First 30 Critique

High-level critique of the first 30 pages of your manuscript, up to 7500 words.

*Due to the additional time requirements for manuscripts beyond this length, I will consider them on a case-by-case basis.

If your manuscript falls into this category (fantasy often does!), send me an email so we can discuss your individual needs.

Recent clients have been saying:

I needed help fine-tuning my characters and eliminating plot holes. What I really wanted was someone with a deep love for the fantasy genre, someone who would understand my unique niche (Indian high-concept fantasy) and get what I was trying to achieve. As a developmental editor, Heather Pine ticked every box. She immediately understood the heart of my story and helped me think more deeply about everything from my setting and magic system to the interactions between characters. Her feedback was organized, detailed, and full of thoughtful questions and actionable suggestions that made it easy to implement changes. Thanks to Heather, my story feels much closer to being ready for querying. I will absolutely be using her services again and can’t recommend her enough! - Michelle Reyes, Indian Fantasy Author and Professor

Heather is a very strong editor. She was candid about how to make my book stronger, and since it's the fourth and final book in a series, she was diligent in helping me capture the voice of my characters, tone, and plot holes that book four had compared to the first three books. She took time to understand my story and its characters going into the edits. Writing a series is not for the faint of heart, and Heather has helped me see where I can strengthen the story and give it the finality it needs and frankly, the finality my readers deserve. I highly recommend her services! -Emerald Barnes, author of Knight's Academy series

What you can expect from me:

My job is to help you shape your story into the best it can be, and I take that job seriously.

I’m BLUNT in my critiques. I won’t be unkind, but I will be honest.

Depending on the service you choose, I will provide either a high-level critique or comprehensive feedback (plot, characterization, setting, dialogue, etc.).

I’ll send you my critique/analysis as a separate electronic document. I won’t track changes in your manuscript.

My services don’t include any proofreading or line editing.

It’s an honor to serve you, and I look forward to our editor-author relationship. Let’s chat!

Please only send me work from completed manuscripts.

If you don't know where your story is going, my feedback won't be as helpful. I want you to receive the full benefit of engaging with an editor.

Don’t send me a first draft.

The more you've polished it, the more beta readers you’ve had look at it, the better I’ll be able to see where you're going, and help you shape it into the story you’ve imagined.