Critique Services

As a writer who has been through the query trenches and come out the other side, I understand the need for quality, thoughtful critiques. I am pleased to now offer critique services on kidlit specific work—picture book texts, middle grade, and YA novels.

What I offer:

Experience reading and critiquing hundreds of picture books, middle grade and YA novels as well as queries
An in-depth understanding of small changes that make a big impact in making your query and pages stand out
Compassionate and constructive advice—there are positives to find in all stories, and I will always let you know what I love as well as what I think needs work
Experience with pitch parties and pitch events

While I am fully transparent about the fact that I am not an expert in publishing, what I am is a passionate reader, writer and editor with in-depth knowledge of story structure, plot elements, grammar, syntax, voice, and pacing.

Publishing, and thus critiques, are highly subjective in nature. Always remember with any critique, whether from myself or someone else, your story is—above all else—yours. Follow your heart and take notes to heart, but please remember they are not law.

If you are interested in my subjective notes on your work, please take a look at the following services provided.

Services:

Picture Book Critique – $50 – Full critique of a picture book text up to 1000 words, including line notes and a one-page report on story structure, plot, voice, tension, characters, and other story elements.

Picture Book Query Package – $80 – Full critique of a picture book text plus query letter, including line notes and a 1-2 page report including overall thoughts on the manuscript and query.

Picture Book Mini Critique – $30 – Your choice of line notes OR a 1 page report on story structure, plot, voice, tension, characters, and other story elements (for one picture book manuscript)

Picture Book Palooza – $125 – Full critique of three picture book texts up to 1000 words each, including line notes and one-page report as detailed above

Middle Grade or YA Query Package Critique – $99- Query and first 10 pages. Line notes and 2-3 page report on opening lines, hook, dialogue, characters, grammar, punctuation, etc.

Middle Grade or YA Partial Critique – First 50 Pages – $199 – Line notes and developmental feedback regarding pacing, plot, character arcs, main story elements or beats, dialogue, grammar, punctuation, etc.

Middle Grade or YA Full Novel Critique– $599 – Line edits and full-novel developmental feedback regarding pacing, plot, character arcs, main story elements or beats, dialogue, grammar, punctuation, etc. This price is for a novel under 90k words, and will be adjusted accordingly above this word count.

Middle Grade or YA Full Novel Overall Thoughts – $399 – Skip the line notes and get a full read and 2-5 page report on pacing, plot, character arcs, main story elements or beats, dialogue, setting, etc.

Middle Grade or YA Query Critique – $30 – Line notes and a one-page report on readability, comps, meta-data, bio paragraph and pitch.

MG or YA Query Add On – Add your query letter to any of the above packages for $25.

What People Are Saying:

“Stephanie is absolutely fantastic. She not only gave me deep and thorough feedback on my manuscript, but she did it quickly and with a great deal of care. I would recommend her services to anyone.” – Jessica Guest, MG author

“I’m just learning how to write middle grade. Stephanie critiqued my pitch and first chapter. Wow! Her feedback really resonated with me. Her suggestions for improvements made sense and were great tips to keep in mind for the novel overall. I also really appreciated how encouraging she was of my story idea and voice. It made me feel more confident to continue working at it. I’d recommend Stephanie any day!” – Jen MacGregor, PB and MG author

Steph has all the qualities you want in an editor—she has figured out the perfect balance of hyping you up and praising your strengths, while also pointing out ways a manuscript could be stronger at both the story- and line-level. So grateful to have had her sharp eyes on my work! – Christina Frigo, PB, MG and YA author

Stephanie’s notes on my first chapter were some of the most encouraging and helpful comments I’ve received on my writing. It was clear she took her time to read and connect with the pages as her comments reflected a good understanding of my world as well as thoughtful suggestions on how to improve. She picked up on many little details and connections I was striving to make, understood where I was trying to go, and had ideas on how to get there better! I keep returning to her comments whenever I need a boost of motivation. Catherine Kinsey, MG author

Disclaimers:

Please remember that editing is always subjective and publishing is an often unpredictable industry. Offers of representation by literary agents, and/or publication by editors/publishers are expressly not guaranteed by the services listed above or any other services rendered.

Payment:

Payment will be accepted via PayPal or Venmo and will be required prior to services.

To Get Started:

Please send an email to contact [at] stephanierondeauwrites.com detailing which service(s) you are interested in. I’m always available for flexible pricing if needed—don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.