First chapter Critique

It’s no secret that first chapters can make or break a novel—so why leave it up to chance? Give your story the best possible start. Book a first chapter critique and receive:

  • A diagnostic report highlighting your first chapter’s strengths and weaknesses, paired with actionable feedback designed to keep readers, agents, and acquisition editors turning the page.

  • Targeted sidebar comments to reinforce key insights.

  • A 45-minute follow-up chat to clarify feedback and answer your questions.

best for

Writers who are satisfied with their draft’s overall structure and story: If you’re happy with your draft on a narrative level, a first chapter assessment adds that final polish before you focus on sentence-level editing. Think of it like the cherry on top of the cake!

Writers seeking to sample a full developmental edit or manuscript evaluation: If you’d like to experience my feedback first-hand before committing to a full developmental edit or manuscript evaluation, a first chapter critique might be right for you. Just bear in mind that my feedback may change once I see your first chapter in the context of your entire manuscript (this is why this service is generally only recommended for structurally sound drafts).

price

$0.03 USD per word/£0.02 GBP per word

All prices are set according to the Editorial Freelancers Association’s (EFA) standard rates. Please review these here.

Has the Global Affordability Crisis impacted your editing budget? Apply for my “Fair Exchange” program: In an effort to support authors, I’m introducing the “Fair Exchange” program. Here’s how it works: If you can’t afford my normal rates, I’ll offer you a 10-40% discount (the exact percentage will depend on your circumstances) in exchange for your help in increasing Noumenon Edits’ online visibility. This could mean:

  • Providing a thorough, honest review of my services that I can potentially use to market Noumenon Edits to prospective clients.

  • Creating posts on social media (Instagram, Threads, etc.) discussing your experience with Noumenon Edits.

  • Mentioning Noumenon Edits on your novel’s acknowledgements page.

  • Recommending Noumenon Edits to your fellow authors (assuming that’s something you’d feel comfortable doing, of course!).

It could also mean something else entirely. I’m open to suggestions! At the end of the day, the point is to create a trade that works for both of us. If you’re interested, let me know in the contact form, and we’ll work something out.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

  • Preview an excerpt from a previous editorial letter

  • Book a complimentary 45-minute consultation call (no strings attached!)

Schedule a full editing spot or request any of the above by filling out the contact form (linked below):

Book Now
Book Now