Story Diagnostic & Feedback

Story Diagnostic & Feedback is a short, focused service designed to help writers see their manuscript more clearly when something isn’t quite working yet.

Sometimes a story feels stuck, but it’s difficult to say exactly why. The plot may feel uneven. The structure unclear. The character arcs not landing the way you hoped.

This service offers targeted manuscript feedback to help identify what may be happening in the story foundation and what might help the story move forward again.

Rather than a full developmental edit or full manuscript critique, this service focuses on early story feedback and story development. Together, we look at the core elements that shape how a story functions: plot, structure, character motivation, emotional tension, pacing, and narrative momentum.

This service is often most helpful during an early draft, while outlining, or during revision when the story feels unclear or difficult to move forward.

It is especially helpful for romance writers and romantasy writers who want early-stage manuscript feedback before committing to a full developmental edit.

What you’ll walk away with

You’ll receive focused story feedback that helps you understand:

• what may be holding the story back
• what is already working well
• and what may be worth focusing on next

The goal is to give you clarity and direction so you can move forward in your story development without second-guessing every decision.

This service is a good fit if you want help with:

• Developing or refining an outline for a work-in-progress or completed manuscript

• Understanding why a plot isn’t landing or where momentum slows down

• Strengthening character arcs, character motivation, or emotional tension

• Evaluating how individual scenes function within the larger story structure

• Clarifying the emotional throughline or central tension of your story

• Getting focused story feedback before committing to a full developmental edit.

Because the diagnostic focuses on selected materials rather than a full manuscript read-through, the feedback stays targeted and practical.

Focused early-stage story feedback to identify what isn’t working in your plot, structure, or character arcs, and what to do next.

How feedback is delivered

You’ll receive focused written feedback designed to help you step back and see your story more clearly. This includes a structured diagnostic overview of the core issues affecting your plot and/or characters, clear explanations of why those issues matter, and practical guidance on what to focus on next.

This feedback is designed to be read, re-read, and sat with — so you can process it at your own pace and return to it as you revise.

Pricing / Turnaround

• Up to 15,000 words (outline, synopsis, or partial draft)

• Written feedback + development notes

• Price: $250

• Average Turnaround: 7-14 days

When you book, you’ll also answer a few questions about your manuscript and what you’d like the story feedback to focus on, so the diagnostic can be tailored to your project.

On a deadline? Rush turnaround may be available depending on my schedule.

If you’re unsure what excerpts or texts to include, I’m happy to help you choose materials that will be most useful.

If you’re unsure if this service is for you — I’ll guide you.

Writers often book this service when something in their story feels off but they can't quite pinpoint why.

FAQs

Q: What kind of materials can I submit for a Story Diagnostic?
A: You can submit an outline, synopsis, or selected scenes from a draft (up to 15,000 words). This service focuses on targeted materials rather than a full manuscript read-through, making it ideal for early-stage story development, restructuring, or focused manuscript feedback.

Q: Is this the same as manuscript development or developmental editing?
A: No. Story Diagnostic & Feedback is an early-stage story feedback service designed to help clarify and strengthen your story foundation. If you have a complete draft and want big-picture feedback on the entire manuscript, Developmental Editing would likely be a better fit.

Q: Is follow-up support included?
A: Yes. Alongside a 14-day clarification window, this service includes one limited follow-up check so you can confirm whether your revisions are addressing the core issues identified in the diagnostic.

This follow-up is intended to support understanding and direction, not ongoing revision or additional analysis.