Get Helpful Insights With Our Manuscript Critique Services 
Do you have a story that’s begging to be told, but you’re not sure if it’s ready for the world? Manuscript critique services provide valuable feedback on your work. They go deep into the structure, character development, pacing, and overall narrative flow.
Why Book a Manuscript Critique Service?
A manuscript critique is a detailed analysis of your story. It helps you identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement before you spend your hard-earned money on professional editing. At Wandering Worlds, we also call it Editorial Report.
Here’s what you can expect from a thorough critique:
- Strengths overview: Highlights what’s working well in your story.
- Weaknesses breakdown: Pinpoints areas that may need more work or clarity (e.g., pacing issues or underdeveloped characters.)
- Clarity and consistency checks: Ensures your story flows smoothly and maintains a consistent tone throughout.
- Character feedback: Insights on character development and relatability.
- Plot structure evaluation: Analysis of pacing, tension, and overall flow.
- Market readiness assessment (optional): Guidance on how your manuscript fits within current trends.
- Actionable suggestions: Specific recommendations for revisions to enhance your work.
You Need a Manuscript Critique If…
- You’ve finished your first draft and feel unsure about the next steps.
- You’re unsure about your story’s direction, pacing, or plot.
- You’ve received feedback from beta readers, but you’re still not sure what to do.
- You want honest, constructive feedback from a seasoned editor.
- You want to improve your writing skills
You Don’t Need a Manuscript Critique If…
- You’re still in the brainstorming phase.
- You’re looking for help with grammar and punctuation.
- You’re not open to feedback
Manuscript Critique Pricing
Fiction Packages
The prices listed are starting rates. The final cost will vary based on custom requests, applicable discounts, and specific word count (e.g., manuscripts over 30,000 words may have additional fees.)
- Up to 5,000 words.
- Overview of strengths in structure and flow.
- Identification of weaknesses needing clarity.
- 5,001 to 20,000 words.
- Comprehensive critique on plot, characters, and pacing.
- Detailed feedback on strenghts and weaknesses.
- Actionable suggestions.
Non-Fiction Packages
The prices listed are starting rates. The final cost will vary based on custom requests, applicable discounts, and specific word count (e.g., manuscripts over 30,000 words may have additional fees.)
- Up to 5,000 words.
- General assessment of structure, flow, and engagement.
- Identification of key strengths and areas needing improvement.
- 5,001 to 20,000 words.
- Detailed evaluation of the core arguments, themes, and overall effectiveness.
- Comprehensive analysis of clarity, engagement, and readability.
- Actionable suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a manuscript critique and developmental editing?
A manuscript critique is a thorough review of your work that provides valuable feedback on its strengths and weaknesses. While it can be highly detailed, its main goal is to offer a reader’s perspective. For our critiques, you’ll receive an Editorial Report that with our insights and suggestions.
In contrast, developmental editing is a more hands-on process. Here, an editor works directly with you, providing comments right on your manuscript. You’ll work together on plot development, character arcs, pacing, and overall coherence.
What kind of writing do you accept?
Anything where we feel we can offer genuine assistance to the author. We’re happy to look at work in most genres in English and Spanish, including:
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- Illustrated children’s fiction
- Poetry
- Short stories
How long will my manuscript critique take?
You’ll get your Editorial Report within 2-4 weeks, depending on the length of your manuscript and our current workload. We’ll give you an exact deadline once you’ve reached out to us.
What will I receive?
We’ll send you the Editorial Report in PDF format. The length of the critique will vary depending on the package you choose and the complexity of your manuscript. Generally, expect to receive a report ranging from 1 to 6 pages.
Do you have required submission format?
No. As long as we can read it without too much squinting, we’re good to go. However, we do prefer manuscripts in a standard format like Word or Google Docs. A clear, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman 12 or Arial 11 is a bonus.
