Sometimes the best thing you can do for your manuscript is to get a second pair of eyes on it. As writers, editors, and instructors, we've had years of experience working with authors and helping them take their manuscripts to the next level. We specialize in a range of genres and topics, from flash fiction, short stories, and novels to memoirs, personal essays, poetry, and academic writing. Please tell us about your manuscript, and we'll be in touch shortly!
How It Works
- Select a PACKAGE. Select the consulting package that best fits your needs (type of consulting - basic or intensive, word-count, etc.) and make the initial payment.
- Select a CONSULTANT. Select a consultant from our list of manuscript consultants / writing coaches.
- We will be in touch shortly to learn more about your project and begin working with you!
For all packages: After purchasing, let us know which consultant you'd like to work with. If you don't know who would be the best fit, let us know and we will pair you with someone who best fits your project.
Each package is based on a certain number of hours of work, which includes all reading time, feedback, line-editing, and conversations. If a consultant needs more time, they will let you know and an invoice will be sent.
Each package is based on a certain number of hours of work, which includes all reading time, feedback, line-editing, and conversations. If a consultant needs more time, they will let you know and an invoice will be sent.
Basic Consulting Packages
Writing Sample Assessment (On up to 20 pages)
$250
Big-picture feedback on short projects from seasoned editors. Recommended as a first step for those interested in potentially working with us on larger projects as well as for those looking for quick, general feedback on their work.
This package includes the following:
Directions: After paying, please email 10 pages of your work - novel, memoir, short story, personal essay, or other work-in-progress - (in standard formatting) to joy@pioneervalleywriters.org, with a brief statement about the work (genre, context, goals for the piece, specific questions you may have, etc.).
This package includes the following:
- Up to two pages of written feedback addressing what's working, what could be stronger, suggestions for revision, as well as possible next steps.
- This package does not include sentence-level editing or margin comments.
Directions: After paying, please email 10 pages of your work - novel, memoir, short story, personal essay, or other work-in-progress - (in standard formatting) to joy@pioneervalleywriters.org, with a brief statement about the work (genre, context, goals for the piece, specific questions you may have, etc.).
4-Week Motivational Coaching
$350
Designed for writers looking for encouragement and accountability.
This package includes the following:
This package includes the following:
- Four weekly conversations (30 minutes each).
- Discussion of writing goals, creating a sustainable writing routine, possible directions, and other relevant topics.
- Encouragement, motivation, and accountability.
- Sorry, this package does not contain direct feedback on written work. (If you're interested in coaching with feedback, we have a similar package to this one under Intensive Consulting Packages, below).
Standard Consulting Packages
In a nutshell: Basic consulting consists of thorough review of your work yet DOES NOT include line edits. All basic consulting packages include ample written feedback (including specific suggestions for revision) and at least one conversation with your consultant (to be arranged directly with your consultant). Basic packages are a great way to begin. Discounts available for those who sign up for an Intensive Package after working through a Basic.
Manuscript Review (Up to 70K words)
$1500
Perfect for feedback on your completed novel or nonfiction manuscript!
Based on 15 hours of work (reading time, feedback letter, processing). I
This package includes the following:
Based on 15 hours of work (reading time, feedback letter, processing). I
This package includes the following:
- Complete manuscript review with thorough feedback letter outlining what's working, areas for improvement, and general suggestions for revision.
- Two meetings - one before the work begins, one after - to discuss goals, questions, revision, and the submission process.
- This package does not include sentence-level editing or margin comments.
Intensive Consulting Packages
In a nutshell: Intensive Consulting consists of thorough review of your work, detailed line edits and margin notes, as well as at least one conversation with your consultant (to be arranged directly with your consultant). Intensive packages are designed for more experienced writers who have revised their manuscript at least once or know that it's ready for line-level editing. If you're unsure, it's best to begin with a Basic Package. Discounts available for those who sign up for an Intensive Package after working through a Basic.
Help getting the piece as close to publication-ready as possible.
Help getting the piece as close to publication-ready as possible.
4-Week Intensive Coaching
$500
Designed for writers looking for encouragement and accountability as well as direct feedback on their work.
This package includes the following:
This package includes the following:
- Four weekly conversations (30 minutes each).
- Discussion of writing goals, creating a writing routine, possible directions, craft, and other relevant topics.
- Encouragement, motivation, and accountability.
- Written and verbal feedback on up to 30 pages (total) - either at one time, or throughout the four weeks. If you're interested in coaching without feedback and primarily for motivation, we have a similar package to this one under Basic Consulting Packages, below
The Short Story Critique (On pieces up to 6,000 words)
This package includes the following:
- Complete review of one piece of short fiction (or nonfiction) up to 6,000 words (about 24 pages)a.
