Manuscript or Proposal Critiques

Why choose me to critique your work?

I am a member of a successul multi-published critique group, and I have more than 20 years of experience critiquing other authors’ work both in informal and conference settings. I am also a Robert F. Sibert Honor recipient for my nonfiction middle-grade title Sea Otter Heroes. Additional awards include:

starred reviews
Orbis Pictus Recommended
Green Earth Book Awards
Outstanding Science Trade Book, NSTA
Eureka! Gold Awards, California Reading Association
Parents’ Choice Award
several Junior Library Guild selections
several Bank Street College’s Best Books lists

You may also be interested in some articles I’ve written about the writing process:

Pricing

PB manuscripts (fiction or nonfiction)
- Package 1 – $275 (includes an evaluation of various story elements, including voice, plot, pacing, character development, story arc, marketability, etc. + a list of next steps + a 20-minute Q&A session after you receive the critique)
- Package 2 – $525 (includes all of the above, but the 20-minute chat is replaced by a 45-minute strategy session via video chat + a second read of your manuscript after you’ver revised)
MG nonfiction manuscripts – $1,200
Nonfiction book proposals – $500

What to expect from my critiques

Good critiques are a necessary part of publishing. I will give you a fair, honest, and constructive evaluation of whether your idea is marketable and how well you execute that idea. My critique will point out what you are doing well and what needs improvement.

All critiques will be electronic and will include a detailed editorial letter, plus specific comments/line edits using the Track Changes feature of Microsoft Word. Included in my price is the option for one follow-up email or one 20-minute phone call to ask questions.

How to begin the critique process

Email me at newmanbooks [at] live [dot] com with your name and the title of your manuscript in the subject line, e.g. NEWMAN_TITLE-HERE. In the message body, include a brief synopsis of your book and the number of words.
I will reply with my availablilty and a payment link.
If the availability works for you, click the link to pay for the critique, then reply to my email and attach your manuscript. Please be sure to follow the formatting guidelines below.

All manuscripts must:

be Microsoft Word documents
have 1″ margins
be double-spaced
use Times New Roman 12-point type (sidebars may be in a different typeface)
have the title on page 1 half-way down the page in ALL CAPS

Reviews

From Carol Hinz, Associate Publisher of the Millbrook Press and Carolrhoda imprints at Lerner Publishing

“You always impress me with your revisions, and this is no exception. So thank you for all the time and hard work you put into this manuscript!”

From Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw, author enrolled in SCBWI Michigan's mentorship program

“Patricia Newman is a skilled editor with a deep understanding of all layers that make up children’s nonfiction books. Through the teaching of writing strategies, suggestions, and examples, she guided me in elevating my technical STEM nonfiction picture book manuscript to a level that is marketable and appropriate for young readers. She was thorough, invested, and precise. I highly recommend her editing services.”

From Janet Miller, aspiring author

“There’s absolutely nothing like having [my MG STEM proposal] critiqued by Patricia Newman, who understands how the proposal should be structured and the information that should be emphasized or clarified, and provides feedback and edits that explain how to get it there.”

From Natasha Zimmers, aspiring author

Patricia’s critique was just what I needed to move my manuscript to the next level. I loved how she provided the whole package, from formatting suggestions to ideas on how to keep the sidebar voice kid friendly. As I dive into revision, her critique set me up to develop both the deeper big picture layers as well as the line level areas of my manuscript that needed more continuity or clarification. Patricia’s leading questions and thoughtful approach left me feeling excited to continue to improve my story.”

From Josy Bloggs, proposal class attendee

“I’m so grateful to you for your helpful writing session. Without it, I would never have mustered the courage to contact a[n expert] and then have an insightful conversation with them. Thanks to your advice, my confidence has been boosted and now I feel empowered enough to explore new pathways and opportunities!”

Watch my nonfiction proposal writing class

presented by Children’s Book Insider

In this comprehensive class, you'll learn:

*What a NF book proposal really is. (Hint: more than an outline)
*To demonstrate you're the right person to write this book.
*To understand which of the 5 kinds of NF is right for your project.
*To approach back matter in creative ways editors will love.
*To create and present a sample chapter that demonstrates your voice and puts your proposal in the best possible light.
*The vital choices you must make around text structure
*To organize your research.
...and so much more!

Click to register

Registrants receive a $50 proposal critique discount with coupon code

From Estelle

“Incredibly informative. I feel much more confident now about putting a proposal together, thank you!”

From Bill

“Really nicely done! “

From Roberta

“[Y]ou should write a book about this! Wonderful, wonderful presentation!”

From LaVonne

“Wow! Thanks! Much to think about, practice.”

From Laurie

“Truly outstanding information that will help me with my non fiction topic and the steps to create a quality and enticing proposal. Many thanks!! “

From Dayna

“Just watched it – packed full of info! I took 5 pages of notes, about 20 screenshots and add it to a folder with the PDF. Whew!”

From Vinita

“Thank you so much, Patricia! Simply blown away, and have even more ideas jostling in my head!”

professional manuscript and nonfiction proposal critiques

"thank you again for all the incredible notes you gave me on my story"