{"id":11081,"date":"2018-10-12T16:38:11","date_gmt":"2018-10-12T16:38:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/odysseyworkshop.org\/newsite\/wordpress\/?page_id=11081"},"modified":"2026-06-21T15:50:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-21T15:50:26","slug":"critique-services","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.odysseyworkshop.org\/services\/critique-services\/","title":{"rendered":"Critique Services"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”A Message from Jeanne Cavelos, Director, about Critique Services:” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:40|text_align:center|color:%23212021″ google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1599542600631{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1550889068239{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550888952719{background-color: #212021 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”About” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1607831544017{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889688440{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

To further our mission of helping writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror improve their work, the Odyssey Writing Workshops Charitable Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides writers of all levels, from beginners to successful pros, in-depth, insightful, professional-level critiques on their work.<\/p>\n

One of the most effective methods of improving your writing is to discover how others experience your work. A critique that explains the reader’s experience, why the reader had that experience, and how that experience can be strengthened, helps the author gain perspective and provides valuable direction for revision.<\/p>\n

The Odyssey Critique Service provides an honest assessment of your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses. The weaknesses are then explored in depth, so you see very specifically which elements aren’t working well, why they aren’t, and how they might work better. The critique is also instructional, explaining concepts and techniques relevant to your work as needed.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1550889281810{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889202587{background-color: #212021 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”How in-depth are the critiques?” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889720010{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]You’ll receive your manuscript back with significant line edits and marginal comments written on it. This will be accompanied by the critique. Critiques average over 8,000 words each.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1550889487318{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889148461{background-color: #212021 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”How much of my work can I submit?” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889733881{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]The Odyssey Critique Service offers three options:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Short story writers may submit up to three stories, with a total word count of no more than 20,000 words.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Novelists may submit the opening chapters of their novel, and if they want, a synopsis of the remainder. The synopsis can be no more than 1,500 words, and the total of excerpt and synopsis can be no more than 20,000 words. The chapters should be consecutive.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Writers can submit more material if they want, up to an entire novel.<\/p>\n

All material must be submitted at once.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1550889487318{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889148461{background-color: #212021 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”What is the procedure?” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889733881{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]1. Save the stories or chapters\/synopsis as a single .doc, .docx, or .rtf file. Make sure that your work is in standard manuscript format<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Calculate the appropriate fee, or contact me<\/a> for help. The fee for the first two options listed above is $400. If you are submitting more than 20,000 words, the cost is $20 per 1,000 words. So, for example, if you are submitting a novel of 80,000 words, the cost would be $20 x 80 = $1,600.<\/p>\n

3. Make your payment. You may pay via US personal check sent to the address below, bank draft in US dollars, or PayPal<\/a>, a service that allows you to charge the cost to a credit card:<\/p>\n

Odyssey Critique Service
\nP. O. Box 75
\nMont Vernon, NH 03057<\/p>\n

4. Email your submission\u00a0to me<\/a> as a .doc, .docx, or .rtf attachment.<\/p>\n

5. We will email you to confirm receipt of your submission and let you know who will be critiquing your work.<\/p>\n

6. If you have submitted 20,000 words or less, you will receive your critique within 60 days. If you have submitted a longer work, we may need up to 90 days. Once we’ve received your work and identified an available critiquer, we can let you know whether this extra time will be required. You will receive via email the critique and your original manuscript marked with line edits, comments, and suggestions using Microsoft Word track changes.<\/p>\n

7. After reviewing your critique, if you have any questions for your critiquer, you may send one follow-up email with those questions. Email your questions to me<\/a>, and I will relay them to your critiquer. The critiquer will respond as their schedule allows.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1550889487318{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889148461{background-color: #212021 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Can I mail a hard copy of my submission instead?” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889733881{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]Yes, the Odyssey Critique Service <\/span>offers the option to send a printed manuscript instead. If you would prefer this option, contact me<\/a>\u00a0for details.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1550889487318{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889148461{background-color: #212021 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”If a critiquer makes an edit or a suggestion, can I use it, or is that suggestion the property of the critiquer?” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889733881{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text]You are the author, and whatever changes you make to your work, including ideas or wording suggested by the critiquer, are yours. Our critiquers operate very much like editors at publishing houses function, suggesting ways to make the work stronger. Those suggestions are for you and belong to you, just as the original work you submitted belongs to you. An editor at a magazine or publishing house doesn’t own any part of the copyright of a work that she edits; your Odyssey critiquer doesn’t either.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1550889487318{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889148461{background-color: #212021 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Is the Odyssey Critique Service a substitute for Your Personal Odyssey Writing Workshop?” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889733881{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]Unfortunately, no. Your Personal Odyssey Writing Workshop is a unique and powerful experience. Concentrating intensely on your writing for an extended period allows you to make progress at a much accelerated rate.<\/p>\n

