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** Temporarily closed to new submissions while Wendy writes. Please check back mid-fall. Thank you! ** New York Times bestselling author, Wendy Higgins, is now offering paid professional editorial fiction critiques and proofreading/copyediting! Wendy will critique any genre of fiction, but please keep in mind that her professional expertise is in romance (adult and NA/YA) and Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Dystopian/Paranormal/Women's Fiction, etc. (adult and NA/YA). Horror is not a good fit for her. Please read all details. A link to sign up will be found at the bottom of this page. WHAT IS A CRITIQUE? A critique from Wendy Higgins will include line-by-line commentary via Track Changes in Microsoft Word, along with an “editorial letter” via email. |
Line-by-line commentary includes pointing out awkward wording and overused words/phrases, clarifying meaning, and polishing language while maintaining the author’s voice and style. An editorial letter includes fictional developmental and content editing, such as critique of characterizations, dialogue, pacing, plot, story arc, world building and setting. Wendy will let you know what she loved and what areas need to be strengthened.
A critique does NOT include copyediting for grammar, usage, spelling, or punctuation. However, Wendy also offers proofreading for grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation as an additional or separate service.
Critique services include two parts: Wendy will read and critique once, then send the marked manuscript and editorial letter to the author for viewing. The author will have an opportunity to respond with any questions/queries about the Wendy’s critique, and Wendy will respond to those questions/queries in a timely manner. Wendy will NOT do a second read through for critiques.
Keep in mind, reading is subjective. Wendy’s honest critique will be based on her time as an English teacher, years of writing experience, working with agents and editors of publishing houses, and the many critiques received on her own works.
Wendy will NOT be able to offer a professional endorsement/blurb for any work that she has been paid to critique.
SERVICES AND PAYMENT
Query Letter Critique: $25. A query letter is what an author uses to contact agents or small press publishers to introduce their project. A query letter is usually 2-4 paragraphs in length, less than one page. A query letter includes a brief bio of the author, the genre and wordcount of the manuscript, and a catchy blurb/explanation of the story. A query letter critique takes 1-4 days.
Synopsis Critique: $35. A synopsis is a more detailed explanation of your complete story, a condensed version of the book that outlines all of the major points of the story arc, beginning, middle, and end. A synopsis can be up to 5 pages in length and must be submitted double-spaced, size 12 font, Times New Roman (that is the industry standard.) A synopsis critique takes 2-5 days.
Partial Manuscript Critique: $2.50 per page, up to 50 pages. Need feedback on your story’s intro? Wendy is happy to read and critique your first chapter(s)! A partial manuscript can be up to 50 pages in length and must be submitted double-spaced, size 12 font, Times New Roman (that is the industry standard.) A partial manuscript critique takes 7-14 days.
Full Manuscript Critique: $.005 per word. Wendy offers a complete novel critique based on wordcount. Your book must be submitted double-spaced, size 12 font, Times New Roman (that is the industry standard.) A Full Manuscript Critique takes up to 21 days.
Full Manuscript Proofread/Edit: $.005 per word. Wendy offers a complete novel edit and proofread based on wordcount. Wendy will catch and fix spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. This may require two read-throughs and can take up to 21 days.
*New!* Book Formatting via Vellum. $100 ebook formatting. $150 paperback formatting. $250 for both.
All payments must be made via PayPal. Query Letter Critiques, Synopsis Critiques, and Partial Manuscript Critiques must be paid prior to services rendered (you will be billed upon agreement of a date.)
For Full Manuscript Critiques, a 50% deposit will be required prior to beginning, and the other half is due upon receipt of completed services. A Services Contract between Wendy and the author must be completed for all Full Manuscript Critiques.
INSTRUCTIONS
All projects must be submitted in a .doc/.docx file (Microsoft Word compatible,) double spaced, with size 12 Times New Roman font (this is the standard for professional submission). Wendy will use Track Changes in MS Word to make comments/edits. Wendy will provide all communication via email and will reply promptly.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Wendy Higgins will not to reproduce, give, or show to anyone any material sent to her by an author for critiquing purposes. Your work is automatically copyrighted by you. Wendy will not “borrow” or use any of your ideas.
LIMITATIONS
No guarantees are made as to the salability or marketability of the edited manuscript. All royalties and monies gained by the sale of the book will be the sole property of the author.
As fiction is subjective to opinion, no guarantee can be made that Wendy’s critique will be deemed as usable by the author. Wendy will be thoughtful and thorough, using her knowledge and experience to help shape the manuscript into a publishable novel. It is understood that the author and the editor may or may not agree on feedback given. Disagreement does not mean services rendered will go unpaid.
TERMINATION
Once the project is in process either party may terminate this Agreement in the event of a change of circumstance with 3 days’ notice sent in writing by email. If Wendy needs to terminate the agreement, the author will pay for work done up to the date of termination, and Wendy will refund any overpayment. If the author terminates the agreement, the author will pay the Editor for the work completed up to the date of termination, but this amount will not be less than 50% of the estimated total for the project.
READY TO SIGN UP?
Critique times are based on availability on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please fill out this interest form and you will be promptly contacted with the soonest available time slot.
