Why critiquer and not editor? Well, mostly because "editor" seems a little formal to me. Plus, I like saying "critiquer" more. But here's my basic reasoning: I love giving critique, helping my fellow writers make their work the best it can be, especially in the many writing workshops and critique groups and partnerships I've participated in. So it's more how I think of myself, but also how I like to be thought of. (Yes, I realized I ended that sentence in a preposition-- it's a stylistic choice, go with it!)

My background is in children's literature and I'm most comfortable with YA novels, but have critiqued middle grade novels and fantasy for adult audiences as well. I'm currently learning more about the romance market, especially Regency romances, so I'd also be comfortable reading those.

If you aren't sure if I'd be a good fit for your work, send me an email using the contact form describing your project.

Testimonials:

"Kathleen is amazing at critique. Her feedback is honest and constructive yet never feels daunting. Her strength is in asking clever, thought-provoking questions. Even if I don't answer them in the text, they invariably inform and improve my world-building (always a challenge for me) and characterization."
-Jessica Spotswood, author of BORN WICKED, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2012

"Kathleen is a wonderfully insightful and detail-oriented reader. Her commentary was thorough and so helpful. She also made herself available to discuss the manuscript further -- allowing me to use her as a sounding board as I considered different changes and plot elements."
-Tiffany Schmidt, author of SEND ME A SIGN, Walker Books for Young Readers, 2012

"Kathleen is an insightful critiquer, one who pays attention to every sentence, every paragraph, and every chapter. I was in a series of workshops with her at Hollins University while pursuing my MA in Children's & Young Adult Literature, and I coveted her feedback in class because her comments were completely comprehensive. She always gives a 360 degree critique, giving both micro and macro level comments, global and regional comments, as well as advice on character arc and the overall story structure."
- Dhonielle Clayton, represented by Emily van Beek, member of Teen Writers Bloc

"I've been working with Kathleen as a critique partner since 2006, and her feedback continues to play a vital role in my revision process. She has a keen eye for details and spots anything from comma errors to character inconsistencies to plot holes at any stage of the process. Whether you’re working on your first novel or your tenth, Kathleen’s critiques will help the words of your stories come alive on the page."
- Janelle Madigan, paranormal romance writer

"Kathleen is one of the best at manuscript critiquing. I sent her my 425-page novel and received timely, well thought-out suggestions. Kathleen provided not only global recommendations but also specific line edits, catching inconsistencies and other errors. Her critique enabled me to take a fresh look at my manuscript and start afresh - feeling excited and renewed from her direction rather than overwhelmed by the process."
- Stephanie Pearmain, YA contemporary writer

"Kathleen has been my faithful critique partner for over five years. Her consistently detailed and thought-provoking critiques have encouraged and challenged me to grow as a writer. Kathleen is not bound to genre or style. She is simply passionate about good stories, and in helping writers to tell them better. If you’re looking for someone to go deep into your story and cross-examine your characters, Kathleen’s the one to do it. I have the evidence of over one thousand critiqued pages to prove it!"
- Amelia Ross, YA fantasy writer

Education:

BA in Interdisciplinary Studies (English & Sociology) from Virginia Tech
MFA in Children’s Literature from Hollins University

Submission Guidelines:

All manuscripts are to be sent via email attachment with the following guidelines:
- Pages numbered, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font. Page breaks between chapters.
- Be sure your name and your title are listed under properties.
- Send the file as first initial, last initial, title.doc or .docx Example: KF_Title.doc

Important Information:

Please note all novel & novella critiques take 4-8 weeks. Shorter pieces take 1-4 weeks. All time frames are from the date I receive the manuscript, not date of purchase. Please send your manuscript immediately after placing the order to avoid delays.

Instructions on where to email the manuscript are shown after the order is placed.

This service is for textual critique purposes only and in no way guarantees agent representation or publishing contracts. It is meant to improve craft. If you’re looking for help with the business side of publishing, please see my page regarding publishing.

Refunds are only given in the event that I am unable to give a critique. Critiques given are final for that draft. If there are any delays in getting your critique to you, you will be notified.

I will use Microsoft Word’s “Track Changes” feature for line notes. If this is a problem, please let me know prior to submission and we will discuss other options.

If you prefer hard copy critiques, you must print and ship your project to me. All postage is your responsibility; please include a SASE. There is an additional 20% fee for this type of critique.

If I have to reformat a "by the page" submission and it is longer than what has been paid for, no critique will be given until the difference is paid. There is also a 3% fee per additional page for reformatting. Please double-check all guidelines prior to submission to avoid delayed critique & additional fees.

I do not do copy-editing (grammar). If I see any obvious errors I might point them out but I will not line-edit for grammatical mistakes.

Any resemblance of a critiqued manuscript to my former, current or future works is a coincidence. All work remains the property of the writer.

If you have any questions that were not answered here, please see my FAQ/Policies/Help page.