The Odyssey Critique Service can’t substitute for that experience. But it can provide you with key insights that will help you see your work in a new light and make major steps toward improving it. The feedback you receive will give you a clear sense of your strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and it will provide you with direction. You will know where to focus your efforts to make the greatest improvement and conquer your greatest problems.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1550889487318{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889148461{background-color: #212021 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”Will using the Odyssey Critique Service guarantee that I’ll be admitted to Your Personal Odyssey Writing Workshop or to one of Odyssey’s Online Classes?” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889733881{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text]No. Using the critique service can certainly help you to improve, but how much you improve depends on how you use the feedback you receive. For years, I dismissed all the criticism I received on my writing, thinking,\u00a0These people just aren’t smart enough to understand my work.<\/i>\u00a0That made me feel better, but it didn’t help my writing at all. Only after many wasted years did I finally begin to listen, and learn, and improve. Even so, it sometimes takes me months or even years to understand the underlying problem in my work and how to solve that problem.<\/p>\n

While using the Odyssey Critique Service in no way guarantees admission to one of Odyssey’s programs, one of the reasons I wanted to start the service was to help applicants. Many writers apply year after year. Some of them improve each year and are ultimately admitted to the workshop. Others struggle, their skills remaining the same. I’m unable to give more than a few sentences of personalized feedback when I respond to applicants. I’ve often thought that if I could give a full critique of each application story, perhaps I could help the writer. But time doesn’t allow that. With the critique service, though, a writer can receive assistance.<\/p>\n

The journey to become the best writer you can be is an unending one, and it’s not easy\u2014that’s why I chose the name Odyssey. How much a writer will improve and how quickly he will improve are different for each person. We’ve set up the critique service to be as helpful as possible. I hope it will help you to make significant progress down that road toward making your work as vivid, powerful, and moving as it can be.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”MEET THE CRITIQUERS” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:center|color:%23212021″ google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1550890243391{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1550889487318{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889148461{background-color: #212021 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”11664″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css_animation=”fadeIn”][vc_custom_heading text=”Carrie Vaughn” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889733881{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text]Bestselling author Carrie Vaughn graduated from Odyssey in 1998 (the year Harlan Ellison was Writer-in- Residence). She returned in 2009 as Odyssey\u2019s Writer-in-Residence and in 2020 as a guest lecturer.<\/p>\n

Her latest novels include the post-apocalyptic murder mystery,\u00a0Bannerless<\/em>, winner of the Philip K. Dick Award, and its sequel,\u00a0The Wild Dead<\/em>. She wrote the\u00a0New York Times<\/em>\u00a0bestselling series of novels about a werewolf named Kitty, along with several other contemporary fantasy and young adult novels, and upwards of 80 short stories, two of which have been finalists for the Hugo Award. She\u2019s a contributor to the\u00a0Wild Cards<\/em> series of shared world superhero books edited by George R. R. Martin. An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado. Visit her at\u00a0www.carrievaughn.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Carrie\u2019s been in various critique groups almost continuously for over ten years, where she\u2019s critiqued novels and short stories across all genres. She\u2019s critiqued beginning, unpublished writers, as well as award winners.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1550889487318{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889148461{background-color: #212021 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”1105″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css_animation=”fadeIn” css=””][vc_custom_heading text=”Barbara Campbell” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889733881{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text]Barbara Campbell has been praised by reviewers and readers alike for her compelling characters and her \u201cemotional, heartfelt\u201d storytelling. Her background as a professional actress, lyricist, and librettist has helped her delve deeply into character and explore the complexities of human nature on the stage as well as on the page. Her musical adaptation of Far from the Madding Crowd<\/em>\u00a0has been optioned for Broadway.<\/p>\n

Barbara\u2019s first published series was the dark fantasy trilogy\u00a0Trickster\u2019s Game<\/em>\u00a0(written as Barbara Campbell). Published by DAW Books,\u00a0Trickster\u2019s Game<\/em>\u00a0was a finalist for the Mythopoeic Society\u2019s 2010 Fantasy Award for adult literature.<\/p>\n

