I’ve edited opening chapters for more than eighty manuscripts and the first ten pages decide if a reader—or an agent—keeps going. This service offers a line-by-line critique of your first chapter followed by a hands-on rewrite of key sections.

You’ll receive a critique and rewrite of your first chapter, covering up to 5,000 words. The work format is written communication via shared document. To begin, you provide your first chapter (up to 5,000 words), genre, target audience and any specific concerns about the opening. You send me your chapter. I return two documents: a marked-up PDF with marginal comments focusing on hook, pacing, clarity and character introduction and a separate document where I’ve rewritten up to five problematic paragraphs (approximately 200 to 400 words each) to show solutions, not just point out issues.

The critique notes why something might not work and suggests alternatives, while the rewrites demonstrate how to implement those fixes in your own voice. I focus on practical mechanics: starting *in media res*, balancing exposition with action and establishing a compelling narrative voice from line one. This is not a full developmental edit but a targeted surgical strike on your manuscript’s most critical page. The process includes one revision round to refine the critique or adjust the rewritten paragraphs. There is no limit on iterations within this single revision round. It suits writers who have a complete draft but feel the opening lacks punch or who are preparing for querying and need professional, objective feedback on their crucial first impression.