Open for Content Edits

I will begin doing content critiques again in the month of October. This means that you have from now until October 1^st 2016 to get your manuscript and payment to me. (I've been told that I need to give some of you more notice so here you go). 

Anyone who sends their manuscript and payment by October 1^st will have their critique back before Thanksgiving.

How can I do this and why would you want to be told horrible things about your manuscript?

Maybe, because you want to find an agent or editor?

Why do you think you're any good at this at all?

I've been beta reading since forever, not only for unpublished authors, but for agented and published ones as well. Quite honestly, I was a terrible reader for the first ten years or so. I was worried about hurting people's feelings, and didn't say when a passage stunk or when something made me go what?! Now I do. This is what you need to improve your writing.

Also, I remember thinking, "I wish someone would just tell me what I'm doing wrong so I can fix it." Seriously, some of you guys are wonderful writers, you have a voice, your sentence structure is strong. But your pacing sucks, or you just can't quite make your characters come alive for the reader. I can help you with that.

Why would you want to use your time like this when you could be watching Dr. Who or Supernatural?

Quite honestly, I have six kids. Five are in college, and one is in private high school. I'd like them to stay there. Also we like food. Food is a good thing.

Why would I want to pay for a critique when I can get one free from my own critique group?

Unless your beta readers are published, or are working with a traditional agent or editor, they don't have the experience to help you. I do.

What do I get for my money?

I'll post notes throughout the manuscript using Word and Track Changes. I'll tell you where, when, and why you're messing up. I'll tell you what you're doing right, and what you shouldn't change. I'll also provide a detailed letter of what I think will improve your work.

Every writer is at a different stage of development. All writers (including me) have problems actually seeing their story because what they've written is colored by what they see in their own mind. The reader doesn't have the benefit of your imagination.

What won't you do?

I don't critique erotica. (For all I know I could be doing it wrong.) I have friends who are experts at critiquing erotica and romance. Email me and I'll recommend you.

I don't offer edits on picture book manuscripts because I am not qualified to do so.

I will not correct your punctuation. You need a line editor for that.

How do I contact you?

You can email me at juliebutcheredits@yahoo.com
You can check out recommendations and *like* my editing page at https://www.facebook.com/JulieButcherEdits
On twitter you can find me at https://twitter.com/Julie_Butcher

What does this cost?

First Chapter (up to 20 pages)  $50.00

First Three Chapters (up to 50 pages) $100.00

Entire Manuscript Critique $1.00 a page minimum of 200 pages.

These prices are for Times New Roman 12pt font double-spaced Word documents. Nothing else.

I look forward to working with you.

Need New Eyes on Your Manuscript?

I will be accepting clients for manuscript critiques from now until May 1st. So what this means is that if you get your payment and manuscript to me by then you can get a critique. If it is not here by that time, I will be starting a new manuscript myself.


Why do you think you're any good at this at all?
I've been beta reading since 1990, not only for unpublished authors, but for agented and published ones, too. Quite honestly, I was a terrible reader for the first ten years or so. I was worried about hurting people's feelings, and didn't say when a passage stunk on ice, or when something made me go WTF?! Now I do. This is what you need to improve your writing.
Also, I remember thinking, "I wish someone would just tell me what I'm doing wrong so I can fix it." Seriously, some of you guys are wonderful writers, you have a voice, your sentence structure is strong. But, your pacing sucks, or you just can't quite make your characters come alive for the reader. I can help you with that.
Why would you want to use your time like this when you could be watching Dr. Who or Spiderman?
Quite honestly, I have six kids. Five are in college, and one is in private high school. I'd like them to stay there.
How much will this cost?
First Chapter (up to 20 pages)  $50.00
First Three Chapters (up to 50 pages) $100.00
Entire Manuscript Critique $1.00 a page minimum of 200 pages.

For anything else, email me at juliebutcheredits@yahoo.com
For more information please go here.
I look forward to working with you.