Plot Critique

Get your plot working before you waste time on edits.

If your plot isn’t solid, no amount of line editing will fix it. Let’s make sure your story structure, stakes, and character arcs are doing the heavy lifting.

About the Plot Critique

If your story keeps stalling out, the problem might not be your writing—it might be your plot.

Maybe you’ve outlined your story but something still feels off. Or you’ve started writing and lost momentum halfway through. You’re not alone! Plotting a story that’s structurally sound and emotionally satisfying is one of the trickiest parts of the writing process.

That’s where this service comes in. A plot critique helps you zoom out and assess the big picture: structure, character arcs, conflict, and rising stakes. You’ll get expert feedback on what’s working and what needs to change—before you spend hours drafting or revising scenes that won’t make the final cut.

And if you’re a discovery writer who has finished a first draft but still feels like you’re staring at a beautiful mess with no idea where to begin—this is also for you.

A plot critique will help you make sense of what you’ve already written and give you a clear path forward. It’s a smart, affordable alternative to a full edit when you’re still reshaping your story’s core.

Whether you’ve fully outlined or are somewhere mid-plot—or even post-draft—I’ll meet you where you’re at and help you build a stronger foundation for your book.

Price: $85 (USD)

Format: Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF—your choice.

Please submit your plot materials as a synopsis (around 2,000 words) and a scene list with each scene summarized in a few sentences (as far as you've planned them). Not sure if your materials are ready? Send what you have, and I’ll let you know if anything needs tweaking for the best results.

I do not edit in Scrivener or other writing tools.

Sample edit: Due to the format of this service, I don’t offer a sample—but I’m happy to share an example report upon request.

Genre fit: I specialize in fantasy, cozy mystery, and self-help nonfiction. Not sure if your book’s a good fit? Just ask!

This Is for You If...

You have an outline or synopsis and want specific, actionable feedback before you start drafting.
You keep getting stuck while writing and suspect the issue lies in the story structure.
You want to strengthen your character arcs, raise the stakes, or build more emotional depth—but you’re not sure how.
You’ve finished a messy first draft and need help shaping it into something solid before revising.
You want to be sure your plot fits the conventions and expectations of your genre.
You’re looking for guidance without committing to the time or cost of a full developmental edit.
You need clarity and direction before diving deeper into revisions or writing.

Whether you're a plotter fine-tuning your framework or a pantser looking to organize the chaos—this service helps you move forward with clarity.

Book Now

"Your editing instructions are right to the point. They are clear. You gave me points I would never have thought of."

Elliot Judin, Horror author

The Process at a Glance

Here’s what to expect once you reach out to book your plot critique:

1. Booking
Have questions before committing? Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m happy to help.

Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll confirm your timeline, sign a simple contract, and secure your spot with a 50% deposit. (Need a different payment plan? Just ask!)

You’ll send your plot summary and scene list as a Word doc or PDF—whichever you prefer. Not sure if your materials are in the right format? Send them my way, and I’ll let you know if anything needs adjusting for the best feedback.

2. Critique Begins

I’ll go through your materials with a focus on structure, emotional beats, and genre expectations. If I need any clarification, I’ll get in touch before finalizing the feedback.

You’ll receive a thorough report that outlines what’s working, what’s missing, and clear next steps to strengthen your story.

Turnaround is typically 1–2 weeks, depending on my schedule.

3. Your Next Steps
You’ll review your report and revise your plot. Then you can start writing your first draft knowing where your story is going or take the feedback to revise your draft with a clear idea of what changes to make.

Think of it as a blueprint for revision so you don’t waste time editing scenes that won’t make it into your final draft.

My feedback is always honest, but supportive. My goal is to help you improve your story while building your confidence as a writer.

If questions come up, I’m just an email away. And I’ll check in with you post-delivery to see how things are going.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Book your spot below—I’d love to hear about your story and help you shape it into something readers can’t put down.

Not sure if this is the right fit? No worries. Just send me a message, and I’ll help you figure out which feedback or service will best move your story forward.

Get in Touch

What You'll Receive

You’ll get a detailed PDF report that helps you build a strong foundation for your story—so you can write (or revise) with clarity, direction, and confidence. Here’s what’s included:

A deep dive into your story structure
I’ll assess your plot outline and scene list to pinpoint what’s working and what needs development. You'll learn where your story may lack momentum, clarity, or cohesion and how to fix it.

Genre and market alignment
I’ll identify how your plot fits your genre, including conventions, tropes, and audience expectations so you can position your book for success.

Pacing, stakes, and narrative tension
I’ll highlight where your story slows down, where the stakes need a boost, or where plot threads feel thin and offer suggestions to strengthen the emotional arc and narrative drive.

Scene list support
You’ll receive guidance on building or refining your scene list, including suggested additions, cuts, or rearrangements to improve flow and structure.

Action steps & tailored resources
Your report wraps up with clear, actionable next steps and learning resources matched to your style—so you’re never left wondering what to do next.

Email support included
Got questions? I’m just an email away. You’ll have support even after the report is in your hands.

Note: This critique is based on your plot summary and scene list (up to ~2,000 words). If you’re unsure if your materials are ready, feel free to ask. I’m happy to guide you before booking.

Price & Dates

Price: $85 (USD)

Date: We’ll confirm your project start and delivery date when you book. Once your critique begins, you’ll receive your feedback within 1–2 weeks, depending on the complexity of your plot and my current schedule.

Need a different timeline? Or not sure if your materials are ready? Feel free to reach out, I'm happy to help you decide.

Ready to feel confident in your story’s direction? I’ll help you strengthen the structure before you dive into your next draft.

Request Your Critique

What’s the difference between a line edit and a copyedit?

A line edit focuses on the style and flow of your writing—word choice, sentence rhythm, tone, pacing, and clarity. A copyedit looks at technical accuracy—spelling, grammar, punctuation, and consistency. My service combines both in a single, thorough pass.
Will you rewrite my story?

No. I’ll make suggestions to improve clarity and flow, but I won’t rewrite your voice or story. My goal is to enhance your style—not replace it. You always have full control over what edits you accept or reject.
What genres do you edit?

I specialize in fantasy, mystery, and self-help nonfiction. I tailor the edit to your genre, tone, and target audience.
Do I need to format my manuscript in a certain way?

A clean, readable format helps a lot. Double-spaced, 12pt font (like Times New Roman), with standard 1-inch margins is perfect. You’ll get detailed instructions once we start—no stress!
How long will the edit take?

Turnaround depends on the manuscript length and my current schedule, but typically ranges from 4–6 weeks. I’ll give you a clear timeframe before we begin.
What if I have questions during or after the edit?

You have unlimited email access to me throughout your revision process. I’m happy to explain comments, talk through tricky scenes, or just cheer you on.
What’s the second pass, and when should I send it?

After your revision is done, you can send your updated manuscript (up to 5,000 new or adjusted words) for a final look. I’ll do a global review to check flow, voice, and consistency. If you have more new/adjusted words, there might be a small additional fee for the extra work.
Do you offer a sample edit?

Yes! If you’d like to see how I work, you can request a short sample edit (usually around 1,000 words) before booking.