Manuscript Review
I love working one-on-one with other writers and delight in being able to offer a thorough, thoughtful, and sensitive review of completed manuscripts. Memoirs, novels, short story collections, and self-improvement/inspiration are my areas of expertise. I pour a lot of energy and time into these reviews and only work with a handful of people every year.
During the review process, I highlight the strengths and potential of your manuscript, in addition to making comments and suggestions about:
- the book’s structure
- readability and narrative flow
- gaps in content and lingering unanswered questions
And if your book is fiction, I’ll also weigh in on:
- plot
- characterization
- dialogue
- point of view (perspective)
- story arc and trajectory
- dramatic tension and conflict
If you’re ready for a discerning reader to take you one step closer to publication and you feel like we might be a good fit, discover which review is right for you below and get in touch!
Manuscript Review Packages
The “How is it so far?” Review
Got half a book? Almost half a book? If so, this review is for you. I’ll give you concrete and specific feedback on the potential of your idea and your execution so far. I’ll identify the strengths of your book, where it’s faltering, and best of all, give you the kick-start you need to finish an entire draft. You can do this and I would be honoured to help you!
$995 for drafts up to 40,000 words
The “Got a first draft?” Review
You did it! You wrote a whole book! If you’re looking for another set of eyes on your creation, investing in a professional assessment is the next step. I will comprehensively review your finished manuscript and provide a 3-5 page written report highlighting what is working well and offering suggestions to make your book stronger and more publication-ready. Sharing insights about content, structure, flow, your book’s readability, the strength of your writer’s voice, and reader take-aways, I can help set the stage for rewrites and revisions.
$1,500 for books up to 80,000 words (with a per page flat rate for larger manuscripts)
The “Think you’re ready to publish?” Review
If you think you’re ready to pitch your book to agents and publishers, consider this hardcore review, which includes detailed comments throughout your manuscript. These comments usually number in the hundreds, giving you a lot of food for thought! You’ll also receive a 5+ page written report that summarizes my feedback, insights, and suggestions for rewrites and revisions. Lastly, we schedule an in-person, virtual, or phone meeting to discuss my review and any questions you have.
$3,000 for books up to 80,000 words (with a per page flat rate for larger manuscripts)
Testimonials
“I sought out Renée’s support for my book because I wanted to work with someone who got me. Renée was a caring, yet discerning, set of eyes on my work, but perhaps even more meaningfully, Renée believed in my work. She helped me find the courage to continue forward with pitching and publishing my book. It’s a courage I still carry with me as I experience the vulnerability of releasing my heartfelt words into the world. Working from a place of soul and heart, Renée gently nudges writers into their fullest expression with nurturance and love.”
—Jessie Harrold, Author of Project Body Love: My Quest to Love My Body and the Surprising Truth I Learned Instead
“I first became aware of Renée’s writing talent through her blog and learned later of her expert mentorship of other writers. When the time came to find an editor for my book manuscript, I had no doubt about who I could trust with it. Thanks to her wise guidance, a clear structure and direction has emerged from a piecemeal first draft. Renée offers compassionate support to writers via timely feedback, and thought-provoking suggestions for how to engage future readers in a way that is true to our own writerly instincts. Her skills have been invaluable to me.”
—Elizabeth Peirce, Author of Lost and Found: Recovering Your Spirit After a Concussion and Grow Hope: A Simple Guide to Creating Your Own Food Garden at Home
“Renée is a passionate and incredibly talented writer and writing mentor. When I began working with her, I didn’t know I was a writer, I just knew I had a book in me. Renée intuitively sees the writer within the individual and she skillfully and lovingly brings it out to be revealed. It was her passion for the writing process, her clear feedback, and her faith in me that allowed me to confidently find my unique voice and successfully get a book deal with a publisher. Renée is offering a great gift to the world: she is shepherding authentic voices that deserve to be heard and shared; voices that will then inspire others.”
—Anne Bérubé, Author of Be Feel Think Do: A Memoir and The Burnout Antidote
“When I completed a first draft of my new book I sent it off to Renée thinking she would help sharpen the focus, identify some inconsistencies, and find a few typos. I was delighted when she returned the manuscript with some of the most detailed and insightful comments I could imagine. I realized that if I paid close attention to Renée’s suggestions, she would help take my story to a whole new level. Renée is honest and forthright but guides with an intelligent and gentle touch. I highly recommend her to anyone needing one-on-one mentoring/coaching or a thorough and professional review.”
—Bette Cahill, Author of Butterbox Babies and A Dangerous Age
“I heard about Renée from a friend after spending years working on my memoir. I was stuck at the stage of having lots of material but no objective view of the project as a whole and no idea how to go about the editing or publishing part. Renée was kind and supportive and took my manuscript and gave it a huge facelift. Although it was hard work to cut and change and add to the original, I felt so proud when we were done! If you are looking for the first step to becoming a published author, Renée is it.”
—Ailsa Keppie, Author of By The Light of the Crescent Moon
“Renée will make you feel seen as a writer and a human being. She asks smart questions and can sew a portrait from scattered seeds. Her gentle sleuthing helped me uncover aspects of my poems I had not considered before. She is an expert nudger whose sensitivity, intuition, and artistic eye I absolutely trust. The Manuscript Review process was clear and respectful, with Renée reviewing my work and offering feedback in a timely fashion. Her discerning notes about what needed to stay and what could be sifted out helped me to confidently finish my collection of poems and then send the full manuscript to publishers.”
—Maggie MacDonald, Poet and Public Servant, Halifax, Canada
“Renée, whose passion for language and skill for narrative are matched only by a heart the size of the Atlantic, was exactly who I needed to transform a series of poems into a coherent collection. She demonstrated an unerring talent to see the story I was trying to tell, often before I did. Renée provided guidance on everything from word choice to overall structure to where and how to submit for publication, always in a timely fashion and always with genuine concern that the result reflect my ultimate goals. Whether you’re looking for an editor, sounding board, or mentor, drop Renée a line. Your readers will thank you.”