Manuscript Evaluation and Consultations

Virtually all novelists ask for feedback on their manuscripts before they show their work to their agents and editors. I have had the great pleasure of helping many unpublished writers launch their careers. I believe the next best thing to belonging to a writers’ support group is to receive a professional manuscript evaluation from someone who has both a compassionate heart and a critical eye.

Evaluation of fiction manuscripts includes:

• a comprehensive reading of the work with attention to character development, plot, story structure, prose style, and marketability
• comments in the margins
• a written report of 5–10 pages with recommendations for revision.

The cost is $2.50 per page (or roughly 250 words per page, formatted in 12-point Times Roman font, double-spaced with 1-inch margins). Phone, Skype, or in-person consultations during any stage of the writing and revising process may be scheduled for $35 per hour. I am happy to discuss projects at whatever stage they are in, and to also provide advice about finding an agent or publisher.

Writing Help for College or Private School Application Essays

Every young person has an important, unique, powerful story to tell. Through questioning and brainstorming, then breaking down tasks into components, I help students to overcome their nervousness about writing and to create original, authentic essays that will best reflect who they are. Authenticity and originality are what make essays stand out to admissions personnel.

My process involves helping students in all stages of writing:

– brainstorming ideas

– finding the unique story that is calling to be told

– tying the story to a theme

– creating an outline

– reviewing techniques of effective storytelling

– drafting with attention to narrative structure

– revising and polishing

The cost is $35 per hour.

Questions? Please send me a note through my contact page on katherinekirkpatrick.com/contact.