Understanding the Story So Far
The First 20 Pages Review
Investment: $200
The opening of a book introduces a question the reader will have to track until the very end.
When a project slows down after the opening, the reason is usually found in the pages.
Understanding the Story So Far is a review of the first twenty pages of your manuscript. This is a deep dive into what the pages establish and how they set up what comes next.
Best for writers who:
have written an opening and feel their progress slow down
suspect later trouble may connected to the opening
want feedback on the first twenty pages before adding more material
feel uncertain how the opening connects to the rest of the book
What the process looks like
Understanding the Story So Far is a deep dive into the opening pages.
In addition to your first 20 pages, you will fill out the Story Snapshot Evaluation. It is guided questionnaire that gives context for your story. Once I complete my review I will supply written feed back and a link to schedule a coaching call.
The 60-minute call is to talk about the feedback, ask questions, and look at next steps to help with continued drafting and revisions.
What you get
The Story Snapshot Evaluation
A structured questionnaire that gives context on what you know about your story right now. Completed and submitted with your pages.Inline Comments on the First Twenty Pages
Feedback written directly on the pages looking at how the opening is functioning and how they set up the rest of the book. Delivered within 10 business days of receiving your pages.Editorial Letter
A big-picture letter that looks at the opening as a whole. This includes looking at what the first 20 pages are actually and comparing it with the what is provided in the Story Snapshot Evaluation. The letter includes Actionable Next Steps for continued drafting or revision.
Delivered within 10 business days of receiving your pages.Coaching Call
A dedicated call to talk through the feedback and ask questions. One 60-minute call scheduled after receiving feedback.Audio Recording
Delivered within 2 business days.Completion Window
To be completed within one month of booking.
What this isn’t
A full manuscript review or line edit
A rewrite of your pages
A set of prescribed fixes
A guarantee about how the rest of the book will come together
If you’re interested in Understanding the Story So Far, the first step is a free discovery call.
This call is to talk about your goals, get to know each other, and evaluate if we are a good match. Book Coaching is based on building trust. This call is an important first step in that relationship.