First Three Chapters

A no-obligation option. Send the text of your first page (no more than 150 words) and we'll send  you a brief commentary on it. Check our sample page for an example of what you can expect.

At $150, this is our most-popular option. We read and review your first three chapters with a careful eye. We evaluate character development. We tell you where we think the plot is going, guess at the killer (if it's a mystery), guess at the romance (if it has a love story). We also spot the red flags that can get your manuscript returned before the agent even gets through the chapters: anacronisms, unclear dialog, cliches, awkard constructions, tired set-ups. We can make suggestions about shifting around the order of events to create more drama (you can always shift them back once you get an agent). We can also tell you when to quit: your first three chapters should not be 120 pages of text. Editors want to see about 30-60 pages.

If you have received advice from agents who have already rejected your manucript, please share those with us. We can help you understand what they mean and help you adjust your pages to minimize the objections (if you agree they are valid).

Each review is entirely personalized and particular to you, so send us an email cover letter detailing your concerns! Every review is a back-and-forth: we're happy to answer questions you may have about our comments. For a small additional fee, we can also review your revised chapters.

At $250, this option makes the fullest use of our expertise. Even before an agent reviews your chapters, she will read your cover letter, check out your bio, glance over your market analysis, and scan your synopsis. Although the chapters are the most important part of your submission, a great pitch letter is key to getting your chapters read with care. We can help you craft your pitch letter, evaluate your bio, and give feedback on your market analysis. We can also be useful as reviewers of your synopsis--the one part of the submission package that writers seem to find most baffling and challenging. (This option also includes review of your chapters).