About Me
I'm a writer myself, so I understand the writing process from the inside. I’m frequently asked to offer workshops on various aspects of fiction writing at writers’ conferences. I’ve worked with young writers and older writers, beginning writers and experienced writers, fiction writers and non-fiction writers. I’m open to working with any writer who wants his or her writing to be the best it can be, regardless of genre.
I value an informal, personal working relationship with writers. You’ll find me congenial and encouraging in my approach, honest and forthright in my evaluation of your work, and sensitive in my critique. I enjoy helping writers develop their gifts. I have a passion for good writing, in whatever form.
I value an informal, personal working relationship with writers. You’ll find me congenial and encouraging in my approach, honest and forthright in my evaluation of your work, and sensitive in my critique. I enjoy helping writers develop their gifts. I have a passion for good writing, in whatever form.
Manuscript Critiquing Service
If you’re interested in working with me, contact me by email ([email protected]). We can discuss the nature of your writing project and what it is you’d like me to do.
This initial contact will enable me to give you a rough estimate of the amount of time that will be required to edit/critique your work. And I will give you an indication of the turnaround time you can expect.
If you feel confident that I can help you after our initial contact and you feel we seem to make a good fit, you can send me your manuscript as an email attachment or by snail mail or courier.
After I receive your manuscript I first read a good bit of it to get a sense of what it’s trying to do, and I make notes towards a written critique. Then I go through the manuscript again line by line and suggest whatever editing changes I feel would strengthen the project. I make these editing suggestions on the hard copy. For that reason it’s important that you follow the standard procedure of double spacing your manuscript.
After I’ve done the line editing and developmental editing I will prepare a written critique summarizing the work’s strengths, identifying areas that need strengthening, and suggesting where the work might go from here. This critique focuses on the craft aspect of the writing — in fiction, on plot, character, setting, dialogue, point of view, and so on. For a short story, you can expect a 1-2-page critique; for a novel, 4-5 pages. After you’ve received my line editing, the developmental editing, and the written critique we’ll have a follow-up conversation, either by email or by phone, and go over any aspect of the work you’d like to discuss.
This initial contact will enable me to give you a rough estimate of the amount of time that will be required to edit/critique your work. And I will give you an indication of the turnaround time you can expect.
If you feel confident that I can help you after our initial contact and you feel we seem to make a good fit, you can send me your manuscript as an email attachment or by snail mail or courier.
After I receive your manuscript I first read a good bit of it to get a sense of what it’s trying to do, and I make notes towards a written critique. Then I go through the manuscript again line by line and suggest whatever editing changes I feel would strengthen the project. I make these editing suggestions on the hard copy. For that reason it’s important that you follow the standard procedure of double spacing your manuscript.
After I’ve done the line editing and developmental editing I will prepare a written critique summarizing the work’s strengths, identifying areas that need strengthening, and suggesting where the work might go from here. This critique focuses on the craft aspect of the writing — in fiction, on plot, character, setting, dialogue, point of view, and so on. For a short story, you can expect a 1-2-page critique; for a novel, 4-5 pages. After you’ve received my line editing, the developmental editing, and the written critique we’ll have a follow-up conversation, either by email or by phone, and go over any aspect of the work you’d like to discuss.
Rates and Payment Schedule
My fee, once I begin working with your manuscript, is $60 per hour. The amount of time I spend on a manuscript varies according to the level of the writing, and I will give you a rough estimate of the cost after I read your initial writing sample. If we decide to work together, one half of the estimated fee is due at this time. After you’ve received my written critique, the balance is due. Any additional costs such as printing or postage are also due at this time.
The following will give you a rough estimate of the amount of time required for a manuscript:
• a 15-25 page story will require approximately two hours consisting of reading, editing, and preparing a written critique.
• a 200-250-page novel or memoir will require approximately 7 hours of reading, editing, and writing an evaluation.
• a 300-400 page novel manuscript will take 12-15 hours of reading, editing, and preparing a written evaluation.
These are estimates only; writing projects may require more or less time depending on the quality of the writing, the writer’s stage of development, and the stage of the work itself.
If you’re wondering whether spending what might appear to be a lot of money is necessary, remember that good writing takes a great deal of dedication and hard work. It takes time to learn the craft. Receiving helpful and insightful critique may save you a good bit of time.
