Manuscript Development


Brainstorming the Concept

book critique

Feeling Stuck?

You’ve come up with a great premise for your story. You’ve written some of it and you may even have an idea of how you want it to end. But you aren’t sure how to get there. You are having difficulties with the middle part.

I will read your full work-in-progress or a few chapters and an outline and:

  • suggest possible scenes to improve the flow;

  • point out any weak areas and give suggestions to strengthen them.

  • help you to develop your plot and characters.

Costs:

  • $50 reading fee for 2 chapters and an outline. —The cost for reading the full manuscript will be $1 per page(approx 200 words).

  • A written evaluation of the story’s potential along with suggestions for possible scenes and plot points, character development etc. is $150. This also includes three follow-up emails dealing with any questions you may have about my suggestions or to brainstorm more ideas for your story.


Premise of the Work (the real beginning)

novel editor

You have a great idea for a novel, but you aren’t sure how to execute it. Or maybe you have a few ideas for novels and aren’t sure which one has more potential.

I will read up to three premises for a story and:

  • provide an evaluation of each idea so that you can see how they compare.

  • specify which one has the most potential to make a great and marketable novel.

  • suggest things you might do to flesh-out each story.

  • tell you where the weak areas are in each premise and suggest ways they could be strengthened.

Cost:

  • $35 for a single premise evaluation.

  • $75 for evaluation of three premises.




    • WOW! I have had a quick read of your comments and I must say they are awesome! You are thorough, I like that. Yes, I agree with all of your suggestions for they definitely improve the story. I'm eager now to commence corrections.

    I really appreciate the work you've done so far. I'm glad you didn't rush. You provide excellent value for your services.

    --Lena Jones

    Submission Package Development

    book critique

    Are you having difficulty with the transition from novel to submission package? Need some help?

    You’ve spent a season or a year or longer writing your novel. You’ve poured yourself into the pages, making them the best you have in you. It can be a bit daunting to realize that getting your novel read by the agent or editor depends entirely on that query letter or submission package.

    No one can write your submission package for you because it is intended to reflect your personality and the style of your novel.

    I will provide a Query and Synopsis Development Package for you, leading your step-by-step through the process of creating a great package.


    Query Letter Development Package

    includes:

    • tips on researching the agent or publisher you are querying. Agents and publishers claim that the main reason for rejection of most manuscripts is that the book is simply not appropriate for their list. Good research can shorten the odds of getting your manuscript read.

    • an information package on well constructed query letters with examples.

    • a questionnaire to help you get the necessary information into your letter . Just fill in the boxes and organize them into one of several formats that work well for queries. This will still leave plenty of room for you to inject your own personality on the letter.

    manuscript development

    • an edit of your query letter once you’ve prepared it.

    • a follow up proofread for your rewritten letter.

    Synopsis Development Package

    includes:

    • an information package on synopsis writing, including a couple of different methods and examples.

    • a worksheet to help you whittle your novel down to a one to three-page summary.

    • an edit and critique your synopsis once you’ve finished.

    • a proofread of your rewritten synopsis once you’ve reworked it.

    Costs:

    • Query development--$75.

    • Synopsis development--$100

    • Submission package development (includes both query and synopsis--$150.


    Hi Sherry,

    Thank you SO much for your advice. You have no idea how much you and Patricia have helped me. I feel a lot more confident about the story now that you both have given me your input.

    Please thank Patricia for me. I am working on another PB, believe me as soon as it's ready I will send it to you.

    Thanks again, all the best.

    --Hugh Smith

    submission package

    Editorial Services Available
    Full Line Edits and Critiques
    Manuscript Development -- Brainstorming
    Manuscript Evaluation -- Critique

    The Writer's Craft -- Editorial Services

    We would be happy to help you with your editorial needs. Please fill in the following form and we will contact you within 48 hrs.

    Your privacy is important to us. We do not share your information with anyone. Your email is needed in order for us to contact you, so double check before you submit. I look forward to hearing about your project.

    Please double check your email address. I've received several inquiries from people and have been unable to respond due to the email being undeliverable. If you don't hear back from me within 48 hours, please feel free to contact me again. I answer every inquiry.

    Editorial Services Inquiry
    Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.

    Please enter the word that you see below.

      

How to Teach Creative Writing



Power Novel Writing Courses


Enrollment Limited



Sherry Wilson's step-by-step method helped me organize my thoughts and transform a simple idea into a full-fledged plot. Without her help and guidance, I'd still be walking around with just another "great idea for a story."

Thanks to Sherry, though, I've published three novels and know there are more on the way!

~ Debi Faulkner, Summoning, LilyPad Princess and Murphy's Law

"Sherry is extremely professional and knowledgeable in this field. She is an expert on delivering punchy openings, developing engaging conflict and has the ability to view the whole story for structure and overall effect.

As well as being technically proficient in many styles, she also possesses a rich imagination, offering suggestions and alternatives in a way that doesn't impose on the writer's own style.

Her observations are honest and valuable, beyond what many others can give. I highly recommend her."

A. Rigby, Freelance Writer Goldstream, Alaska

"WOW! I have had a quick read of your comments and I must say they are awesome! You are thorough, I like that. Yes, I agree with all of your suggestions for they definitely improve the story. I'm eager now to commence corrections.

I really appreciate the work you've done so far. I'm glad you didn't rush. You provide excellent value for your services."

--Lena Jones

"Sherry Wilson has a deep understanding of the craft of writing and a natural gift for the art of writing. As an editor, she uses both these attributes. Her editing is thorough and precise, encompassing all the craft issues: grammar, sentence structure, active voice and so on. But she goes beyond the basics to find the heart and soul of the story, helping the writer to capitalize on his unique assets.

Being an editor myself, there are not too many people I would trust with my own work. Sherry is one of them."

Sandy Tritt, editor and CEO Inspiration for Writers