Story Diagnostic

Nothing is so tiring to the reader as excavating nuggets of meaning

from mountains of words.

- Harold Evans, Essential English for Journalists, Editors and Writers

Story Diagnostic: Text

Have a manuscript you would like me to evaluate? Here is what I will provide:

The 6 Core Question Analysis. I will read your manuscript and apply the Story Grid 6 Core Question Analysis to your work. This is an intensive look at what works and what doesn’t work.
A One-Hour Phone Consultation. We’ll talk one-on-one, discussing your own questions and my analysis of your story. You will gain a clearer global, big-picture view of your manuscript and its genre.
A Story Grid Spreadsheet of Your First Five Scenes. This will give you a black-and-white, close-up view of which scenes are working and which aren’t—and why.
Next Steps Recommendation Letter. I’ll provide suggested next steps you can take to help improve your skills and your manuscript.
Masterworks of the Genre Recommendations and Additional Resources. Throughout the Story Grid Diagnostic process, we will work to identify and refine your genre choice. I’ll provide a list of three Masterworks for reference.

Story Diagnostic: Recent Articles