Rob Costello

For a traditional novel critique (MG, YA, & adult):

We will begin with a phone call (approx. 30 minutes), in which I will ask you to introduce yourself and your book, describe your history with the project, and lay out specific questions/concerns you wish me to address in my critique. We will also settle on a deadline for receipt of my editorial letter. Depending on the length of your manuscript and my other commitments, this will generally be two to four weeks from the date of our initial phone call.

I tend to focus on two or three major areas of concern, although I will point out smaller issues as I see them. I will also spend considerable time praising what you have done well and making sure to address any specific questions you have. Although I don’t often do so, I may, on occasion, mark up the manuscript with comments and track changes — but only if I feel that is a more productive way to discuss certain issues. I often make recommendations for further reading and provide ideas for how to fix specific story & character problems — although these are only offered as suggestions.

Once you receive my letter, we will schedule a followup phone call (approx. 45 - 60 minutes) to take place approximately a week later. (I insist on giving writers sufficient time to fully digest my advice before we talk.) This call, in my opinion, is the most important part of the process. It will allow you to ask me questions, push back on things you think I got wrong, and bounce new ideas off of me. It will also give us the opportunity to brainstorm your next revision — something I enjoy a great deal!

For graphic novel scripts and verse novel critiques:

The process is the same as that described above. However, while I enjoy reading and critiquing graphic and verse novels, I am merely an enthusiastic novice with both forms. Though I’m happy to offer you the same level of craft-based storytelling critique that I provide with a traditional novel (covering issues of character, plot, theme, pacing, etc.), I am unable to offer specialized advice related to the specific challenges and requirements of these forms. Please bear this in mind when deciding whether to work with me on your graphic or verse novel.

For a short story critique:

The process is similar to that described above for a traditional novel, although we will forgo the introductory phone call for a brief cover letter describing your goals for the story and any specific questions you want me to address in my critique. My editorial letter can be anywhere from two to five pages long, single-spaced, and the followup call tends to run around 30 minutes. I’m typically able to finish a short story critique within two to three weeks.

Please note: Since short stories are my wheelhouse, I may suggest specific markets/publications to submit your piece to when it’s finished. I am also happy to provide advice and resources on best submission practices. (Short story sales/publishing advice is the ONLY sales/publishing advice I offer.)

For phone coaching with me:

Phone coaching is a great alternative for writers seeking ongoing guidance and support during the process of drafting a larger project. It’s also an ideal solution for writers who need external deadlines/prompts to keep moving forward.

For each session, I will read installments of up to 20 pages of new or revised work (double-spaced, 12 pt. font), followed by a phone conversation of 45-60 minutes in which we discuss it. We can also chat about problems or challenges you’re facing, brainstorm plot twists or new ideas, dive into character development, or discuss books and other resources that address specific issues of concern. I may suggest exercises or side-writing assignments to help you work through a particular story problem or writers block. I may also share useful revision tools and techniques, or offer tips on time management and building a lifestyle more conducive to creativity.

In fact, we can talk about pretty much anything writing-related that you’d like. It will be your time to use however you see fit. Think of these sessions as an opportunity to partner with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable cheerleader whose main goal is to keep you motivated, productive, on track, and excited about completing your project.

Phone coaching is conversation-only. There will be no written feedback from me for these sessions. Also, I am only available to schedule a maximum of one session per week.

Please Note:

As a fat queer man (married to a Chinese-American), I am sensitive to stories that may unintentionally harm or mischaracterize people from marginalized communities. While I do not consider myself qualified to be a sensitivity reader, I will definitely point out if I think your work traffics in racist, sexist, transphobic, homophobic, fat-phobic, and/or ablest stereotypes. That’s not to say I will shame you for it! We all make mistakes. (Trust me, as a White dude in America raised with certain privileges and biases, I’ve made plenty of my own.) I believe we all deserve an opportunity to learn from our mistakes, and a huge part of growing as a writer is opening yourself up to the possibility of introspection and reflection. But if you are unwilling to accept this kind of feedback, you probably should not work with me.

Also, I do not offer critique services on any of the following: poetry, nonfiction, picture books, chapter books, early readers, or first chapters.