Our manuscript critique services give you an honest, expert assessment of your whole book, so you know what is working, what is not and what to do next. A professional editor reads your manuscript and writes a clear report with priorities for your next draft.
A critique is the best place to start if you are unsure how much editing your book needs, or whether it is ready for agents or self-publishing. It is part of our professional book editing services.
What is a manuscript critique?
A manuscript critique is a big-picture review. Your editor reads the whole book and evaluates its strengths and weaknesses: structure, pacing, characters or argument, voice, and how well it meets the expectations of its genre and readers. The result is a written assessment, not a line-by-line edit, so it is faster and costs less than a full developmental edit.
Book critique services: what you receive
You typically receive a written report that explains the main strengths and problems in your manuscript and ranks the changes that matter most. Many critiques also include comments on a sample of pages to show the points in practice. Your quote states exactly what is included and whether a short follow-up is part of the service.
Novel critique service and non-fiction critique
For a novel, the editor looks at plot, pacing, characters, point of view and ending. For non-fiction, the editor looks at the argument, the order of chapters, the audience and whether the book delivers on its promise. Your manuscript goes to an editor who works in your genre or subject, so the advice speaks to your readers.
Manuscript assessment: when it is the right step
- You have finished a draft and want to know how strong it is
- You are unsure whether you need developmental, line or copy editing
- You plan to query literary agents and want an honest opinion first
- You plan to self-publish and want to be sure the book is ready
- Beta readers gave mixed feedback and you want a professional view
Critique or developmental editing?
A critique tells you what to fix. Developmental editing goes deeper, with detailed comments throughout the manuscript, and helps you plan the rewrite. Many authors start with a critique and then choose the level of editing it recommends. See our developmental editing services for the deeper option.
What a critique report covers
A critique report reads like a clear assessment. It names what works, such as a strong voice or a gripping opening, and explains the main problems, in order of importance. It looks at structure, pace, characters or argument, and the likely reader experience. For non-fiction, it considers the promise of the book and whether the chapters deliver it. The report ends with a short list of priorities, so you know what to tackle first and what can wait.
Using a critique to choose your next step
A critique can lead in several directions. If the book is close, you may revise it yourself and move straight to line editing. If the problems are deeper, a developmental edit will help. If you are preparing to approach agents or publishers, the critique shows what to strengthen first. It also helps you set a realistic budget, because you know what kind of editing the book needs.
How to prepare your manuscript for critique
Send the complete manuscript where possible, along with a short synopsis and a note on who you want to read it. List any questions, such as whether the ending works or whether the opening is strong enough. Tell us what you have already done, such as beta reading or self-editing. This gives the reader a clear target and a fair picture of where the book stands.
How honest should a critique be?
A useful critique is kind but direct. It does not flatter, and it does not crush. The reader tells you what is working so you can protect it, and what is not so you can fix it. If you ask for a particular concern to be examined, such as the ending or the first chapter, the report addresses it clearly. You should finish reading with a sense of direction and a manageable list of next steps, not with a sense that the book is hopeless.
Questions about manuscript critique
How long is the critique report?
It varies with the length and complexity of your manuscript. Your quote states what the report covers.
Can you critique a partial manuscript?
Yes, in many cases. A complete manuscript gives the fullest assessment, and we can discuss a partial one with you first.
Will the editor rewrite my book?
No. A critique explains what to change and why. You make the changes in your own voice.
How long does a critique take?
It depends on word count. Your quote includes a delivery date.
How much does it cost?
The price depends on word count and the depth of the report. Tell us about your manuscript and we send a free quote with a fixed price.
How long is the critique?
The length varies with the book, and your quote states what the report includes.
Can I ask follow-up questions?
Yes. We can clarify any points in the report. A longer discussion is available if you add it.
Is a critique the same as a book review?
No. A review is written for readers. A critique is written for the author, to help improve the book.
Should I revise before asking for a critique?
Revise once on your own first, so the reader is not spending time on problems you already know about. Then send the most complete draft you can. A critique is most useful on a manuscript that is finished enough to judge as a whole, even if you know it still needs work.
Related services
- Professional book editing services
- Developmental editing services
- Copy editing and line editing services
Why authors work with us
- You keep your rights, your royalties and your accounts
- You receive a written scope and a fixed price before any work starts
- You approve every file before it moves to the next step
- One project manager keeps you informed at every stage