Editing

Query Strategy Review

Clear, manuscript-specific guidance for writers preparing to query—or trying to understand why querying hasn’t worked yet.

If you already understand the basics of querying but feel stuck, this service is designed to help you figure out what’s actually happening in your materials and what to do next. The Query Strategy Review is not a beginner tutorial or a surface-level edit. It’s a focused diagnostic for experienced novel writers who want personalized, actionable feedback instead of generic advice. You don’t need to be confident that your materials are “close.” You just need to be ready for clear, honest feedback to help you make informed decisions instead of guessing. You’ll have concrete recommendations to work from, no follow-up calls required unless you choose to book one separately. 

Your Query Strategy Review includes single-pass focused feedback on:

🔹 One query letter
🔹 One synopsis (up to 1,200 words)
🔹 First 10 pages (up to 2,500 words)

Available for an additional charge:

🔹 A one-on-one Zoom call to discuss the most effective querying strategy for your genre, age category, and goals
🔹 Additional pages at a per-word rate

This is not just line-level feedback. You’ll get written feedback that covers:

🔹 How your materials are working individually and together
🔹 Where things are breaking down and why
🔹 How agents are likely reading and interpreting your materials
🔹 Specific, actionable guidance on what to revise
🔹 A clear direction for the query, the pages, and the manuscript’s positioning

This service does not include a step-by-step guide to querying, line edits only without discussion of strategy, or developmental feedback on an early or unfinished draft.

This service is a good fit if you:

🔹 Have a complete, revised manuscript
🔹 Understand craft and querying fundamentals
🔹 Have revised your query multiple times and aren’t sure what to change next
🔹 Are getting form rejections or silence and can’t tell why
🔹 Want help translating unclear feedback or writing advice into specific revision actions
🔹 Are not looking for a complete manuscript critique

Many clients use this review to decide:

🔹 Where to revise next
🔹 Whether they’re ready to query
🔹 Whether a larger manuscript-level revision is needed

If you’re not sure whether this is the right fit, you’re welcome to reach out before booking.

The Query Strategy Review includes a written evaluation of your query letter, first 10 pages, and synopsis, as well as line edits and margin notes on the documents where appropriate.

Cost: US $150
Turnaround time: 2 weeks from the scheduled start date

Get a Query Strategy Review

Manuscript Critique

You’ll receive a separate document of comprehensive feedback about your manuscript, including notes on strengths and opportunities for improvement in terms of readability, clarity, and consistency. The notes will address big story-telling elements like plot, structure, pacing, scene structure, character development, point-of-view and voice, balance of show and tell, worldbuilding, and more. Also includes suggestions for your next steps, a tailored list of recommended resources, and a one-hour consultation call after you receive your notes.

Flat rate $0.02 per word ($20 per 1,000 words)

Please note: you will not receive an annotated copy of your manuscript.

Developmental Edit

For personalized guidance in addition to big-picture feedback, a developmental edit is more in-depth than a Manuscript Critique. You’ll receive an overview of the same areas as outlined in the Manuscript Critique description, as well as the tailored list of recommended resources. You’ll also receive five one-hour consultation calls to create a revision plan with specific actions to be taken like adding reaction, cutting sections, clarifying character actions or motivations, enhancing the voice, and more, in addition to a separate document of notes on the storytelling elements. 

Starts at $0.03 per word ($30 per 1,000 words)

Please note: You will not receive an annotated copy of your manuscript. However, we can accommodate requests for written feedback in lieu of consultation calls on a case-by-case basis. Ask for details.

Query Package Critique

Includes feedback on your query letter (two passes), synopsis (two passes if needed), and first 50 pages (12,500 words, one pass only)

Flat rate $350

Or create your own package
* Two-pass query letter critique $50
* Two-pass synopsis critique $50
* First 10 pages (2500 words) critique $50
* First 50 pages (12,500 words) $250
* Second pass on pages $0.012 per word
* 30-min consultation call $100

Query letter and synopsis may be annotated (as needed), but the 50-page manuscript will not. 

Re-read Report

For authors who have already had a Manuscript Critique or Developmental Edit with Jeni. This report includes feedback on revisions made after the previous edit, as well as suggestions for next steps.

Flat rate $0.012 per word ($12 per 1,000 words)

Please note: You will not receive an annotated copy of your manuscript. A consultation call is not included, but a 30-minute call can be added for $100.

Copy Editing

You will receive an annotated copy of your manuscript with minor corrections like spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar – as well as notes and suggestions on repetition, unclear wording, and awkward sentences. ​

Starts at $0.015 per word ($15 per 1,000 words)

Please note: Your copy edited manuscript will still need a proofread. We do not offer proofreading services at this time, but we are happy to connect you with a qualified proofreader. A consultation call is not included but can be added.

Copy Editing Plus

You will receive an annotated copy of your manuscript with corrections (as outlined under Copy Editing). In addition, you will receive margin notes on your manuscript about minor content issues like adding reactions, inconsistencies, clarification, etc. This is not a substitute for content revisions and is intended only for manuscripts that have been through multiple rounds of content revisions based on beta reader and/or critique partner feedback and/or a Developmental Edit or Manuscript Critique by Jeni.

Starts at $0.02 per word ($20 per 1,000 words)

Please note: Your copy edited manuscript will still need a proofread. We do not offer proofreading services at this time, but we are happy to connect you with a qualified proofreader. A consultation call is not included but can be added.