Need a fresh pair of eyes on your manuscript?

I’m Danielle, a developmental editor specializing in manuscript critiques.

I can identify any big-picture storytelling issues within the narrative, explain how they may be problematic, and suggest solutions.

Examples of such issues are:

  • Inconsistent characterization or chronology
  • Irrelevant or unresolved subplots
  • Lack of tension and unbalanced structure
  • Switching POV too often
  • A rushed or unsatisfying resolution

I also pay close attention to any specific concerns you may have.

What's a manuscript critique?

A manuscript critique is an analysis of the essential storytelling elements, such as theme, plot, character, pace, and style.

My analysis is presented in a 10- to 15-page editorial report that discusses the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses.

I also include a list of characters as well as a chapter details table. See examples here.

A manuscript critique does not involve me making changes to the manuscript itself, nor does it address grammar or mechanics (e.g. spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, etc.) unless I notice a systemic issue. I am also not responsible for fact-checking.

8 years of experience

In addition to an Associate of the Arts degree, I received online training from the American Copy Editor’s Society, Liminal Pages, The Author-Editor Clinic, and Proofread Anywhere. Some of the courses I completed were:

  • Cleaning Your Copy
  • Language Primer
  • Clarity is Key
  • The Art and Science of Editing
  • Fundamentals of Editing
  • Getting It Right
  • Writing Online Headlines
  • General Proofreading – Ignite
  • The Visible Editor
  • Developmental Editing: In Theory
  • Developmental Editing: In Practice
  • Introduction to Developmental Editing: Book-Length Fiction and Creative Nonfiction

Here’s what some clients have said about my services:

"I have worked with a number of editors and Danielle is by far the best one I've worked with. I appreciate her unique perspective. It's perfect."
Lynn Crandall
contemporary romance manuscript
"Brilliant, knowledgeable, thorough, passionate, reliable: Danielle is the editor I was dreaming of! She gave me the perfect mix of tough love, humor, and professionalism to transform my manuscript into the best story it could be!"
Gaia B. Amman
speculative romance manuscript
"Danielle did an amazing job! She came up with some incredible, thoughtful suggestions to improve my manuscript. She was prompt, easy to communicate with, and all around a pleasure to work with. A five-star editing job!"
Annabelle Costa
romantic comedy manuscript
"Danielle is a dream come true for authors who need a keen eye to look over their manuscript. The critique she offers is brilliantly done. She points out what works and what doesn't, often finding things others have missed, and offers great ideas. She truly gets absorbed in the story and goes into rich detail to help strengthen your novel. Whether you are planning to submit to an agent or go indie, I highly recommend the service Keen Eye Editing provides."
Angela Smith
young adult manuscript

Invest in your writing

I currently charge $0.01 per word for a manuscript critique.

Turnaround depends on the length of a manuscript. I typically reserve at least 4 weeks for an average-length novel (80,000 words). I do not offer rush jobs.

Discounts:
• Referred clients – 10% off the first critique for new clients referred to me by an existing client.
• Repeat clients – 5% off all subsequent critiques.

Interested in working with me?

CONTACT ME