Story Feedback & Services for Writers
Sometimes the hardest thing about writing is knowing something is “off” about your story, but being unable to figure out exactly what that is.
I can help! I offer one-on-one story and developmental feedback for novelists and screenwriters who want an experienced outside eye on what they’re creating. My focus is on the bigger picture: structure, character, conflict, pacing, stakes, clarity, and the experience you’re creating for the reader.
I don’t offer copyediting or proofreading. I do consider full-manuscript developmental editing on a limited, project-by-project basis.
Take a look at the options below. If you’re not sure which one fits your project, feel free to contact me. Tell me a little about what you’re working on and what kind of help you’re looking for and I’ll get back to you with any options I may have for working together.
I enjoy helping writers and would be happy to assist you with your project.
Opening Chapters Story Review
Wondering whether the beginning of your book is working?
Your opening chapters have a lot to do. They need to introduce the story and characters, orient the reader, create forward movement, and give us a reason to keep turning pages.
With the Opening Chapters Story Review, I’ll read up to 6,000 words from the beginning of your novel and give you developmental feedback on structure (what the beginning of the story is setting up, and if that works), as well as areas such as the pacing, clarity, characterization, scene development, dialogue, chapter endings, and the writing itself.
You’ll receive:
- My review of up to 6,000 words
- Comments within the manuscript where useful
- A complete written feedback report
- Clear priorities to guide your revision
- A 45-minute private call to talk through my feedback and your questions
Price: $295
This is developmental feedback rather than line editing, copyediting, or proofreading.
Story Structure Diagnostic
You know something isn’t quite working. You just can’t see where the problem is.
Sometimes a story has plenty of good pieces but still feels as though it isn’t moving, building, or holding together the way it should.
The Story Structure Diagnostic is designed to help you step back and see the underlying path of your story more clearly. Rather than editing your full manuscript, I use focused story materials and diagnostic worksheets to look at the architecture underneath it.
I’ll examine areas such as your story’s structure, conflict, character goals, middle movement, turning points, and overall progression, then help you identify the places that may need your attention.
You’ll receive:
- My story diagnostic worksheets to help you give me the information I need
- A one-on-one review of your story’s underlying structure
- A written diagnostic report
- Specific feedback on the structural issues I see
- Clear next steps to help you move forward with revision
Price: $375
This is a focused story diagnostic, not a full-manuscript edit.
Ask About a Structure Diagnostic
Screenplay Story Consultation
You’ve written the screenplay. Now you need to know what’s happening on the other side of the page.
When you’ve spent months inside a screenplay, it can be difficult to tell where the story is pulling us in, where it’s losing momentum, or whether the emotional and structural pieces are doing what you intended.
I offer developmental screenplay consultations focused on the story itself rather than screenplay formatting or proofreading.
Depending on your project, I may look at areas such as structure, character arcs, conflict, pacing, stakes, scene progression, clarity, emotional impact, and whether the story is building effectively toward its climax.
A typical consultation may include:
- A complete read of your screenplay (up to 110 pages)
- Detailed written story notes
- Specific revision priorities
- A private 60-minute call consultation to discuss the screenplay, my feedback, and your questions
Because screenplays and the amount of feedback needed can vary considerably, pricing is based on the length and scope of the project. Tell me a little about your screenplay and what you’re hoping to get from the consultation, and I’ll let you know what I recommend and what it would cost. A typical ballpark for this project is:
Standard Price: $445
Ask About a Screenplay Consultation
Something Else?
Your story doesn’t have to fit neatly into one of these boxes.
Maybe you want feedback on a different portion of your novel. You could be wrestling with a particular story problem and simply want another perspective on what you’ve got. Or maybe you’re looking for more extensive developmental help with a complete manuscript.
I’m open to considering custom story consultations and full-manuscript developmental editing when the project is a good fit and my schedule allows.
Tell me what you’re working on, approximately how long it is, where you are in the process, and what kind of help you’re hoping for. I’ll let you know whether I think I can help and what I’d recommend.
How It Works
When you contact me, tell me which service you’re interested in and a little about your project, including its approximate length and the kind of feedback you’re looking for.
I’ll get back to you and let you know whether I think the service is a good fit, what I recommend, the cost, and my current availability.
If you decide to go ahead, I’ll send you a PayPal invoice along with instructions for sending me your materials.
Not sure where to start? That’s perfectly fine. Tell me what’s going on with your story, and we can figure out what kind of help makes the most sense.