But that work is not yet ready for querying or self-publishing. Wait, writers! Don’t do it yet! (As someone who always cautions against too many exclamation points, you can tell how serious I am about this.)
Books need time to breathe. They need the eyes of people besides the author (and besides the author’s mom). Because I want to make sure every book gets the best chance possible, I’m holding a 5-day-only manuscript critique and substantive edit flash sale. All 2019 manuscript critiques and substantive edits booked by December 5, 2018 for fiction projects will have a 10% discount.
Looking for a close analysis of your manuscript? Contact me today and mention this flash sale for your discount.
What is a Manuscript Critique?
Everyone needs a beta-reader—someone to examine the finished book as a whole. Are the characters believable? Does the story begin where it should? Does the plot work? Is it structured successfully? Is the point of view effective? Long before copyediting or line editing, before the final proof, projects can greatly benefit from the perspective of an unbiased reader—better yet when that unbiased reader is a professional editor. Manuscript Critiques produce a multi-page analysis of your book, breaking down what is done well and what could be better.
What is a Substantive Edit?
This heavy editing process involves an examination of clarity, logic, structure, and pacing, as well as plot, character, and setting development. More than a basic proofread, a substantive edit focuses on word usage, tone, style, voice, and total writing strength. Notes and corrections will be given on a page by page basis, and overall project commentary will also be included.
I invite you to learn more about my editing work, including pricing, here.
What are my editing clients saying?
My clients have gained literary agents, become Amazon best-sellers, and landed book deals with major publishers. Here’s what some of them had to say about our editing partnerships:
“I was hoping to obtain an excellent editor and got that and so much more with Kris Spisak. Not only was Kris’s meticulous attention to detail exemplary, her insight was invaluable to the overall success of my manuscript. As well as a thorough grammatical review of my work, I received a comprehensive overview that greatly enhanced the structure of my novel. Kris was open and available to me throughout the process, provided well-considered advice, and went above and beyond to ensure all my expectations were met by our prearranged deadline. I cannot recommend Kris’s services more highly, and look forward to working with her again in the future. “
-T. Marie Vandelly, debut psychological thriller author (Theme Music, forthcoming from Penguin-Random House)
“The detailed critique I received from Kris Spisak was well-written and easy to decipher. She found holes in the story I didn’t realize were there. Her valuable input took the novel from okay to can’t-put-down, and I can’t wait to work with her on the next one!”
–Bess George, romantic suspense author (Family Illusions)
“Kris Spisak’s editing far exceeded my expectations. She slew excessive commas, brought order to misplaced modifiers, made straight any flub-ups in POV, and delivered an edit on time and with insightful comments about both story and craft. Highly recommended.”
–Julie Valerie, debut women’s fiction author (Holly Banks Full of Angst, forthcoming from Lake Union/Amazon Publishing)
“Kris Spisak treated my first novel as though it was her own. Her manuscript critique was thorough and thoughtful. I couldn’t have asked for a better coach. Stonewall Revival is a significantly better, tighter, stronger debut thanks to her guidance. I’ll be seeking her expertise again for my next book.”
-Thomas Michael Garguilo, debut author of fiction (Stonewall Revival)
“[The copyedit] I got back from Kris was gloriously beyond simple punctuation and grammar remarks. It was nothing short of a mini masters class in creative writing.”
–Karen A. Chase, historical fiction author (Carrying Independence)
The writing process can be a roller-coaster of pride, determination, angst, worry, and joy. Make sure you’re giving yourself the best chance possible.
Questions? Contact me today. I’d love to hear what you’re working on.
-Kris