Checklist Critique
Fee: Up to 60,000 words £ 50.00 – ($73.00)
Up to 80,000 £ 70.00 – ($102.00)
The new ‘checklist’ critique service is a cheap but efficient way for you to receive feedback about your work. You can use the checklist as a useful guide to help you improve your work, or to reassure yourself that you are moving in the right direction.
Simply send us your manuscript attached to an email or on disk and we will do the rest. We will return the completed checklist to you within one week, either attached to an email or by disk.
The ‘checklist’ critique consists of three elements:
1. General comments.
2. The Critique form.
3. Publishers.
1. The general comments section will include:
A. A short analysis of the setting and what it contributes to the story.
B. A short analysis of at least one minor character.
C. Some consideration of the theme of the story.
D. Three or more citations (page numbers) of an error, e.g., punctuation.
E. Two or three sentences discussing the logic of the ending of the story.
2. Critique Form:
The critique form will suggest areas that need improvement or highlight areas of strength. Please read all the sections including the ones ticked.
Title…………………………………………………….
Author……………………………………………………
Read by……………………………………………………
Plot
[ ] Attention needs to be paid to plot development
[ ] The story lacks credibility in places
[ ] Good start/good ideas but loses direction and force
[ ] The story holds interest throughout but the ending is disappointing
[ ] Flows smoothly, well researched, almost there
[ ] This is a well-crafted story and it is clear that the author has considered all aspects of the plot
Characterisation
[ ] The characters do not always come over as real people
[ ] Told from the viewpoint of too many characters, so that the reader learns little about them
[ ] In general, the characters are believable, although there is room for improvement
[ ] The characters are well drawn and true to life
[ ] Strong characterisation means that the reader’s sympathies are instantly engaged
Pace
[ ] The story starts slowly
[ ] The story needs a more varied pace
[ ] Side-issues slow the story down
[ ] In general, the story moves well, although there are times when interest wavers
[ ] A good pace in maintained throughout
[ ] This story’s page-turning quality is excellent
Dialogue
[ ] The characters all tend to speak with the same voice
[ ] Some attention should be given to the dialogue, which does not always ring true
[ ] Although the dialogue is believable, there are places where it serves no obvious purpose
[ ] In general, the dialogue sounds authentic
[ ] The sharply written dialogue reveals much about the characters
[ ] The dialogue is excellent, adding a sparkling dimension to this story
3. Publishers:
We will provide a short list of publishers we would recommend for submission.
If you would like to contact us email: beth@author-network.com