Odile Sullivan-Tarazi

Expository (informational) nonfiction

A manuscript critique examines the work for the same issues as a developmental edit would, but summarizes the findings and suggestions in an editorial letter that generally comes in shorter than the dev edit version. There is no in-ms work, no margin comments.

As with a dev edit, the focus in a ms critique is on questions such as these:

• Is the structure overall the best one for audience and context? For the material?

• Do the concepts flow clearly and logically? Is context clearly established and maintained?

• Is any critical information missing, misplaced, or hidden?

• Is any material either superfluous or redundant?

• Would restructuring or reenvisioning make the material easier to follow?

• Do writing style and tone place the author in the best light? Do they serve the material well? Speak to the audience successfully?

• Is the discussion smooth, the writing itself easy to read and absorb?

And so on. This is not a comprehensive list.

Narrative nonfiction

A manuscript critique examines the work for the same issues as a developmental edit would, but summarizes the findings and suggestions in an editorial letter that generally comes in shorter than the dev edit version. There is no in-ms work, no margin comments.

As with a dev edit, the focus in a ms critique is on questions such as these:

• Is the theme clear? Do the significant points in the narrative all dovetail and support it?

• Is the storyline compelling? Have the right details been selected? Are they interwoven successfully?

• Are the details credible? Are we able as readers to glean the insights the author wants us to from these real-life events?

• Are narrative and exposition well balanced? Does that balance serve the author’s purpose? The needs of the material?

• Is the POV clear and consistent? Does it support the story well?

And so on. This is not a comprehensive list. Stories about others (biographies, profiles, literary journalism) carry with them their own particular conventions and concerns, as do stories about ourselves (memoir).

fiction

A manuscript critique examines the work for the same issues as a developmental edit would, but summarizes the findings and suggestions in an editorial letter that generally comes in shorter than the dev edit version. There is no in-ms work, no margin comments.

As with a dev edit, the focus in a ms critique is on questions such as these:

• Are all the elements of fiction — character, plot, conflict, setting, and so on — in place?

• Are the core principles of story structure in place?

• Is the story arc clear? Is it successful? Are the character arcs clear, are they successful?

• Is the setting distinct and unique? Is it evoked and used well? Does it serve the story?

• Does the story situate us as readers in the experience?

• Is narrative summary used well? Or is anything buried that ought to be highlighted?

• Are scenes constructed well? Or is anything so highlighted that does not advance the story or tie in well with theme?

• Is the dialogue natural? Does it, at all points, either advance the plot or say something about character — or both?

• Is exposition handled well? Or is there info dumping or “As you know, Bob” conversations?

• If anything is handled unexpectedly, is it done so artistically, with an eye to flouting or overturning convention? Or is it handled unsuccessfully?

And so on. This is not a comprehensive list. Specific genres carry with them their own conventions and concerns. And literary fiction, more so than anything else, might dictate its own rules.

What you get

• A concise editorial letter that discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the work and offers suggestions for improvement

• A video conference to walk through this overall analysis and recommendations