Looking for Professional Feedback on Your Story? Peace and Projects

Today, I’m proud to showcase two helpful resources for writers and bloggers.

The first is a free rating service where I am a volunteer judge … the second is my new paid critique service. (Click here to skip to my critique page.)

First, for free

Before you send your picture book to a publisher or your story to a magazine, before you enter that writing contest or rush to self-publish your masterpiece … why not have someone else take a peek and rate your story? Through Rate Your Story, it’s free, and the judges on board are an impressive group.

While Rate Your Story does not accept article or blog post entries, you can click here to read the submission guidelines to see if your work qualifies for a free rating.

Personal, paid critiques from yours truly

Before quitting my day job to write full-time from home, I was a magazine editor at the Green Bay Press-Gazette. I have years of experience writing for women, families and homeowners. I was a weekly columnist for Homestyle and a monthly columnist for both YOU magazine and the Press-Gazette’s family publication. I was employed with Gannett Newspapers for 10 years.

Since leaving the corporate world, I have become an active member of the SCBWI and my first novel, THE CHANNELS, won the Marsha Dunlap Award in 2011. I am actively revising and seeking representation for my novel. (See my author Facebook page.) An outline for my next book is underway.

How I can help you become a better writer

I’ve opened up my own professional critique service. I want to help new and/or established writers make their stories and articles great. And, hopefully, more successful in the wonderful world of publishing.

How Much Does a Critique Cost?

While I can’t guarantee anything I critique for you will ever be published, I can offer insight on how to make it a better piece of writing.

Please note: I only critique stories and articles up to 1,500 words; blog posts up to 600 words. If you contact me for a critique and I don’t feel the subject matter is right for me, I’ll respectfully decline the opportunity.

Blog post critique … $25, MAX 600 words.
I read the post, offer thoughts on the structure, critique title and offer tips from my years of experience on how to build an engaged audience online.

Basic Critique…$50
I read the story, and send a one-page letter with thoughts on the work, its strengths and weaknesses, and possible market insights.

Line-Edit …$85
I read the story, make comments and questions in the text, proofread and offer specific suggestions or word swaps to consider, and also include a one-page letter with thoughts on the work, overall strengths and weaknesses, and possible market insights.

“Second Round” Critique…$30
If you have already received a critique or line edit from me, and since revised the same story, I will give you a discounted rate for my critique services working with the new version/draft of that story.

PAYMENT

Please note that I only accept Paypal as payment. I require the full balance before completing the critique. You will receive payment instructions when you email me your critique request (instructions below).

REQUESTING A CRITIQUE (INSTRUCTIONS)

Please email melissa [at] peaceandprojects [dot] com with the words CRITIQUE REQUEST in the subject line. Let me know the word count and genre of your story or article. I will respond with payment instructions and my current schedule of how soon after payment clears that you can expect your returned manuscript with my critiques and edits. Typically, I will complete these in one week or less.