"Marie found grammatical errors, plot problems, and helped me to define inconsistencies that I didn't know existed. Not only that, she gave me some fabulous suggestions, noted places where I could add depth, as well as missed comedic opportunities, and helped me identify situations that felt contrived, how and where to add maximum comedy, suspense, emotion, etc. She explained how agents and editors tend to be turned off by these kinds of plot devices." —Deb Julienne
MSF Manuscript Services
An Extra Set of Eyes for Romance Writers Only
Congratulations! You’ve completed a romance manuscript and are ready to submit it to agents and editors for consideration. You’ve agonized over every word, you’ve buffed and polished it, and you feel ready to move forward on the road to publication. But wait! If you haven’t submitted your manuscript for a professional copy edit, you might have missed the most critical step in your journey. Nothing is more off-putting to industry professionals than basic grammar errors that often result in automatic rejection. Why take that chance? A professional copy editor is trained to spot the very grammar mistakes that can derail your manuscript. Look no further, I’m here to help.
With a degree in journalism and twenty years of writing and editing experience, I can help you to ensure your work is ready for prime time. I bring the unique perspective of also being a romance writer. My debut novel, “Line of Scrimmage,” will be out on September 1, 2008. I’ve spent years studying the romance craft and can help you with a simple line edit or a more complex review that identifies issues with point of view, pacing, sagging middles, flat dialogue, and plot. You decide how much or how little help you need.
To find out more about my background and journey to publication, go to www.mariesullivanforce.com/about.php.
How does it work?
- Contact me via email at mforce@cox.net to request a review.
- Complete and sign the required order form.
- Submit the first chapter for initial review and price quote.
- Negotiate level of service required and settle on the fee.
- Submit the complete manuscript via email in the following format: double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman, with page numbers and your name/manuscript name in the header. Manuscripts that are not formatted properly may be returned.
- Save the file in this manner: LastName/FirstName/MANUSCRIPT NAME in all capital letters.
- Submit payment as directed.
- Allow up to three weeks for a line edit and four weeks for a full critique. (Possibly longer if I’m on deadline. Timeframes will be determined at the outset.)
How much does it cost?
- The price for a basic line edit will be determined based on the condition of the first chapter. The range is $400 to $750 for up to 100,000 words. Anything over 100,000 words will incur additional costs to be negotiated at the outset.
- Additional services include a full critique to identify technical issues. The cost for these services ranges from $300 to $500, also determined by the first chapter.
- I reserve the right to notify clients of the potential for additional charges if the first chapter is not representative of the general condition of the remaining manuscript. No additional charges, beyond those negotiated at the outset, will be incurred without prior consultation with the client.
Query Review
Now that you have written and polished your manuscript, the next step is selling it. Writing an effective query letter—the method used to introduce your work to agents and editors—is two parts art, one part science. I can help you craft an effective letter to gain the attention of industry professionals. Make sure your letter touches on all the salient points needed to get results by working with someone who knows how to do it. Fee: $200
Disclaimer
While I promise to do my best to ensure your manuscript is ready for industry review, I make no guarantees that it will be published. The publishing industry is one of the most difficult to break into, and many factors go into determining which manuscripts are bought and which ones are not. I will guarantee that without a polished, professionally edited manuscript, your chances of being published are extremely low. Since that’s something you can control, let’s work together to put out the best possible product.
The Latest
"Line of Scrimmage," Sourcebooks, Fall 2008