Thursday, May 24, 2018

Open for Manuscript Edits June 1-15 CLOSED


What I can help you with is pacing, likability of main characters, setting up genre chapters correctly, and seeing the over and over again habits you write into your manuscript. I can help you write a page-turner.

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I've been beta reading since forever, not only for unpublished authors but for agented and published ones as well.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, and 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 Westworld or Avengers?

Quite honestly, I have six kids. Four are in college, and one is in grad 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. (I could be doing it wrong.) I have friends who are experts at critiquing erotica and romance. Email me and I'll recommend an editor.
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. I will be happy to recommend someone to line edit.

What does this cost?
First Chapter (up to 20 pages) $50.00 (If you’ve never had a critique group or writing partners, do this one as it will save you money and give you what you need to rewrite your manuscript).
First Three Chapters (up to 50 pages) $100.00
Entire Manuscript Critique is $1.50 a page.


These prices are for Times New Roman 12pt double-spaced Word documents.

How do I contact you?
You can email me at juliebutcheredits@yahoo.com