I've read a lot of novels that were "under construction" (even though some of them were actually in print). I've also been paid to do a lot of critiques. Okay, I've also been on the receiving end of some critiques myself, so I know how it feels to be told your golden words actually come across as lead.
As a consequence, I know firsthand that a hands-on critique can be a key factor in helping your fiction come to life. Especially if the critiquer is a knowledgeable, objective expert who knows what to look for and why things work or don't work, and who is neither a friend who can't take a chance on annoying you, or a relative.
One other thing. It's much better to get the critique before your precious words go into print.
At this point, I'm primarily offering substantive critiques of general fiction and Christian fiction for adults and teens.
What I will do:
1. Read from 5,000 to 7,500 words plus a two-page synopsis of the overall plot (if it's a novel) and give you a 2-3 page typed substantive critique plus editing comments on the manuscript pages. Cost $100.
2. Read the first draft of a book of up to 90,000 words and give you a written substantive critique of 5 to 8 pages, plus I’ll put editing comments on the manuscript. Cost $500. Add $50 for each additional 10,000 words. (If you have me do the short critique first, and then want the entire ms critiqued, I will take $75 off the cost of the complete manuscript critique.)
3. After one of the above critiques, I’ll meet with you for 1:1 coaching (in person or by phone) to help you improve your skills as needed, including specific assignments – $75 per 1-hour session, or $200 for four 1-hour sessions. (I may be able to offer a more advanced mentoring program, but will only consider that after I've done the initial 5,000 to 7,500 word critique.)
4. I will be putting some of my workshops into tele-seminars and offering them as ebooks, but I don’t have them ready yet. People who have already signed up for a critique or coaching will get a special rate when the seminars and ebooks are ready.
If you have other suggestions as to how I could help you improve your writing, do let me know. I'm kind of playing this by ear.
