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 +hst 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 +hst 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 +hst 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, Renee 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
“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, News Producer/Journalist
“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 Grow Organic: A Simple Guide to Nova Scotia Vegetable Gardening
I wish that every writer—aspiring, emerging, or established—had access to a mentor, a guide as gifted as Renée Hartleib. Ever patient, knowing, spacious (and yet uncannily present), she will come to know the fullness of your voice before you do. And she will shine the light on the dark path you will walk to reclaim it. If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be under her writerly watch, run, don’t walk, toward it.