upper left corner

Page numbers in the upper right corner

Double-spaced

Chapter headings 1/3 down.

1 inch margins all around

12 point font  

Please email me to check my availability before sending any work. Please do not send attachments via email until requested.

$5.00 per manuscript page. I accept complete manuscripts or partial packages consisting of 50 pages and an outline. Include a synopsis if you have one – no charge. Fees are due up front, payable by check or via PayPal. 

I critique using the track changes function in Microsoft Word and am happy to speak to you regarding its features if you are not familiar with it. I will accept hard copies and request a SASE with your manuscript and additional small fee for copies. (I make a copy to keep in the event the US postal service loses the returned package. Once I have confirmation your package has been received, my copy will be shredded.)  

Thank you and I look forward to reading your work! 

Lisa

writes4kids@wi.rr.com