Are you ready?
Receiving feedback is a big step for any writer. I will be kind, but honest. When I submit my own work that is what I expect and I have assumed the same about you. I will help you identify the good parts of your story and I will show you where you can improve.
Why?
A manuscript appraisal, or assessment, is also called a critique, but I prefer the word appraisal. An appraisal will highlight the strengths and provide suggestions for weaker areas.
A good appraisal can shed new light on problem areas. It highlights inconsistencies or holes in the plot. It helps identify unnecessary or unbelievable characters. It can point out important descriptions and setting details versus padding. You get the idea.
Please mail mia@12shortstories.com for a quote if you are interested or have questions. More information about coaching can be found in our store.
Testimonials for appraisals
Manuscripts
I submitted my long-languishing manuscript to Mia for an honest appraisal, looking for ideas and suggestions where to take the story. She read it with such close scrutiny that she seemed to know the characters better than me and saw immediately how a slightly different overall scenario would best suit the motivation of the characters, enabling me to resolve a number of plot issues. Her overall assessment and annotated script have given me a lot to work with and the confidence that using her suggestions, and they are only suggestions – there is no pressure or imposition of her views on your story, I will be able to write a second more viable draft. Her inputs were invaluable and I’m sure without them my story would still be in that bottom draw.
Deryn Graham
Writing is a creative process, a gift to authors, wordsmiths and poets, who expose their all to hidden audiences. And in turn, appraisers, editors are the guardians, the carers, of those who travel far and wide to create the wonderful books, stories and poems released into the Universe. Mia is a good guardian
John Saul
Short Stories
I sent you a short story of mine called “The Dress” for a manuscript appraisal some time ago. I was very happy with the outcome and I rewrote my story based on your advice. I thought that I would let you know that it has recently been accepted for publication by a UK website! Monica Kagan
Mia’s honest appraisal of my short story, ‘A White Lie’ was great. The suggestions she made on how to improve it were valid and very clearly laid out. They are definitely suggestions I will be working on.
Elaine Dodge
The appraisal was thoughtful and thorough and has given me advice I can refer back to in future.
Chrisna Ribeiro
I’ve always had people telling me I write well. But Mia’s advice gave me what I had been pining for – an honest appraisal with practical tips on how to use dialogue, body language, setting and unique descriptions to improve my writing.
Anusuya
The appraisal was competent, and thorough. It really helped me to see where I can improve my writing and inspired me to try harder. I can recommend this service to anyone that wants an honest, yet sensitive appraisal without the fear that they will be ridiculed or short changed.
Victor Ribeiro
Your appraisal offered more than I expected, was honest, positive and professional and has motivated me to spend more time writing and more importantly editing and polishing.
Zane Baisley
Kids’ books
Mia has been beta reader/ mentor/ all-around awesome and kind human being – she was the first person to review the very first draft of #HowManyHellos and played a critical role.
Refiloe Moahloli
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I really appreciate this feedback, it is invaluable.
Ntombenhle Khathwane