Manuscript Review
Having a great idea is magical. But it’s not the end of the story.
Whether you’re stalled in the messy middle or overwhelmed by your first draft, I’m here to help.
Let’s find the book inside your draft through an in-depth manuscript review that gives you clear insight into what’s working (and what isn’t).
How Manuscript Reviews With Me Work
I offer manuscript reviews to fiction writers.
When you reach out, we’ll set up a quick call to check if my services are a good fit for you. If you decide to book, I’ll then ask you to send over your manuscript and some information on what you’re looking for.
Then I’ll jump into my reading period.
I’ll be spending that time reading through your manuscript twice. During my close reading of your writing I’ll be analyzing components such as structure, character development, pacing and more.
Once I’ve completed my reading I’ll write a comprehensive review letter. I always start my letters with what’s working—because in my experience writers are often so focused on what isn’t working, they miss the parts that are already strong. But this doesn’t mean my approach lacks rigour: where I see the need for substantial revisions, I’ll tell you.
Option 1: Sample Review
For writers who are midway through a project and are stalled out, I offer sample reviews. This includes:
A thorough, deep read of up to 5,000 consecutive words + a review of your one-page synopsis
Two passes of your work. In pass one I read like a reader, gathering my first impressions and noting down questions. In pass two I do my closer reading, identifying areas to focus on in your revision.
A 2-3 page review letter that details what’s working, what isn’t, and ideas for next steps
Two-week turnaround (from booking and receipt of your manuscript)
A 60-minute follow up call to discuss moving forward with your draft and/or revision
Price: $550+HST. Payment is due in full upon booking.
Option 2: Full Manuscript Review
For writers with a completed draft who want help seeing their story clearly, and direction on how to manage the revision process. This includes:
A thorough, deep read of up to 100,000 words (for longer manuscripts please contact me for a quote)
Two full passes of your work. In pass one I read like a reader, gathering my first impressions and noting down questions. In pass two I do my closer reading, identifying areas to focus on in your revision.
Inline comments throughout your manuscript, highlighting questions, areas to pay attention to, continuity issues
A review letter that details what’s working, what isn’t, and ideas for next steps
Six-week turnaround (from booking and receipt of your manuscript)
Price: $0.045/word+HST [minimum $1,800 to book]. A 50% deposit is required upon booking, and balance due before final delivery of feedback. Your deposit is non-refundable once I receive your manuscript.
For example, an 80,000 word manuscript is $3,600+HST spread over 2 payments of $1,800
Optional add-on: For a deeper dive on how to approach your revision plan, you can book a 60-minute follow up call. This costs $220+HST
What a Manuscript Review Isn’t
A manuscript review isn’t me rewriting your book for you. My goal is to support writers to let their voices shine. I won’t be rewriting your book or telling you what you “must” do.
A manuscript review isn’t line editing, copy editing, or proofreading. The purpose of a manuscript review is to examine the core structural elements of your story, and identify where major changes may need to take place to strengthen your story. This can include areas such as: clarifying the plot or story arc; addressing character arcs; strengthening thematic elements. It doesn’t include polishing your language at a sentence level or correcting spelling/grammar.
A manuscript review isn’t a verdict on your worth as a writer. It can be vulnerable to share your writing and to ask for feedback. It can bring up fears of “not being good enough” or “not a real writer.” But my review isn’t intended as a judgement of your worth but rather to nourish the writer you already are.
A manuscript review isn’t a guarantee that you will gain agent representation or a book deal. I work to help you see your own draft clearly, and to offer tools for strengthening your work. I cannot guarantee any publishing outcomes.
Next Availability:
Due to my intensive process, review slots are limited. I am currently booking for Oct/Nov 2026.
A Note on Confidentiality
As a writer, I recognize that confidentiality is a critical part of entrusting your work to another. For all manuscript review I guarantee:
Your manuscript will never be shared with anyone
No part of your manuscript will be fed into an AI chatbot and no AI tools will be used in the review of your work
Your manuscript will be deleted from my files and emails 90 days after delivery of my review letter, or immediately upon request.
Your work remains yours, and your alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
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I read across genres. However, I’m especially familiar working with writers who write literary / upmarket commercial fiction, speculative fiction, and romance.
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For sample reviews, payment in full is due upon booking and is non-refundable.
For full reviews, a deposit of 50% is due upon booking, and 50% is due before delivery of the review letter. The deposit is non-refundable once reading has started.
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If you have a longer sample or full-manuscript you’d like me to work on, please reach out to ailsa@wychwoodwriting.com and I can give you a custom quote.
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If you haven’t finished your draft yet, this is the perfect time to pick a sample edit. Send me work from where you’re getting stuck, along with your synopsis, and we can work together to find a forward path.
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I will feed your work to AI for comments or suggestions. Any editing or commenting on your work will be the result of my own deep reading and critical thinking.
More generally, I believe that the process is the point when it comes to art, and AI erodes the creative process. You can read more about my stance on my substack.
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There are many different types of reviews and editing you might go through for your book.
A beta read is typically a non-paid exchange with another writer. They will give you insight into what is and isn’t working for them, but it may lack depth or specificity (e.g. “love it!).
A copyedit covers the consistency of your writing in areas such as grammar, spelling, punctuation. It will also surface issues such as a minor character’s name changing mid-book!
My manuscript review is a close reading of your novel that gives precise, specific, and rigourous feedback of the overall story.
What Happens Next?
Complete my intake form
Send me a quick form with your contact details and brief details on what you’re working on
Set up a call with me
I’ll respond to your intake form within 2 business days. At that point we’ll schedule a zero pressure intake call to see if we’re a good fit.
Send me your manuscript
If you decide to move ahead, I’ll ask you to send over your manuscript. I’ll confirm at that time when you can expect your review [2 weeks for sample, 6 weeks for full review]
Receive your review letter
It’s time to read your review letter, soak in my thoughts, and start planning your next steps.