In a hurry? Go straight to Fiction Tutors
When I was starting out, I found it difficult to get an honest appraisal of my work. I went to a critique group, but we were all beginners and there was only so much useful feedback we could give each other.
So, tell you what. I will read your work and send you back a report that looks at characters, opening, setting, pace, dialogue, language, tone, theme, ending, plot and the general overview. In other words, a good developmental edit. I can’t make the changes for you, but I can tell you what needs to be changed. The idea is that you end up with a book that is of publishable standard (although, you’ll still need a copy editor). All this takes time away from writing, so I’ll need to ask for some money.
I’ve done manuscript critiques for the Romantic Novelists Association NWS Scheme for a few years now. A number of the books I’ve critiqued have gone on to be offered publishing deals within a year, so I must have said something useful.
Mentoring – Are you just starting out and want to talk to someone about your writing journey? Maybe you’ve had your manuscript edited etc and you want to talk about options. I provide mentoring support. Please email me for details. If I can’t do it myself (there are only a limited number of spaces), or your genre is too far outside my sphere of knowledge, I will try and find someone else for you to talk to.
For more information on my tutoring and courses visit www.fictiontutors.co.uk
Jessica Redland, bestselling author of Searching for Steven (now renamed New Beginnings at Seaside Blooms)
“The feedback I received from Rhoda (Jeevani) regarding Searching for Steven was invaluable. I knew that it was too long, but had been unable to see where to cut it and she was able to give me specific guidance on what did and didn’t move the story forward. She provided a great balance of what I’d done well in addition to areas I could develop. It was thanks to Rhoda’s input that I was able to polish Steven, send him into the publishing world, and secure a publishing deal. I’m eternally grateful for her insight!“
Kathleen Whyman, author of Wife Support System (shortlisted for the CWIP award)
“Jeevani’s critique of my debut novel Wife Support System helped shape it from an initial draft into a book that was worthy of submitting to publishers. She pinpointed elements that could be improved and suggested ways of doing this. Jeevani’s feedback was professional and insightful and was always delivered in a positive, motivating way. It was a joy to receive and never made me feel as though my work wasn’t of a good enough quality, merely that it needed some help, which she provided very ably. Working with Jeevani was a great experience and I highly recommend her editing services.“
“Jeevani’s sympathetic and insightful critique of my manuscript got straight to the heart of its issues and gave constructive and detailed advice on how to address them. She asked the right questions to make me think more like a reader, a difficult skill for an author who is inevitably very close to the material. Her assessment gave me a route map forward and undoubtedly helped me improve my book and move me closer to publication.”
Matt Graydon author of Leaving Fatherland
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Up to 3,000 words (short stories or synopsis and first chapter for submission) – £60
From 3,000 to 10,000 words (short story or partial manuscripts with synopsis) – £125 – £150
From 10,000 to 50,000 words (novella or partial manuscripts with synopsis) – c.£150-£300
From 50,000 to 100,000 words (usually a full manuscript) – £325 – £500
If your book is longer than 100,000 words, get in touch for a quote.
Mentoring conversation (1 hr Skype/GoogleMeet chat about your project) – £60 [If you haven’t finished your book yet, this may be the best option for you. I will read the first 1500 words and synopsis (a rough outline is fine) and any particular worries that you have about your book and then we’ll discuss it. You will get specific feedback about your book.
Please email me to check I’m not up to my eyes with WIP/edits/family crises before you send anything. If I have to turn your manuscript down, I’ll recommend someone else. My email address is rhodabaxter{at}gmail.com. If you need to send me the novel in instalments (and pay as you go), then email me and we’ll see if we can some to an arrangement.
What’s the point of getting manuscript advice?
Sometimes you’re too close to the story to see what’s weak. Fixing the weaker parts can help the good parts to shine.
A fresh pair of eyes can really help. Experience helps too. The manuscript you end up with will be a better one.
I believe that all books benefit from someone else looking at it. I’ve written a lot of books, but I still get each one critiqued before I send them to an editor (even when the book is under contract!).
Will the critique report hurt my feelings?
Possibly. I know just how hard it is to write a book, so I won’t be nasty – but criticism can be hard to take. I will tell you what needs to be changed and make suggestions, but you know your book better than anyone. So only make the changes that feel right for you. I will also tell you what you’re doing well. The changed manuscript is always better than the original was. Always.
Is a developmental edit the same as a copy edit?
No. There are scores of blog posts on the difference, so I won’t bore you with it here. I can only offer a developmental edit, also known as a structural edit. However, if I do spot the odd typo or grammatical error, I’ll note it.
Is a developmental edit the same as a beta read?
No. I’ve written a whole article on this because it comes up so often. Beta reads are great for people who have a good amount of experience, but if you’re new – if this is your first or second (sometimes third) book, you’re better served with a developmental edit.
Are there any genres you DON’T critique?
Good question. I’m happiest reading romantic comedy, book club style fiction and women’s fiction but I’m pretty flexible as to genre. That said, I don’t read horror, grimdark, cyberpunk or erotica. If you have a child in peril in your book, I’ll probably decline (Ever since having kids of my own, I just can’t read them!).
If I feel I can’t give your book a fair critique, I’ll refer you to someone who can.
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Jeevani Charika and Rhoda Baxter 