After speaking with my cadre of enablers, I have decided to open my own special brand of writing critique services. Keep in mind, this is not your average feedback. This service is for those writers serious enough about their craft to brave the merciless blade of the Gothic Goddess Herself.
You really think you have what it takes to be a professional-grade writer? Because this shit ain’t for the thin-skinned. Professional writing is a tough business and, to survive it, you need to be even tougher.
Think of the toughest person you know. You’ll have to be TOUGHER THAN THEM.
I do not use a red pen. I use a flail and scalpel. Your work (and through it, you, personally) will bleed, and possibly die. If you survive, you’ll come out better, stronger, scarred, and without any illusion at all about your work.
Having said that, do keep in mind I am not purposefully cruel. I am honest, and honesty can (and should) be absolutely brutal. If your writing is solid, I will say that. I do not intentionally look for things I can pick at. That means more work for me, and while I don’t shy away from hard work, the less I have to do, the better I like it.
So, if you’ve the courage and fortitude to enter my lair, have a look at the options below. A great deal of thought and consideration has gone into this price guide, so I don’t want to hear any whining about it. If you whine at all, this is not the place for you. As the credo of the Evil League of Evil Writers says, I do not tolerate whining, crying, sniveling, whimpering or bawling about writing, publishing, or any aspect thereof.
Still here? Very well. Here is how much my time and attention will cost you. I am open to any genre (including erotica).
(Please note I require a 50% down payment for all services below.):
Query Only – $25.00
Query + 1st Chapter – $45.00
Query + 3 Chapters – $100.00
Query + 5 Chapters – $150.00
The balance will be due upon completion of the crit. You can also pay by credit card through Paypal if you don’t have a Paypal account.
Chapters Only – $25.00 PER CHAPTER (up to 20 pages per chapter – limit 10 chapters). Email me at crits [at] dinajames [dot] com if you wish to purchase this option.
Whole Manuscript – $500.00 or $1.00 per page, whichever is greater (125,000 word limit)
Note: If your full manuscript ends up going over $500.00, the balance will be billed to you upon delivery of your crit.
Refund Policy
If I cannot complete your crit for any reason other than your manuscript sucking so bad I can’t read another word without vomiting blood (in this case, I will send it back to you with a “fuck this shit” note and keep your money), you will be entitled to a full refund of your down payment. Other than that, all sales are final and no amount of whining at me because you don’t like what I said will avail you.
What You Get Back:
Your crit will include comments and a 1-2 page summary of my thoughts. If you did well, you’ll get a kitten picture with your crit summary.
All materials submitted for critique are required to be in manuscript format (double-spaced, 12 point font, .doc file).
Turnaround Time:
This depends on my schedule, how many people are ahead of you in the queue, and what package you choose. You’re welcome to email me at crits [at] dinajames [dot] com and ask about my current availability.
Your material will be returned to you with one of the following grades:
– Ready. The Force is strong with you. You are ready to take the trials. Go query an agent and stop wasting time and money on pats on the head.
– Coherent. I can see what you’re trying to do here. Clean yourself up and you’ll be ready.
– Legible. You can make words, I’ll give you that. They don’t make any sense put together, but you can make them.
– Sordid. You can spell your name, and you’ve got some words written down here. I think they’re words. It’s hard to tell.
– Disgusting. You’re not capable of writing your own name, let alone a novel. Stop abusing the keyboard until you learn to not make it cry.
Who Are You To Offer This?
If you have to ask, you really shouldn’t be here.
Have a question I haven’t answered here?
Email me at crits [at] dinajames [dot] com.