I am currently taking clients for short story critiques and for sensitivity reads for both short stories and longer works up to novel-length.
Sensitivity reads
I am able to read with the view to assist regarding the following:
- Queer identity, particularly the female-presenting lesbian and bisexual/pansexual experience, as well as for non-binary identities.
- Fat characters/fat representation
- ADHD, anxiety and depression
- Australian characters/setting/culture (please note that I am not an Aboriginal Australian or a Torres Strait Islander).
Please send me a query regarding sensitivity reads. Rates generally start at $300 USD for a manuscript between 60,000 – 100,000 words. Short story rates can be negotiated. My turnaround time is generally two weeks for anything up to 100k, with an additional week for any 50k over that. Any genre is welcome! In the past I’ve read fantasy, SF, horror and romance novels. Please don’t worry if your manuscript is in draft form – that’s actually a great time to check in with your representation!
I will provide to you a written report (minimum 500 words) addressing representation in your work, with notes on characters, themes and the overall story arc. I can also answer any specific questions you might have, particularly after reading my report, and am always down to do a video call to discuss my feedback if wanted.
I am happy to discuss discounts for marginalised folks, particularly trans folks and BIPOC folks. I look forward to working with you!
Short story critiques
My rates are as follows:
500-2000 words = $40 USD
2000-4000 words = $50 USD
4000-7500 words = $60 USD
What you’ll get:
A marked-up document with comments throughout, and a write-up of my comments on plot, structure and character (minimum 500 words). If you have anything in particular you’d like me to look for, I’m happy to do so. I am also open to having a discussion via Skype in addition to written feedback (to be negotiated).
I am also willing to apply my first reader eye to your work and let you know (in my humble opinion) whether I would pass it up to an editor, and if not, why not. Please note that I am not a line editor, but I have recommendations if you need one!
My experience:
I’m a graduate of the Clarion West Class of 2016 (go #TeamArsenic!) where I studied under NK Jemisin, Stephen Graham Jones, Elizabeth Bear, Sheila Williams, Paul Park and Michael Swanwick. I hold a Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing, Literature) from Deakin University. I have made a number of professional short story sales at venues such as Uncanny Magazine, Nightmare Magazine, Pseudopod and Shock Totem, and have had a story in the Year’s Best Australian Fantasy and Horror. I’ve also placed poems with Star*Line and Apex and had a non-fiction essay in Lightspeed’s Queers Destroy Science Fiction (you can find my full publication list here).
I was a first reader at Clarkesworld Magazine between November 2016 and December 2017, where I read over a thousand stories. I regularly critique work for my classmates and other writing associates and pride myself on my enthusiasm as a reader.
I’d be delighted to work with you to help make your work shine.
If you are interested in a short story critique, please email me with your manuscript (docx and doc preferred) along with any requests to identify any issues that particularly concern you. I will then invoice you and, upon receiving payment, begin work.
Short story critiques will be returned within one week.
I am willing to negotiate rates for members of marginalised communities – please ask.
Dented Teeth 