Short Story Critiques
Short stories are delicate, concentrated things. With so few words, every sentence carries weight; a single image, gesture, or pause can shift how the whole story feels. That’s also what makes them tricky. When you’ve been close to a draft, it can be hard to see what’s really working, or where the story might be holding back. A thoughtful critique gives you that outside eye - not just pointing out the rough edges, but helping you see how to bring the story closer to what you intended.
When I approach short story feedback, I start with atmosphere and emotion - how the story breathes, where it carries weight, and where it might fall thin - before moving between the big picture and the line level: structure, character, pacing, rhythm, and dialogue. Over the years, I’ve helped writers place stories in journals, strengthen competition entries, and take drafts from rough beginnings to polished submissions.
Critique Options
I offer professional short story critiques and one-to-one online sessions designed to help writers at every stage of their practice. Whether you're polishing a competition entry, preparing for submission, or shaping the first draft of a new idea, my feedback is constructive, rigorous, and tailored to your needs.
All critiques are priced per 1,000 words, with different service levels depending on the depth of feedback you’d like. Online sessions are available either as a follow-up to a critique or as a way to develop an idea before you begin drafting. Critiques provide detailed written feedback on your manuscript, while online sessions give you the chance to discuss your work directly in real time.
If you’re not sure which service is right for you — or if you’d like to discuss your project before booking — you can use the contact form at the bottom of the page to get in touch. I'll be happy to recommend the option that best fits your goals.
Reader’s
Report
£35 per 1000 words
(approx. $47 USD | €40 EUR)*
A clear, big-picture overview of your story. I'll read with attention to the macro elements of your story, including atmosphere, tone, and structure, identifying where the story is landing well and where it might be refined.
You’ll receive:
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1–2 page written report, including suggestions for strengthening macro elements of your story, and questions to guide your next draft.
Best for: Early drafts, or when you simply want an honest first reader’s perspective without line-level detail.
Story
Critique
£50 per 1000 words
(approx. $67 USD | €57 EUR)*
A balanced critique that looks both at the whole story and its finer details. I'll give attention to both the macro (structure, characterisation, pacing, narrative) and micro (rhythm, word choice, dialogue, imagery) elements of your story.
You'll receive:
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Comments throughout your manuscript.
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2–3 page written report, including suggestions for strengthening both the macro and micro elements of your story, and questions to guide your next draft.
Best for: Stories you're preparing for competitions, journals, or anthologies, or drafts you’re ready to revise in detail.
Story Critique
with Line Edits
£75 per 1000 words
(approx. $100 USD | €86 EUR)*
The most in-depth level of feedback. I'll read closely at every level and return your story with detailed line edits plus a substantial written report. This is the closest experience to a developmental edit of a story.
You'll receive:
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Extensive line edits and comments throughout your manuscript.
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3–5 page written report, including suggestions for strengthening both the macro and micro elements of your story, and questions to guide your next draft.
Best for: Ambitious or experimental work, or stories you want the most detailed professional feedback on before submission.
* Exchange rates correct as of May 2026.
Online Sessions
For writers who prefer a more conversational approach, I offer one-hour online sessions (via Zoom or equivalent). These can be booked alongside a critique, or separately. Each session is focused entirely on your work, giving you space to ask questions, explore possibilities, and leave with a clearer sense of direction. Choose the session that suits your stage of writing.
Development Session
£60 per 1 hour session
(approx. $80 USD | €68 EUR)*
Sometimes you don’t yet have a finished draft, but you know you’d benefit from guidance before putting too many words on the page. In this one-hour session, I'll help you unpack your concept, discuss structure, characters and narrative form, and identify the atmosphere and emotional resonance you want your story to create. This can save time in drafting and give you a stronger foundation to build from.
Best for: Writers at the early stages of a story who want expert input on shaping an idea, outline, or initial draft before committing to a full critique.
Follow-Up
Session
£60 per 1 hour session
(approx. $80 USD | €68 EUR)*
Once you’ve received feedback, you may want to talk it through in real time. In this one-hour session, I'll walk you through the key points of feedback, answer any questions, and help you explore possible approaches to revision. Many writers find that this conversation deepens their understanding of the written notes and sparks new ways forward.
Best for: Writers who have received a critique from me, and want to clarify feedback, explore revision strategies, and leave with a clear action plan.
* Exchange rates correct as of May 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay?
Full payment is required upfront before critique work begins or an online session takes place. Payment can be made via bank transfer or PayPal (details provided on booking). All prices are in GBP (£). Prices are calculated to the nearest 1000 words.
How do I book an online session?
Online sessions are subject to availability and run on London (UK) time. A suitable slot will be agreed before payment is requested.
Can I book multiple stories or a collection?
Yes. You can book multiple short stories at once, and the fee will be calculated based on the combined word count. For projects over 10,000 words (such as a story collection), timing and pricing can be discussed individually.
What is not included?
This is a critique and developmental feedback service — it is not proofreading, copyediting, or ghostwriting. I do not guarantee publication or competition success.
Will my work be kept confidential?
Yes. All manuscripts and critiques are treated as confidential and will never be shared without permission.
Do you offer ongoing mentoring?
Yes. Some writers prefer to work together over a series of critiques or regular online sessions. This can be arranged individually depending on your needs.
How long will it take to receive my critique?
Critiques are usually returned within 10–14 days of receiving the manuscript. If a longer timeframe is needed, this will be agreed in advance.
What length of story can I send?
You can send any length of story, but bear in mind that this will affect the price and longer stories may have a longer turnaround time. Manuscripts should be sent as Word files.
Can you re-read my story after I revise it?
Yes. Many writers choose to send a revised draft after their first critique. This can be booked as a new critique, or sometimes at a reduced fee depending on the scope of revision.
Do you work with experimental or hybrid forms?
Yes. I'm as comfortable working with experimental or playful structures as with traditional and genre short fiction. My feedback is tailored to the form you’re working in.
Can I request a refund?
Once a critique or session has been delivered, refunds are not available.
Do you work with international writers?
Yes. I work with writers worldwide but, alas, I can only speak English. Critiques are delivered by email, and online sessions can be arranged across time zones (sessions run on London/UK time).
Do you work with novelists?
Yes! I work with novelists, drawing on my experience in short-form storytelling to focus on theme, character, voice, and emotional resonance. This approach can be very useful — though it’s not the right fit for every project, and I like to be upfront about that. Please note that I don’t offer formulaic plotting, genre rules, or market advice.
What if I have another question?
If you’re unsure about anything not covered here, just use the contact form at the bottom of the page. I will be happy to answer and help you decide what’s right for your work.
How to Book
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Use the contact form below to indicate the service you’d like to book.
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I'll email you confirming the arrangements, fee and expected turnaround time.
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Payment is made upfront via bank transfer or PayPal to secure your slot.
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Your critique will be returned within the agreed timeframe
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(Optional) If you’d like to discuss the feedback face-to-face, you can add a one-hour online session.
Not sure which service is right for you? Just get in touch. I'll recommend the best option based on your goals, whether you’re polishing a competition entry, preparing for submission, or working through an early draft.