The following will give you a rough estimate of the amount of time required for a manuscript:
• a 15-25 page story will require approximately two hours consisting of reading, editing, and preparing a written critique.
• a 200-250-page novel or memoir will require approximately 7 hours of reading, editing, and writing an evaluation.
• a 300-400 page novel manuscript will take 12-15 hours of reading, editing, and preparing a written evaluation.
These are estimates only; writing projects may require more or less time depending on the quality of the writing, the writer’s stage of development, and the stage of the work itself.
If you’re wondering whether spending what might appear to be a lot of money is necessary, remember that good writing takes a great deal of dedication and hard work. It takes time to learn the craft. Receiving helpful and insightful critique may save you a good bit of time.
Endorsements
The thrill and satisfaction of having my first novel, Death Postponed, accepted and published ranks up there with — well, nothing. Five years of work, workshops, writing conferences, and plenty of feedback, but without Hugh’s editing skills, I’d still be looking for a publisher.
- Gustaf Berger, author of Death Postponed
I can't thank Hugh enough for his invaluable editorial guidance with Midnight. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him on the novel and deeply appreciate his kindness and his wise counsel along the way. His written critique was comprehensive and detailed, providing critically important advice on improving the storyline and developing characters. Tips on how to refine POV and time sequence were right on the mark.
- Tom Claffey, author of Midnight
I’ve worked with Hugh on two novels. He is prompt, thorough, thoughtful, direct, and extraordinarily helpful. His criticism remains kind and encouraging, sensitive to the writer’s psyche. He works extremely quickly, and is available for follow up questions and discussion. He has improved my work significantly. I offer him my highest recommendation.
- Robert Schwab, author of Back Side of a Hurricane
Hugh Cook is the very best kind of editor: thoughtful, constructive, thorough, and intuitive. Not only is he a skilled craftsman and gifted teacher, but he brings a pastoral dimension to his work, offering observations that enhance the writing and encourage the writer. I knew when I asked Hugh to edit my latest manuscript that I would benefit from his wisdom and expertise. His outstanding notes are gifts I'll carry forward into future work.
- Sharon Garlough Brown, author of the Sensible Shoes series.
There are many professionals offering editorial services, but few with the solid literary credentials as Hugh Cook. My manuscript needed a final polish before I queried agents and publishers. Hugh’s clear-eyed critique and edits were just what I needed to make the final push. He addressed my questions about structure and character with candor and constructive commentary. I highly recommend Hugh’s services to fellow writers.
- Edward Sheehy, author of Cade’s Rebellion
- Gustaf Berger, author of Death Postponed
I can't thank Hugh enough for his invaluable editorial guidance with Midnight. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him on the novel and deeply appreciate his kindness and his wise counsel along the way. His written critique was comprehensive and detailed, providing critically important advice on improving the storyline and developing characters. Tips on how to refine POV and time sequence were right on the mark.
- Tom Claffey, author of Midnight
I’ve worked with Hugh on two novels. He is prompt, thorough, thoughtful, direct, and extraordinarily helpful. His criticism remains kind and encouraging, sensitive to the writer’s psyche. He works extremely quickly, and is available for follow up questions and discussion. He has improved my work significantly. I offer him my highest recommendation.
- Robert Schwab, author of Back Side of a Hurricane
Hugh Cook is the very best kind of editor: thoughtful, constructive, thorough, and intuitive. Not only is he a skilled craftsman and gifted teacher, but he brings a pastoral dimension to his work, offering observations that enhance the writing and encourage the writer. I knew when I asked Hugh to edit my latest manuscript that I would benefit from his wisdom and expertise. His outstanding notes are gifts I'll carry forward into future work.
- Sharon Garlough Brown, author of the Sensible Shoes series.
There are many professionals offering editorial services, but few with the solid literary credentials as Hugh Cook. My manuscript needed a final polish before I queried agents and publishers. Hugh’s clear-eyed critique and edits were just what I needed to make the final push. He addressed my questions about structure and character with candor and constructive commentary. I highly recommend Hugh’s services to fellow writers.
- Edward Sheehy, author of Cade’s Rebellion
