Chapter Critique Service - A Big Update!

Welcome to an update on my life.

It’s a bit of a rollercoaster at the moment, as life is for most of us these days, but as the world (at least for the moment in the UK) starts to open, I need to get serious regarding my future.

I made a lovely little life for myself in Italy. I took risks to make it happen, all with a view to supporting my authorly dreams. And it worked. I was the most productive I’ve ever been, I signed with a brilliant agent, and I wrote what is – in my humble opinion – an excellent book. I was looking forward to at least a few more years out there, on my quest for a book deal.

Then the pandemic smashed its way in to ruin things.

Though I’m generally a pessimistic person, I do like to consider all the ways in which I’m lucky. And I have been lucky over the past year. I was able to get back to England, along with my dog, and I’ve been living with my mum and stepdad ever since. While I’d prefer to have my own place in the long term, I spent the first half of the pandemic alone, so having company and the English countryside on my doorstep has been an absolute step up.

As somebody with a chronic health condition, I knew staying home to work was the safest option for me and so I started charging for chapter critiques. I didn’t have big expectations, but it’s been a revelation for me. I’m good at it, and I’ve connected with so many wonderful people through it. Somehow, I keep getting lucky and new clients keep finding their way to me.

For lockdown times, it’s been perfect.

However, I need to start looking ahead, and one particular spectre has been looming large in my mind. Namely, money. More specifically, balance between the hours I’m spending working, and the money I’m earning for those hours.

Leaving Italy meant giving up a job that supported me, while giving me enough spare time to focus on my writing. That was why I went to Italy in the first place, and – why recently – the thought of what comes next has been pretty paralysing.

In short, I’d begun to panic that I’d need to give up editing altogether. My prices are low, but I work constantly. I work in the evenings, and over the weekends. I devote hours to each piece that is shared with me. To make up the $’s, I’m working other jobs too, while also fully neglecting my own writing (my WIP glares at me from across the room). If I have to step back out into the working world to earn an income, then my editing service will have to end.

Luckily, some wonderful friends have talked me into giving this service at least one proper go as a full-blown career.

I want to keep editing. I want to keep prioritising helping other writers. I can confidently say that I offer a helpful service – testimonials can be read here - and I want to keep such testimonials flowing in.

Which is why I have to put my prices up.

I am committed to my service remaining affordable. I truly want to be able to help as many authors as I can from as many backgrounds as I can. I was never able to afford an editor myself, and I don’t want to price out people like me. To balance the rise in cost of my service, I’m now offering a broader service altogether. If you can’t afford to send me three chapters, perhaps you can afford to send one. If you can’t afford a video consultation, perhaps you can afford chapters. I really hope there’ll be something for everyone.

Comparatively, my prices are still low for what I offer and so I will also be adding a line to my email signature about tips. If you have the financial means and you feel I’ve done a level of work above the price you’ve paid, then please do consider dropping me a little extra via my ko-fi page. No matter how small, it would be appreciated. If you do not have the means, then please do not worry.

Further, if you need a service that isn’t listed here of if you have questions about the service or the industry, please don’t hesitate to reach out via social media or my contact form.

If you’re reading this and you’ve never worked with me, but you’re considering doing so, then I’ll direct you again to my testimonials page. Check out the wonderful words some of my previous clients have shared. If you’re a previous client and you’d like to send through a testimonial, please do! You will absolutely make my day.

Truly, I wish I could keep my prices lower. I wish I could do more free giveaways. Right now, it’s not possible for me. One day, when I get my seven-figure publishing deal and have some sort of income, I’ll be throwing free giveaways around like Oprah.

Until then, thank you for your understanding and I look forward to working with you soon.