Whether you are trying to self-publish your work or submit your manuscript to a literary agent, we can help you increase the likelihood of attaining your goals. When a client contacts FTP for a manuscript critique through the Fiction Manuscript Critique Form, there are three questions of utmost importance:

• What is your purpose as an author?
• What is the purpose behind writing this story?
• Who makes up your desired audience?

Your answers to these questions allows us to utilize your frame of reference in order to construct an honest and considerate critique. Bare honesty only stands to gain. To be expected, we do not press our preferences on your purpose or desired goals.

The critique you will receive is typically written on a chapter-to-chapter basis and covers how effectively the elements of fiction are utilized:

1. Purpose  Does your purpose as an author fit with the manuscript? Does your purpose for writing the story fit with the theme of the manuscript?
2. Writing Devices  How effective is the structure of the manuscript for this particular story? How effective are the figures of speech, symbolism and the settings? Are the contents of each chapter displayed with appropriate format? Does the story flow well chapter-to-chapter?
3. Characters and Dialogue  Are the characters honestly portrayed through their actions and emotions? Are the characters well developed through their conflicts? Are the dialogues suitable to the characters? How do the characters and the dialogues display the theme(s) explored?
4. Voice and Impact  As a writer, is your unique voice coming through? How compelling is the narration of the plot, and does the narration capture a reader's imagination? Has the narration been considered from a number of viewpoints? Is it necessary to consider a number of viewpoints? Is the plot well paced?
5. Audience and Marketability  Does this work have what it takes to appeal to your desired audience?
6. Recommendations and Final Manuscript Preparation  Here, we place recommendations for your perusal (For instance, art work ranging from sculptures through films to even philosophical ideas that may help you broaden your perspective and focus your efforts). You then write out a revised manuscript based on our critique and recommendations. Finally, we proofread the revised manuscript for you.

Correspondence is typically carried out through e-mail, though once the critique is sent to you the option of the telephone becomes available. Our job is to help you produce the best manuscript possible, not simply tell you what you may want to hear. We cannot necessarily teach you how to write a bestseller. We can only assist you through the writing process by suggesting ways to develop and improve your voice: To open up your imagination into newer or forgotten possibilities and constructively assist you in strengthening your manuscript.

Time for completion will range from two-four months, depending on the size of the manuscript.