What to Expect from Paula
I can relate to the joys and frustrations that come with writing a book. And that's all I'm going to say about me because from now on it's all about you and your story's characters. What matters most is making sure you're fueled with honest observations, encouragement, and clear direction as regards to your writing. You have a story that needs to get out there and I'm going to make it my business to help you get it there. |
To work with me, the first thing you'll need to do is email me. Using the form on this site's About page, send me a quick message letting me know what your manuscript is about and what you'd like for me to look for as I critique your work. And of course, feel free to ask me any questions. I'll reply with answers to your questions and direct you to the Price List, where you'll choose which type of Critique works best for you and your manuscript.
After selecting a Critique Package and paying through PayPal* you'll send me your manuscript and I'll get to work right away. I'll first read your manuscript in Microsoft Word and as I'm reading, use Track Changes to jot down my initial reactions to your work. Track Changes will also be utilized to note basic grammatical errors. My next step is to create a PDF of my critique. In this critique I'll offer you detailed feedback on what worked and didn't work as far as character development, plot, world building, story, and theme. I will also offer specific suggestions as to how the story can improve in each of these arenas. So, instead of simply saying, "You need to show not tell," I will point out a specific paragraph where I was pulled out of the story by the wording and explain why the chosen verbiage detracted from the story's momentum and how to remedy this.
If you selected the "Short and Sweet" or "Page Turner" package, at this point I will email you a PDF of the critique along with your manuscript with my notes in Track Changes.
If you, however, selected the "Bestseller's Choice" package I will then select a small group of readers (usually 5 or 6 individuals) and have them read selected excerpts from your manuscript (a selected excerpt is never any longer than one chapter ). I will then ask them to complete a survey that asks them questions on their feelings towards the main character, the story's plot, and writing style. In doing so, I hope to provide you with a well-rounded opinion of your manuscript's strengths and weaknesses in its current state. These survey results will be included in my critique.
The final aspect of the "Best Seller's Choice" package is a suggested list of agents who I believe would be well-suited to your writing style and genre of fiction. I do not claim to have a personal relationship with any of these Agents (I wish!), but based on my research into their personalities and current clientele list, I will suggest them as a good match for you. This list typically consists of 6-10 agents.
At this point, I will email you a PDF of the critique along with your manuscript containing my notes in Track Changes. After sending this to you, I'll give you a few days to digest my notes. My final step as a Critique Assistant will be to ask if you have any remaining questions or require clarification on my notes.
*If you'd rather pay by check as opposed to PayPal, just let me know and we'll work it out!
After selecting a Critique Package and paying through PayPal* you'll send me your manuscript and I'll get to work right away. I'll first read your manuscript in Microsoft Word and as I'm reading, use Track Changes to jot down my initial reactions to your work. Track Changes will also be utilized to note basic grammatical errors. My next step is to create a PDF of my critique. In this critique I'll offer you detailed feedback on what worked and didn't work as far as character development, plot, world building, story, and theme. I will also offer specific suggestions as to how the story can improve in each of these arenas. So, instead of simply saying, "You need to show not tell," I will point out a specific paragraph where I was pulled out of the story by the wording and explain why the chosen verbiage detracted from the story's momentum and how to remedy this.
If you selected the "Short and Sweet" or "Page Turner" package, at this point I will email you a PDF of the critique along with your manuscript with my notes in Track Changes.
If you, however, selected the "Bestseller's Choice" package I will then select a small group of readers (usually 5 or 6 individuals) and have them read selected excerpts from your manuscript (a selected excerpt is never any longer than one chapter ). I will then ask them to complete a survey that asks them questions on their feelings towards the main character, the story's plot, and writing style. In doing so, I hope to provide you with a well-rounded opinion of your manuscript's strengths and weaknesses in its current state. These survey results will be included in my critique.
The final aspect of the "Best Seller's Choice" package is a suggested list of agents who I believe would be well-suited to your writing style and genre of fiction. I do not claim to have a personal relationship with any of these Agents (I wish!), but based on my research into their personalities and current clientele list, I will suggest them as a good match for you. This list typically consists of 6-10 agents.
At this point, I will email you a PDF of the critique along with your manuscript containing my notes in Track Changes. After sending this to you, I'll give you a few days to digest my notes. My final step as a Critique Assistant will be to ask if you have any remaining questions or require clarification on my notes.
*If you'd rather pay by check as opposed to PayPal, just let me know and we'll work it out!