MINI MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE FOR FANTASY & ROMANCE AUTHORS
You only get one chance to captivate your readers — and those first 5–10 pages carry the weight of your entire book. If your opening doesn’t land, even the most brilliant plot can lose its sparkle and risk putting you on the DNF list.
First impressions matter.
Let’s make your manuscript’s opening pages as spellbinding as the story you’ve imagined.
That’s where the Mini Manuscript Critique comes in.
Detailed feedback, actionable suggestions, and a clear path forward. All the magic of working with an expert editor, without the commitment of a full-service edit.
Not sure if your story’s first pages are pulling their weight?
You’ve poured your heart into your book’s opening, and for good reason: Those first 5–10 pages do a lot of heavy lifting. They introduce your characters, establish your world, and shape a reader’s first impression. No matter how strong the rest of the story is, you’ll lose readers if those initial pages don’t land.
And that’s exactly what the Mini Manuscript Critique is for.
Maybe you’re wondering:
✨ Does my protagonist grab the reader’s attention right away?
✨ Is my worldbuilding clear without overwhelming?
✨ Will readers feel compelled to turn the page — or quietly set it down?
This critique is a low-commitment, high-support way to uncover what’s working (and what’s not) in those critical opening pages. Whether you’re preparing to query, self-publish, or just want a professional gut check, I’ll help you refine your beginning so it sparkles.
What’s included
Line-Level Feedback on Your First 5–10 Pages
Light, purposeful margin notes focused on clarity, flow, and emotional impact. I’ll flag what’s working, what’s not, and why it matters.
A Big-Picture Editorial Letter
You’ll get a 1–2 page summary covering voice, character setup, worldbuilding, opening scene strength, and genre alignment.
Action-Forward Recommendations
I won’t just tell you what to fix — I’ll show you how. I’ll give you a clear, actionable list of edits that will move your story forward.
Loom Video Walkthrough
A personalized screen recording where I talk you through my edits on your pages. Think of this as a mini coaching session with your editor.
30-Minute Post-Critique Consultation
For two weeks after delivery, I’ll be in your corner — ready to answer questions, talk through tricky spots, or cheer you on when you need it most — so you can keep moving forward as you work through revisions.
Two Weeks of Unlimited Email Support
As you revise, I’ll be in your corner — ready to answer questions, offer encouragement, or talk you down from a mid-draft spiral.
“I was nervous about getting professional feedback, but Nina’s approach made the entire process so easy.
She offered insightful suggestions while respecting my voice, and her notes were always clear, constructive, and encouraging. My book is so much stronger because of her!”
— JORDAN S., ROMANCE AUTHOR
Grab a hot beverage and settle into your coziest reading chair — this is your first meeting with your new go-to book editor.
I know having your story edited can feel thrilling, scary, and terribly vulnerable. You’ve poured your heart into these pages, staying up late thinking about your dynamic characters, harrowing plot twists, and the perfect moment when enemies turn into lovers. Handing your story to someone else takes courage.
So hi! I’m Nina — and I know exactly what it’s like to be completely, obsessively in love with stories.
Growing up, I spent more hours curled up in my local bookstore than most people spend watching TV. I’m first and foremost a reader and lover of stories. That love led me to over 15 years of editing experience, a PhD in literature, and a passion for helping writers transform their drafts into irresistible, unputdownable novels.
I bring both an editor’s expert eye and a bookworm’s genuine excitement to every project — whether it’s an epic chosen-one fantasy, a swoony enemies-to-lovers romance, or the next big trope everyone wishes they’d thought of first.
You’ve lived in your story’s world so long that spotting the cracks can feel impossible — and that’s okay. That’s what I’m here for: to help you see what’s already magical and where your story can shine even brighter. I’m here to treat your manuscript like the treasure it is, with respect, care, and a touch of enchantment.
You (and your readers) deserve nothing less for the book that’s bound to become someone’s next favorite.
Hi, I’m Nina
MEET YOUR EDITOR
Here’s how it works...
Book your critique
.01
Reserve your spot and upload the 5–10 pages you’d like feedback on. You’ll get a confirmation email with everything you need to send me your work.
I’ll review & send back your critique
.02
Before our call, I’ll send over a marked-up Google Doc and a Loom video walking you through my comments, so you’ll have plenty of time to absorb it all in advance.
We’ll meet to chat through your edits
.03
Then, we’ll hop on a 30-minute Zoom call to discuss your pages, unpack the edits, and answer any lingering questions about your story, next steps, or writing process.
This is perfect for you if…
You’re not sure your opening is strong enough yet (and want honest, constructive feedback to help you level up).
This isn’t the right fit if…
You’ve never worked with an editor and want to dip your toes in before committing to a full-service edit.
You’re prepping to query or self-publish and need a second set of expert eyes on your opening.
You’re here to genuinely grow as a writer — not just collect gold stars and compliments.
You’re looking for feedback on your entire manuscript (Fairy GodReader might be a better option!).
You haven’t written your first pages yet (or aren’t quite ready to share them).
You’re only looking for quick grammar and spelling fixes (this critique goes deeper than that).
You’re not open to receiving thoughtful feedback that will help you grow as a writer.
