Critique Services
Polish Your Pitch. Perfect Your Copy.
For query letters, blurbs, synopses & everything in between.
Querying is hard. Like, ‘refresh your inbox every ten seconds and sigh dramatically’ hard. So let’s get your pitch materials in tip-top shape and ready to wow that agent, editor, or competition judge.
I offer honest, actionable critiques for query letters, synopses, and opening pages – individually or as a full query package – plus compelling, no-nonsense copy critiques for things like back cover blurbs, retail descriptions, and elevator pitches.
Take a look at the options below to see what’s best for you.
Query Letter Critique
Speed dating – but for books.
The goal? To make an agent fall in love before their inbox pings again. Let’s get your story that second date.
What It Is
A professional critique of your query letter, designed to help you grab an agent’s attention in just one page. Whether you're just starting out or stuck in the trenches and looking to revise your pitch, I’ll help you shape your letter into a clear, compelling pitch that reflects your voice and sells your story.
What You Get
Two full passes on your query letter.
First pass: In-line comments and an overall summary of what’s working, what’s not, and how to fix it.
Second pass: A review of your changes and feedback on your progress.
All served with a mix of editorial precision and emotional support – I’ve been in those trenches, I feel your pain.
Price
£50
Turnaround
1 week.
Best For
Writers preparing to query agents and want their letter to make a great first impression.
Debut authors who’ve never written a query before and need practical (and kind) guidance.
Query trench veterans who’ve tried and tried but are now considering revising their pitch.
Synopsis Critique
For synopses up to 1,000 words (standard for most agent submissions).
Your whole novel… on one page.
Yep, the whole story – beginning, middle, and end – summarised, with spoilers galore, and still expected to impress. Let’s make sure it does.
What It Is
A synopsis is proof your story hits all the right beats, delivers that perfect arc, and that the plot works before agents, editors, or competition judges dive into your pages.
Synopses must be concise yet comprehensive, outlining the full plot, key characters, and major turning points without being overloaded with unnecessary detail. It’s the big-picture overview that leaves no surprises, so those all-important decision-makers know exactly what to expect.
This critique focuses on making sure your synopsis is clear, compelling, and full of energy.
What You Get
A thorough read-through of your synopsis with in-line comments and suggestions.
Feedback on clarity, structure, pacing, and tone to ensure your synopsis engages, flows smoothly and hits all key story points.
Tips to tighten, clarify, and polish so it packs a punch.
An overall summary highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
Price
£50
Need a full rewrite or want me to start from scratch? Get in touch for a custom quote.
Please note: a reading fee may apply if I need to read the book rather than work from an author draft.
Turnaround
1 week.
Best For
Writers preparing to query agents or publishers and wanting a compelling and polished synopsis.
Authors struggling to condense their plot and stakes into a clear, engaging summary.
Those wanting to revise their synopsis to better reflect their story’s structure, tone, and key selling points.
Need feedback on a longer synopsis or multiple versions? Get in touch for a custom quote.
First Three Chapters Critique
The part that makes an agent say, ‘Tell me more.’
This is where you win them over. Let’s give those agents a reason to keep reading.
What It Is
Your first three chapters are make-or-break and need to grab attention and pull readers in. This service focuses on how well you set the tone, introduce characters, and establish stakes right up there at the start.
What You Get
Detailed in-line edits and notes on character introductions, dialogue, and your opening hook.
Pacing analysis to make sure the story flows smoothly and keeps readers engaged.
Feedback on whether your story starts in the right place.
Notes on common pitfalls like info-dumping, clunky exposition, and overused openings.
Price
£100
Turnaround
2 weeks.
Best For
Writers preparing to query and wanting to make sure their opening pages are doing their job.
Authors worried their story starts too slowly, in the wrong place, or about that half-page flashback to 1984 on page 2.
Anyone looking for honest, constructive feedback on what’s working, what’s not, and how to grab attention from page one.
If your query requires more than the first three chapters to be submitted, please contact me for a bespoke quote.
Full Query Package Critique
The full works – query letter, synopsis, and first three chapters, all critiqued together at a discounted rate.
What It Is
The three services above, bundled! A comprehensive critique package that gives you everything you need to polish your pitch materials. Perfect if you want a clear, cohesive review of your core submission documents, with actionable feedback to strengthen each piece and send that query with confidence.
What You Get
All the detailed, in-line edits, notes, and feedback from the individual critiques.
Guidance on how each element supports and enhances the others.
A streamlined experience with one deadline and one invoice.
Price
£180
Turnaround
2 weeks.
Best For
Writers who want to tackle their entire query package in one go and save money doing it.
Authors looking for consistent feedback across query letter, synopsis, and opening chapters.
Anyone aiming for a polished, professional submission that’s ready to impress agents and editors.
Pitch Perfect Copy Critique
The part where your book has to flirt a little.
Back cover copy, query letter pitches, retailer descriptions – all the things that sell your story before anyone even opens the book.
What It Is
Working from your author draft or existing materials, this critique sharpens your key marketing copy to ensure it’s clear, engaging, hits all the right notes, and grabs the attention of your target readers.
What You Get
A detailed critique focusing on clarity, tone, and impact.
Suggestions for tightening and polishing your copy.
Light line edit suggestions where appropriate to help improve flow and pacing.
Tips to make your pitch irresistible without over-selling.
Price
Up to 150 words (query letter pitch, short blurb): £35
151–300 words (Amazon-style book description): £50
301–500 words (back cover copy, longer pitches): £70
Over 500 words: Custom quote.
If your copy is longer than 500 words, or you’re looking for a full rewrite or want me to start from scratch, get in touch for a personalised quote.
Please note: a reading fee may apply if I need to read the book rather than work from an author draft.
Turnaround
3-5 business days, depending on service, length, and level of polish needed.
Best For
Writers who know their stories deserve great copy.
Authors who want marketing copy that grabs attention and refuses to let go.
Those needing quick, focused feedback on blurbs, pitches, or descriptions.
Anyone preparing book launch materials or querying and want their copy to shine.
How It Works
Once we’ve confirmed your slot and the contract is signed, you’ll send over your materials – whether that’s your query letter, synopsis, first three chapters, or marketing copy – in Word format, by the agreed start date. I’ll then get to work.
When I’m done, you’ll receive your detailed critique with in-line comments, notes, and/or an overall summary tailored to the service you booked. No matter which service you choose, I make sure every piece gets the attention it deserves, with clear, actionable advice to strengthen your writing and pitch – plus support from someone who’s been in those trenches and knows how tough this process can be.
Ready to sharpen your pitch and polish your pages? Reach out today!