I can work with ARCs, drafts, .pdf formats or bound galleys: the only stipulation is that the book be typed or bound in some manner (i.e. not handwritten!).
A critique fee includes reading your book and providing a write-up about it (3-5 pages in length), with assessment elements to include discussion of its overall strengths and weaknesses, suggestions for changes or tweaks, and reference as to what audience it could reach. I’ve worked for over 35 years as a book reviewer and review all genres, from fiction to nonfiction and children’s books.
A critical assessment is different from a review, in that a review covers ‘what is’, not ‘what it could be’. Reviews are slated for publication in my column Donovan’s Shelf at the Midwest Book Review and on this website. A critical assessment, in contrast, is a closer, critical survey intended for your personal use in ‘tweaking’ your manuscript before publication, and is not slated for online review.
(Please note: this is NOT the same as my editorial service. You are paying for a critical assessment when you request a critique; not for services that involve re-writing, editing, or identifying grammar, syntax or spelling errors throughout the text; though the critical assessment would include mention of such problems if they were prevalent throughout the book. I do provide editing services for a different fee.)
For more information and pricing, just email and put 'Critique Inquiry' on your subject line:
donovan@sonic.net
Please include your book's page count, subject, and your turnaround time requirement.
These accolades from just a few of my many satisfied customers tell what you can expect:
Sophia Fintz, Assistant to Frank Nappi, Author of Welcome to the Show: "Please accept this email as a testament to the professionalism and expediency of Ms. Donovan in providing her review for Welcome to the Show. Her review was in-dept and thoughtful, and her communication about the process was always timely."
T.S. Ghosh, Author of Awakening Kali: "I was very pleased with the thorough review and excellent service provided by D. Donovan."
D.R. Bell (author of The Great Game and The Metronome): "Diane wrote a well thought-out review of my novel The Great Game. It is intentionally a complex book trying to combine political and personal realms and I was concerned that a reviewer will focus on only one side of it. To Diane’s credit, she was thorough and perceptive in reading and reviewing multiple dimensions of the book. I was so pleased with her work that I asked her to provide a critical assessment of my next novel, The Metronome. Diane was professional and punctual in providing the assessment which was to the point and very helpful in identifying the areas that need further work. I look forward to continuing to work with Diane."
Maria Fox (author of Comfort: A Mother's Life, A Daughter's Story, The Soul's Journey): "What a surprise to receive your critique so quickly! I find your feedback incredibly useful, insightful and I must say, encouraging. I appreciate your thoughts on marketing and confess I hadn't considered any of these avenues for sharing my work. I look forward to exploring the options you presented."
Christina Waymreen (author of Southwyck and EastWyck): "I love your critique! Absolutely on the ball and what I need. Your ideas are great. I did find my protagonist lacking and I see where his weakness lies."
Referrals
Would you like to
speak with someone who has used my services? These
authors have agreed to serve as references. Just go to their
websites and
locate their contact information (or email, if they have an email
contact
below). Please refer to 'Your Experience With Diane Donovan's Critique
Service'
in your subject line.
1. Vivek
Saredana,
Author of Straight
From the Gut:
2.
Deborah
Hawkins, Author of Ride
Your Heart Till it Breaks:
Website: dhawkins.net. Email: dhawkins@san.rr.com
3.
Alan
Brenham, Author of Rampage:
4. Dimitry Radbel, Author of The Metronome:
Email: drbell2022@gmail.com