Professional critiques provide feedback that can highlight strengths, point out areas for growth, and bring new insights to a writer’s work. From free communities that welcome all levels to paid services offering in-depth analysis, a variety of critique options are available to suit different needs and budgets.
Here are some top options online for receiving both paid and free critiques from professionals.
Professional Critiques
1. NY Book Editors
Cost: $995 – $2,995
Key Features/Services: developmental editing, copyediting, editorial assessments by former Big Five publishing house editors
NY Book Editors offers editorial services aimed at helping authors improve their manuscripts. Their team, including former Big Five editors, provides developmental editing, line editing, and manuscript assessments, with feedback on elements like pacing, character development, and overall structure. Prices depend on the length and complexity of the work, and they handle a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction, giving authors access to experienced editors from traditional publishing backgrounds.
2. Writer’s Digest Critique Services
Cost: $50 – $3,500
Key Features/Services: critiques for short stories, query letters, synopses, full-length manuscripts; feedback from professional editors
Writer’s Digest Critique Services provides in-depth critiques for everything from query letters and synopses to complete manuscripts. Writers receive personalized feedback from seasoned editors, covering areas like grammar, style, story structure, and character development. They work with all types of writing—fiction, nonfiction, and poetry—making it a flexible option for writers at different points in their careers.
3. Reedsy
Cost: $500 – $2,000+ (varies based on the editor)
Key Features/Services: connects writers with freelance editors for developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading, and more
Reedsy is a platform that connects writers with freelance editors offering services like developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Editors are vetted professionals, many with backgrounds in well-known publishing houses. Writers can choose editors based on their expertise and genre specialization, allowing for personalized feedback.
4. Scribendi
Cost: $20 – $2,000+
Key Features/Services: editing, proofreading, and critique; focus on grammar, style, and clarity
Scribendi offers a variety of editing and critique services, with options for short documents and full manuscripts. The platform is known for its quick turnaround and detailed feedback on grammar, style, and clarity. Writers upload their work to the website, where it is assigned to an editor who specializes in their type of writing. Scribendi accepts creative writing, academic papers, business documents, and more.
5. Manuscript Academy
Cost: $69 – $199
Key Features/Services: one-on-one feedback sessions with agents, editors, and writers for manuscripts and queries
Manuscript Academy connects authors with literary agents, editors, and other industry professionals for one-on-one critique sessions. During these sessions, writers receive live feedback on their manuscript or query, along with personalized advice on how to improve. The service is particularly useful for authors looking to polish their work before submitting it to agents or publishers. It focuses on fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books.
6. BookBaby Editing Services
Cost: $800 – $3,000+
Key Features/Services: copyediting, line editing, manuscript critiques
BookBaby has a full range of editing services geared toward self-published authors. Their team of editors gives feedback on grammar, structure, and style to help writers refine their manuscripts for publication. Alongside editing, BookBaby provides a complete set of self-publishing services, making it a convenient all-in-one option for indie authors. They work with all kinds of manuscripts, from fiction to nonfiction.
7. The Literary Consultancy (TLC)
Cost: £200 – £1,500
Key Features/Services: manuscript assessments, mentoring, and proofreading by professional editors
The Literary Consultancy (TLC) provides manuscript assessments, proofreading, and mentoring services. Their editors—many with backgrounds in top literary agencies and publishing houses—offer detailed feedback on elements like structure, plot, and character development. It’s a great option for writers seeking professional critique to elevate their work. TLC accepts a range of projects, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and scripts, making it accessible to writers across different genres and formats.
8. JBWB (Jacqui Bennett Writers Bureau)
Cost: £10 – £150
Key Features/Services: manuscript critiques, short story critiques, feedback on synopses and query letters
JBWB offers budget-friendly critiques for short stories, novels, and scripts, focusing on helping writers enhance structure, pacing, and character development. It’s a solid choice for emerging writers looking for affordable, constructive feedback on their creative projects.
9. FirstEditing
Cost: $100 – $1,500
Key Features/Services: developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading
FirstEditing provides a variety of editing services, from simple proofreading to comprehensive developmental editing. Their professional editors offer feedback on writing style, grammar, and overall narrative quality, making it a good fit for writers looking to polish their manuscripts before publication. They work with both fiction and nonfiction writers, as well as academic and business projects, offering a flexible option for different editing needs.
