“…A story in Mary Beth's hands is a story revealed….”

KSE

My Critique Rules
(I didn’t originate them, of course; rather, I learned them from a number of people, from many sources.
I believe strongly in all of them.)

1. Every writer—even a rich and famous one—needs an editor. I joined a critique group in 1991,
   which is when I began to write; so I learned to critique and to write at the same time.
   I’ve also honed both skills simultaneously.
   Codicil to Rule 1: If you think your first thoughts and/or the first words you type are perfect,
   you’re probably wrong. I believe that every work is improved by revision. The best writing is that
   which you revise until it reads as if it came right off the top of the your head.

2. If you want to hear only compliments for your work, ask your mother. If you want a critique, expect more.
These are the concepts I believe in:

Honesty—You asked, so I’ll tell you the truth.
Kindness—I’ll point out strengths as well as areas of weakness.
Encouragement—After identifying problem-areas, I’ll suggest ways for you to improve them.
Integrity—I’ll accept your work as what it is—your work. I will never tell you what to write.
Thoroughness—I’ll evaluate not only what you have on the page, but also what seems to be missing.

3. To be a good writer you must also be a good reader. Read good writing—especially new work. A book you
   loved as a child might have been a best-seller then, but it’s entirely possible—for a variety of
   reasons—that no editor would buy it today. Read omnivorously in the field/genre in which you write.
   If you write Young Adult novels, read YA novels. While it’s fun, reading picture books won’t help you
   write YA novels. Read as a writer—evaluate everything you read for its strengths and weaknesses.

4. I cannot guarantee that an agent or editor will snatch up your book after I critique it,
even if you make every change I suggest. I can guarantee that your book has a far better chance if you:

evaluate my advice carefully, and
make those changes with which you agree.

What a Critique from Me Looks Like

Line edit—on the manuscript. This is where I’ll edit grammar, punctuation, spelling, and manuscript format.
This is also where I’ll point out extra words, trite phrases, breaks in POV, transition problems, etc.
Written suggestions—typed on separate pages. This will include my more lengthy comments about pacing, dialogue,
scene construction, required clarification, etc. I look for consistency, writing strengths and tightness,
character and dramatic arcs, etc.

My critiques for children’s books also include my thoughts about the appropriateness of words, length,
and situations to the age group for whom you wrote it.

“Ms. Lundgren has given me invaluable advice and suggestions over many years….”

Joan Stevenson

Click here for complete references.

Submission Guidelines You need Adobe Reader to read this document.
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RATES for critiques

Picture Books:

Text only. (Sorry—I’m not an artist, and so can’t critique book design or illustrations.)
If you’ve made a “dummy,” feel free to send it along with the text—or not—as you like.

Up to 1000 words or seven pages.

$100

All other books:

$2 per page. Minimum $100