A comprehensive overview.
Writing groups are invaluable, but personal attention is limited, and there is never enough time to get to the root of more than one issue. The short story critique is the middle ground between a critique group and a full edit. I’ll read your story (several times) and identify the top three issues standing in the way of publication.
Do you need a short story critique?
The critique is a great option for unsticking a stuck story. You can send me a tangle of ideas, a complete draft, or a polished story, and I’ll diagnose why progress has ground to a halt. The critique is perfect for getting a second opinion on feedback, for pieces that could use strengthening in more than one area, and for writers on a budget.
What does a short story critique tell you about your story?
Drawing from my entire arsenal of revision criteria, I identify the top three weaknesses that would make the most significant difference in helping your story find its forever home and, for balance, the three greatest strengths that make me want your story to succeed. In my assessment, I work my way from the big picture elements to the fine details of the story:
- Development. How the plot, characters, POV, setting, and world-building work together to create a cohesive narrative.
- Structure: How form, genre, story structure, timeline, and pacing coordinate to draw the reader into the story and keep them there.
- Style. How narrative mode, logic, coherence, tone, mood, theme, and uniqueness of voice contribute to your story and style.
- Copy. How the correctness of sentence mechanics, spelling, usage, punctuation, continuity, and accuracy of facts function to enhance and maintain reader immersion.
What do you get?
- Editorial report. An encouraging love letter about your story including three concrete strengths (and a detailed explanation of each) and an evaluation of the top three sticky issues (with constructive feedback and suggestions for each).
- Markup. Comments in the margins of the manuscript detailing specific examples of each strength and weakness outlined in the editorial report.
- Resources and Next Steps. Guidance on how to approach integrating feedback, including helpful how-tos.
Once the critique is complete, you can integrate changes yourself or book a coaching call to work through the revisions together.
What does a critique cost?
Drabbles (100-word stories) cost $40.
Flash fiction stories up to ~1000 words cost $60.
Short stories up to 3500 words cost $100 plus $0.01 per additional word for longer stories.
Ready to get started?
Book a free consult, and we’ll discuss how I can help.
Authors’ Stories
I’m impressed with the detail and organization of the feedback in the editorial letter. It was a huge help for me refining this story and improving my writing skills.
Rick Stone, author
I implemented all her suggestions, and she made my work shine. I sincerely recommend her services.
Margarita Escobar, author
Thank you for this amazing critique! I could instantly see how the story would improve with some of this feedback.
Caner Akin, author of “Tepid”