10. Indie Novella
Cost: £99 – £1,000+
Key Features/Services: editorial assessments, full manuscript critiques, and mentoring for independent authors
Indie Novella provides editorial support tailored for independent authors. Their experienced editors give feedback on plot, character development, and structure, focusing on helping self-published and indie authors refine their work before publication. They accept both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts in a range of genres.
11. Henshaw Press
Cost: £10 – £50
Key Features/Services: critique services for short stories and flash fiction
Henshaw Press offers critique services mainly for short stories and flash fiction. They also host writing competitions, where the entry fee includes a critique for each submission. Their feedback covers structure, plot, and language, giving writers helpful insights into their short fiction. It’s a great option for anyone looking to polish their short stories or try their hand at competitions.
Community Critiques
1. BetaReader.io
Cost: Free and paid plans (up to $49/month for premium services)
Key Features/Services: connects writers with beta readers who provide feedback on manuscripts
BetaReader.io connects writers with beta readers who give feedback on early drafts. Writers can submit their work and get input on aspects like story structure and character development. The platform makes it simple to manage multiple readers and includes tools to organize and track feedback. Writers in any genre—fiction or nonfiction—can benefit from the constructive critiques offered by readers worldwide.
2. Inked Voices
Cost: $10 – $25/month depending on membership level
Key Features/Services: a platform for writers to submit work and receive feedback from critique groups
Inked Voices is an online writing community with a subscription model that connects writers in small critique groups for focused feedback. Writers can join groups tailored to their genre or specific writing needs, making it a great fit for those who want in-depth critiques and accountability from like-minded peers. It supports fiction, nonfiction, and memoir writers.
3. British Science Fiction Association (BSFA)
Cost: £29 per year.
Key Features/Services: critiques for science fiction writers
The British Science Fiction Association (BSFA) provides its members with a critique service specifically for science fiction writing. Members can submit their stories and get feedback from fellow sci-fi writers, creating a perfect community for those dedicated to the genre. It’s a supportive, genre-specific space where writers can exchange critiques, gain insights, and sharpen their storytelling skills.
4. The Next Big Writer
Cost: $7.95 per month for basic membership
Key Features/Services: a community platform where writers submit work and receive feedback in exchange for critiquing others
The Next Big Writer is an online community where writers can share their work and receive critiques by giving feedback to others. Members join a reciprocal critique system that encourages collaboration and improvement. Writers across all genres—fiction, nonfiction, and poetry—can benefit from peer reviews that cover elements like character development, pacing, and structure. It’s a great space for writers who want to grow through mutual support and constructive feedback.
Individual Services
1. Christopher Fielden
Cost: £50 – £150
Key Features/Services: critiques for short stories
Christopher Fielden is an experienced writer and editor who offers critique services for short stories and flash fiction. With his background in short-form fiction, he provides thoughtful feedback on narrative structure, character development, and style. Writers can email their work, and he’ll respond with a detailed critique that covers both the technical and creative sides of the piece.
2. Lynn Love
Cost: £30 – £100
Key Features/Services: feedback on short stories, flash fiction, and writing prompts
Lynn Love offers personalized critiques for short stories, flash fiction, and writing prompts. She focuses on helping writers enhance the emotional depth, pacing, and flow of their stories. Writers can submit their work and receive constructive feedback aimed at refining their voice and strengthening the storytelling experience
3. Chuck Sambuchino
Cost: $50 – $300
Key Features/Services: query letter critiques and submission advice for writers seeking agents
Chuck Sambuchino focuses on query letter critiques and submission strategies, helping writers boost their chances of landing literary representation or publication. With his extensive experience in publishing, he provides valuable feedback on both the content and structure of queries, ensuring they’re polished and compelling. Sambuchino’s services are affordable and accessible to writers at different stages, and he also offers critiques for short pieces, giving detailed, actionable suggestions for improvement.
4. Nathan Bransford
Cost: $100 – $350
Key Features/Services: query letter critiques, manuscript editing, and general advice on the publishing industry
Nathan Bransford, a former literary agent and author, offers critique services for query letters, manuscript editing, and publishing advice. With experience in both fiction and nonfiction, he provides feedback for writers across genres. Bransford’s detailed critiques are geared toward helping writers improve their chances of landing representation or finding success with self-publishing.