Synopsis Critique

1-4 pages: $30

5+ pages: $30 + $2/page

Plus single-page query letter: Add $10

Synopsis critique is a very flexible service in which you can request a range of help with your book’s summary. It can be helpful in assessing your story from a bird’s-eye viewpoint, or in developing a new concept. I can also provide assistance with creating a clear outline of your story’s most vital major points for sales proposal materials.

Note that this is synopsis-only, not the same thing as evaluation of a full book proposal.

Query critique involves a time and knowledge commitment from me to you in which I write you up an explanation of what’s clear and unclear in your query;  style, structure and etiquette points; and what to draw from in your story to write a strong summary paragraph. To add a query critique to your synopsis, please add $10 to your total fee.

WHEN THIS IS USEFUL:

• When beginning to develop a new idea — before your first draft
• As an assessment tool for self-editing after your first draft
• Contest entry preparation — where your entry will consist of sample chapters plus synopsis
• When preparing to sell a completed manuscript or seek agent representation

WHAT TO EXPECT:

You can request whatever kind of assistance is most useful to you:

• Feedback on plot, character, thematic, structural and conceptual considerations
• Creative guidance: A sounding board for your ideas
• Brainstorming assistance: Questions to help you develop your concept

• Feedback on clear vs. unclear expression of the story idea — arc, structure
• How to summarize for clarity and relevance within a limited space of 1-2 pages

Depending on your needs, I’ll reply with a general evaluation letter or with inline support comments on the synopsis itself.