Author Craft Feedback


Rachel Schouten

Author | Creative Educator | Coach

Focused, big-picture manuscript critique on craft, structure, and story direction.

For writers who want clear, honest insight on their opening chapters.

This is not line editing or proofreading. I assess structure, pacing, character, emotional impact, and reader engagement, and provide practical next steps to strengthen the work without losing your voice.

I’m an independently published novelist working across romantic fiction and personal and creative non-fiction, and a former associate lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Northampton.

Manuscript Critique Options

What's included

  • Up to 3 chapters (or ~7,500 words)

  • A written critique report (approx. 2 × A4 pages) covering:

    • overall impression

    • what’s working well

    • areas to strengthen

    • structural observations

    • clear, practical next steps

Pricing

  • £95 — written manuscript critique

  • £100 — 90-min Strategy Call

  • £175 — written manuscript critique + 90-minute follow-up call

Turnaround: 7–10 days
Availability: Limited slots

What this service isn't

  • Line editing or proofreading

  • Grammar or spelling corrections

  • Scene-by-scene rewrites

  • Ongoing coaching or unlimited follow-up

This critique is designed to give clarity and direction, not to rewrite the work for you.

How to book

Email rachel@racheldebrave.com with a brief description of your project, a one-page synopsis, and which option you’d like. I’ll confirm availability and next steps.

I occasionally take on additional work, such as coaching, by agreement, but my primary focus is my own writing and a small number of critique clients.

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