A critique does NOT include copyediting for grammar, usage, spelling, or punctuation. However, Wendy also offers proofreading for grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation as an additional or separate service.
Critique services include two parts: Wendy will read and critique once, then send the marked manuscript and editorial letter to the author for viewing. The author will have an opportunity to respond with any questions/queries about the Wendy’s critique, and Wendy will respond to those questions/queries in a timely manner. Wendy will NOT do a second read through for critiques.
Keep in mind, reading is subjective. Wendy’s honest critique will be based on her time as an English teacher, years of writing experience, working with agents and editors of publishing houses, and the many critiques received on her own works.
Wendy will NOT be able to offer a professional endorsement/blurb for any work that she has been paid to critique.
SERVICES AND PAYMENT
Query Letter Critique: $25. A query letter is what an author uses to contact agents or small press publishers to introduce their project. A query letter is usually 2-4 paragraphs in length, less than one page. A query letter includes a brief bio of the author, the genre and wordcount of the manuscript, and a catchy blurb/explanation of the story. A query letter critique takes 1-4 days.
Synopsis Critique: $35. A synopsis is a more detailed explanation of your complete story, a condensed version of the book that outlines all of the major points of the story arc, beginning, middle, and end. A synopsis can be up to 5 pages in length and must be submitted double-spaced, size 12 font, Times New Roman (that is the industry standard.) A synopsis critique takes 2-5 days.
Partial Manuscript Critique: $2.50 per page, up to 50 pages. Need feedback on your story’s intro? Wendy is happy to read and critique your first chapter(s)! A partial manuscript can be up to 50 pages in length and must be submitted double-spaced, size 12 font, Times New Roman (that is the industry standard.) A partial manuscript critique takes 7-14 days.
Full Manuscript Critique: $.005 per word. Wendy offers a complete novel critique based on wordcount. Your book must be submitted double-spaced, size 12 font, Times New Roman (that is the industry standard.) A Full Manuscript Critique takes up to 21 days.
Full Manuscript Proofread/Edit: $.005 per word. Wendy offers a complete novel edit and proofread based on wordcount. Wendy will catch and fix spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. This may require two read-throughs and can take up to 21 days.
*New!* Book Formatting via Vellum. $100 ebook formatting. $150 paperback formatting. $250 for both.
All payments must be made via PayPal. Query Letter Critiques, Synopsis Critiques, and Partial Manuscript Critiques must be paid prior to services rendered (you will be billed upon agreement of a date.)
For Full Manuscript Critiques, a 50% deposit will be required prior to beginning, and the other half is due upon receipt of completed services. A Services Contract between Wendy and the author must be completed for all Full Manuscript Critiques.
INSTRUCTIONS
All projects must be submitted in a .doc/.docx file (Microsoft Word compatible,) double spaced, with size 12 Times New Roman font (this is the standard for professional submission). Wendy will use Track Changes in MS Word to make comments/edits. Wendy will provide all communication via email and will reply promptly.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Wendy Higgins will not to reproduce, give, or show to anyone any material sent to her by an author for critiquing purposes. Your work is automatically copyrighted by you. Wendy will not “borrow” or use any of your ideas.
LIMITATIONS
No guarantees are made as to the salability or marketability of the edited manuscript. All royalties and monies gained by the sale of the book will be the sole property of the author.
As fiction is subjective to opinion, no guarantee can be made that Wendy’s critique will be deemed as usable by the author. Wendy will be thoughtful and thorough, using her knowledge and experience to help shape the manuscript into a publishable novel. It is understood that the author and the editor may or may not agree on feedback given. Disagreement does not mean services rendered will go unpaid.
TERMINATION
Once the project is in process either party may terminate this Agreement in the event of a change of circumstance with 3 days’ notice sent in writing by email. If Wendy needs to terminate the agreement, the author will pay for work done up to the date of termination, and Wendy will refund any overpayment. If the author terminates the agreement, the author will pay the Editor for the work completed up to the date of termination, but this amount will not be less than 50% of the estimated total for the project.
READY TO SIGN UP?
Critique times are based on availability on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please fill out this interest form and you will be promptly contacted with the soonest available time slot.
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"“I loved working with Wendy Higgins on my manuscript, Memory Walker. I’ve been involved in critique groups for years but when I got her feedback, I was blown away. She pointed things out that no one else had, which made my novel really shine! Not to mention I learned a few things that have helped me with my current WIP! Even better…after Wendy’s critique, I received two full requests and four contracts, one of which I signed. I’m super grateful for her critique guidance, and I’ll 100% hire her again. Highly recommend her critique services!” "
~Carly Marino, Atlanta, GA, Author of the YA PNR novel, Memory Walker |
"“My experience with Wendy has proved to be positively invaluable! While providing a critique of a full manuscript, synopsis, and query letter, her comments and suggestions were positive yet honest. Never once did I feel put down by her advice, but eager to apply it to my work, and not just the project she critiqued, but all projects. The whole experience was not only helpful, but reinforced my opinion of her as a writer and a mentor. The writing industry is tough, but her support and wisdom have made me feel like I can take it on!” "
~Jennifer K, Billings, MT, YA fantasy writer |