Services

Let's get to work.

You’ve finished a manuscript! That’s no small feat. Now it’s time to make it into something more.

EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT

An analysis of the novel’s first 5,000 words or the equivalent amount of planning materials.

MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION

An editorial letter addressing macro-level issues of structure, plot, and characterization.

SUBSTANTIVE EDIT

A comprehensive edit with marginal notes to help guide the revision process.

Portfolio

In case you wanted to take a look at other books we've worked on. Not listed are the unpublished works by private clients, novels from traditional presses whose covers haven't been revealed, and works outside the speculative fiction genres.

Your work could be next!

Here's how it'll go down:

1.

Hit us up.

Fill out the quotes form, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. We’ll chat via email, and when you’re ready to move forward, we’ll send you a proposal.

2.

Send us the goods.

We can’t get to work without the pages! Remember to attach the document as a Microsoft Word file in standard manuscript format (12pt Times New Roman, double spaced). If you need help, don’t worry! That’s what we’re here for.

3.

Pay the deposit.

After you pay the 25% deposit, we’ll secure your slot in the schedule. Then we’ll send an onboarding questionnaire, asking what you love about your story and what you think can be improved. Take your time with it!

4.

Have patience.

Sit back and relax. we’ll email you once one of our editors starts doing their thing, but you’re free to ask questions in the meantime. When we're finished, we’ll deliver the manuscript and editorial letter to you via email. Your final payment will be due within five days of delivery.

Any questions?

What do you do, again?

At Crit & Pen, we specialize in developmentally editing YA fantasy novels. That’s big-picture stuff: story, plot, structure, character, worldbuilding, theme, and so forth.

Do you edit other genres?

We have experience with thrillers, romances, and women’s fiction, but YA fantasy is our wheelhouse, so we prefer fantasy projects. We love a good romance fantasy, though!

What about Sci-Fi/Steampunk/New Weird/Magical Realism?

Does it have monsters? Fantastical gadgets? General whimsy or strange? Count us in!

I want to get traditionally published. Will you edit my book?

We work primarily with indie authors, but we would be happy to help. Keep in mind that professional editing isn’t required to publish your book with a traditional publisher (that’s what in-house editors are for), so our services are more tailored toward those interested in self-publishing. If you’re interested in honing your craft before querying, make sure to checkout our courses and memberships!

How can I know we’re a good fit? Can I have a sample edit?

Sure! We’ll analyze up to 500 words, free of charge. That way, you’ll experience our styles of feedback, and we can both determine whether we’ll work well together.

But why do I even need developmental editing?

We’ll let you in on a little secret: Before every quality book on your bookshelf hit the presses (yes, even That One by That Author), an editor had their hands on it.

You know your story best, and that makes it hard to look at your work objectively. Our role is the unbiased advisor, helping you to make your good story into a great one.

You’ll be in good company, too. Everyone from J.K. Rowling to Neil Gaiman has an editor! Request a quote today, and we can be yours.