- Detailed line edits and margin comments.
- Half hour follow-up phone call to answer any questions, discuss feedback, next steps, etc.
Rates and Services
*Our per-page rates are based on standard manuscript formatting: 12pt font or larger; margins no smaller than 1 inch; Times New Roman.
Writing Sample Assessment (10 pages or fewer)
Send us 10 pages of your novel, memoir, short story, personal essay or other work-in-progress, and we'll give you up to two pages of feedback, addressing what's working, what could be stronger, suggestions for revision, as well as possible next steps (including suggestions as to where to eventually send your piece). *This is big-picture feedback and does not include sentence-level editing or margin comments. It's recommended as a first step for those interested in potentially working with us on larger projects as well as for those looking for quick, general feedback on their work.
Directions: After paying, please email 10 pages of your work (in standard formatting) to joy@pioneervalleywriters.org, with a brief statement about the work (genre, context, goals for the piece, specific questions you may have, etc.)
Directions: After paying, please email 10 pages of your work (in standard formatting) to joy@pioneervalleywriters.org, with a brief statement about the work (genre, context, goals for the piece, specific questions you may have, etc.)
Five Pages Or Fewer: Critique & Line Edits
* These rates apply for manuscripts that are 5 pages or fewer in length
**Why do we have a minimum rate for 5 pages or fewer, instead of a per-page rate? We're happy to explain! We are trying to make sure our editors earn at least a minimum wage per project, because there's a lot of work that goes into feedback beyond the work of just reading each page. When page numbers are so low, the per-page rate doesn't reflect all the work that's happening, hence the need for a minimum rate.
**Why do we have a minimum rate for 5 pages or fewer, instead of a per-page rate? We're happy to explain! We are trying to make sure our editors earn at least a minimum wage per project, because there's a lot of work that goes into feedback beyond the work of just reading each page. When page numbers are so low, the per-page rate doesn't reflect all the work that's happening, hence the need for a minimum rate.
Big-Picture/content editing + sentence-level:
- $50 flat rate
- Includes line-comments, structural and big picture feedback, and sentence-level editing, and one-page letter detailing suggestions for revision
Mid-Length Manuscripts (5-50 pages)
*These rates apply to manuscript 5-50 pages in length.
Big-Picture/content editing:
Copyediting:
Proofreading:
- $12/page
- Includes line-comments, structural and big-picture feedback, and 2-3-page written letter, detailing suggestions for revision.
Copyediting:
- $6/page
- Sentence-level editing for manuscripts that are sound in terms of structure and content.
Proofreading:
- $5/page
- Final read-through for already-edited manuscripts.
Book-Length Manuscripts (more than 50 pages)
*These rates apply to manuscripts 50 pages or longer.
Big-Picture/content editing:
Copyediting:
Proofreading:
- $10/page
- Includes line-comments, structural and big-picture feedback, and 2-3-page written letter, detailing suggestions for revision.
Copyediting:
- $5/page
- Sentence-level editing for manuscripts that are sound in terms of structure and content.
Proofreading:
- $4/page
- Final read-through for already-edited manuscripts.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
How long will it take for us to review your manuscript?
* This depends greatly on the length and draft-stage of your individual manuscript, as well as our general availability, although we do our best to fall within these ranges. If you need feedback by a certain date, let us know!
Average turnaround time for short stories, articles, essays, or work under 50 pages:
Average turnaround time for book-length projects:
Expedited turnaround time:
Average turnaround time for short stories, articles, essays, or work under 50 pages:
- 7-10 days
Average turnaround time for book-length projects:
- 4-6 weeks
Expedited turnaround time:
- Add $2 onto the page fee.
- We will have your short or mid-length project back to you in 2 - 3 days; your longer project back to you in 2 weeks!
What happens after you receive feedback?
Many people like to discuss the feedback they receive with their editor/consultant. We encourage you to book a half hour- or hour-long session with your consultant after you've had time to review and think about the feedback you've received. This is a great time to ask any clarifying questions or to bring up specific questions you might still have about your piece.
*Rates: $40/half-hour & $75/hour for follow-up phone conversations about your work
*Rates: $40/half-hour & $75/hour for follow-up phone conversations about your work
Want to continue working with your consultant?
Writing coaching might be right for you!
We also offer monthly coaching, and some have found it helpful to begin coaching after a manuscript consultation, since it provides a natural avenue into revision and continued work on the project with an editor who is familiar with your work. Coaching happens twice a month and can be tailored to your individual needs.