FAQ

Critiques, reviews, checklists, editing and proofing – what’s it all about? Find the answers here, or contact us.

I notice sometimes you use the word review, sometimes appraisal and sometimes critique. Are they the same thing?
Yes. People look for different terms, that’s all, but here at Fiction Feedback it means the same thing; the written critique(s) of your writing we provide together with checklist(s).

Is your service confidential?
Totally. Our reviewers and admin staff undertake to keep your work private. Neither your work nor any of your details are shared with any third party. After we have sent you your review(s), your manuscript file is deleted, or your manuscript returned. Copyright at all times remains with you, the writer.

Do you write comments on the manuscript? or make alterations?
No. Within the review service, we make no annotation or alteration to your manuscript whatsoever. That’s why, if you prefer to send it as a PDF file (read-only) rather than a Word document, it’s fine by us.

If I make any changes you might suggest, will this improve my chances of acceptance with an agent or publisher?
Almost certainly. It always helps to have other, informed opinion on your writing and often an objective eye can pick up flaws you’re unable to spot for yourself. People who are used to reading and reviewing fiction can see areas where you can improve and highlight these.

Do you critique any kind of novel?
Almost. Contemporary, crime, fantasy, humour, horror, romance and chick-lit are all fine. So are novels written for young adults.

We do not critique: – Harlequin Mills & Boon or other fiction written to strict guidelines; – erotica; – any non-fiction, including biographies. Please do not send manuscripts for review which fall into these categories. We do though offer our proofing and editing service for non-fiction.

Do you review short stories or poetry?
Yes. Go to the dedicated page for more details.

Do you review plays?
Yes, we accept scripts for stage or radio. Please go to the Plays page for more details.

Do you review scripts for TV and film?
Not currently. However, we recommend you consider the services of Script Angel – please visit www.scriptangel.co.uk

What about children’s writing?
Yes, all except picture books. See the dedicated page for details

How do I submit my writing for review?
In a nutshell, you email us your work, together with a completed Submission Form. We then email you an invoice which allows you to pay electronically by credit or debit card or by PayPal. Or you can pay by cheque through the post. Full details are in How to Submit.

If I get a good critique, will I definitely be published?
No, sorry. No one can guarantee that. But knowing that objective reviewers have valued your work will give you confidence when you approach publishers and agents.

Can you recommend my work to a literary agent or publisher?
No, afraid not. We have no formal links with publishers of fiction or agents – although in your approach to them you might want to say that you’ve had your writing independently assessed, as it shows you’re committed to your writing.

Can I stipulate which reviewer reads my work?
In a word, no, as reviews are written anonymously. However, we do our best to match up the kind of novel you’ve written with reviewers who particularly read that genre. There’s a space on the Submission Form for you to indicate which genre your novel falls into, if any.

May I send my writing to you in the post?
We charge a little extra if you wish to send your typed manuscript by post, and the reviewing service will necessarily take longer. If you opt for this service, please, keep a copy! We cannot guarantee your manuscript’s safe return although of course we do our best. Follow this link for full details.

What if my first three chapters are longer than the word-count you specify?
We have a separate cost for writing of up to 40,000 words, with further categories of up to 80,000 words and up to
120,000 words.

My first five chapters still come to fewer than 15,000 words. Can I send them all?
Yes. The 15,000 word count is the crucial thing.

Will the price be cheaper if I send fewer than three chapters, or substantially fewer than 15,000 words?
No, sorry, not if the work is over 2,000 words. For writing of less than 2,000 words our short story or flash fiction rates apply; see Short stories

Do you offer a proofing and editing service?
Yes, we offer a professional proofreading service and a basic editing service. We iron out spelling and punctuation mistakes, grammatical errors and flaws such as word repetition, incorrect word use and tautology. We also show you where you might want to make more changes and why. See Proofing & Editing

We offer this as a stand-alone service; you do not need to use our reviewing service first. However, if you do so within 6 months you benefit from a 12% discount on proofing and editing.

Can I speak to my reviewer(s)?
No, sorry, this is not a part of our service. It’s important our reviewers judge your writing exclusively on its own merit, just as a publisher or agent would.

My manuscript is handwritten. Can I still send it for review?
I’m afraid not. Agents and publishers strongly discourage handwritten scripts and we must do the same. However, we do offer a typing service, costing £11 per 1000 words. Email us for further details. We recommend you get your manuscript typed before sending it to an agent or publisher – it will stand a much better chance of success.

I am not writing in the UK. Can I still submit my work for review?
Yes. Providing the work is in English, that’s fine. If you need work translating, we recommend you approach the Society of Authors for referrals. Your payment will automatically be made in £sterling.

My question isn’t answered here. What do I do?
Email us!