She drew on her musical theatre roots for her second novel series (written as Barbara Ashford), the award-winning Spellcast<\/em>\u00a0and its sequel\u00a0Spellcrossed<\/em>, set in a magical summer stock theatre. DAW Books released the two novels in an omnibus edition:\u00a0Spells at the Crossroads<\/em>.<\/p>\n

A 2000 graduate of the Odyssey workshop, Barbara has taught eight online courses for Odyssey and has served on the staff of the Odyssey Critique Service for more than a decade. You can visit her dual selves at\u00a0barbara-campbell.com<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0barbara-ashford.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Barbara believes that thoughtful, in-depth critiques are vital to becoming a better writer. “It\u2019s hard to get enough distance from your work to view it critically. Whether it\u2019s a scene that provokes a response you weren\u2019t expecting or prose that muddies the impact you\u2019re trying to achieve, the critique process can highlight strengths as well as weaknesses, and provide insight into aspects of your writing that may be interfering with your story-telling.”[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1550889487318{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889148461{background-color: #212021 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”11655″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css_animation=”fadeIn”][vc_custom_heading text=”Lane Robins” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889733881{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text]Lane Robins is a 1999 Odyssey graduate who has her bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. She is the author of\u00a0Maledicte<\/em> (Del Rey) and its sequel,\u00a0Kings and Assassins<\/em>. Under the name Lyn Benedict, she wrote the Shadows Inquiries series, which includes the novels Sins & Shadows<\/em>, Ghosts & Echoes, Gods & Monsters<\/em>, and Lies & Omens<\/em>. She attributes much of her success to critiquing. Critiquing allows the writer to have new eyes on a manuscript, highlighting that often crucial gap between what the writer intends and what’s actually on the page. Critiquing can be an extremely useful diagnostic tool that has the potential to expose rough spots in a writer’s repertoire beyond the needs of a single story or manuscript, that improves not only the critiqued manuscript but the ones that come after. Visit her website at authorlanerobins.com<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1550889487318{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889148461{background-color: #212021 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”18664″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css_animation=”fadeIn”][vc_custom_heading text=”Barbara Barnett-Stewart” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889733881{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text]Barbara Barnett-Stewart (or Barbara A. Barnett, as you\u2019ll usually find her credited) is a Philadelphia-area writer, musician, and orchestra librarian. She is a member of the Horror Writers Association (HWA) and the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), and has had over 60 short stories published in magazines and anthologies such as\u00a0Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet, Fantasy Magazine, Intergalactic Medicine Show, Daily Science Fiction, Flash Fiction Online,<\/em>\u00a0Black Static<\/em>, and\u00a0Wilde Stories: The Year’s Best Gay Speculative Fiction<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Barbara earned her Bachelor of Arts in music and English literature from the University of Maryland and a Masters in Library and Information Science from Rutgers University. A 2007 graduate of the Odyssey Writing Workshop, she currently serves as managing editor of the workshop’s blog and spent several years as Resident Supervisor for The Never-Ending Odyssey (TNEO), a workshop exclusively for Odyssey graduates.<\/p>\n

Since 2005, Barbara has participated in both online and in-person critique groups.\u00a0She has found critiques\u2014giving them as well receiving them\u2014to be an invaluable part of her growth as a writer. She values critiques that are truthful yet constructive, detailed yet not prescriptive, that recognize what kind of story the author wants to tell and what tools might help them get there, and that acknowledge what the author is doing well, not just what needs improvement.<\/p>\n

You can find Barbara online at\u00a0babarnett.com<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”CLIENT COMMENTS” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:20|text_align:center|color:%23212021″ google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1550891239953{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550893833026{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"Amazing. Terrific. Invaluable. Gut-wrenching, but that was to be expected.<\/p>\n

“I really appreciate what I think of as the mini-lessons\u2014reminders or introductions to concepts, such as how to evaluate a scene, pacing, secondary characters, and structure, and then an analysis of these in relation to my manuscript. The report is invaluable not just for this novel but also for my future novels.<\/p>\n

“The most important element is that I received feedback on what is wrong that is expert and well-considered. It’s very valuable, too, to know what has worked (so I don’t end up removing it, not realizing it’s fine) and I’m glad to have received that feedback, too. Other services are not as knowledgeable or rigorous.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Karen McKenzie[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832755492{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"The critique I received from Odyssey was very clear and thorough and identified problems in my writing that I always ‘felt’ but couldn’t quite identify. Worth every penny.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Gavin Grant[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550893924111{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"A great job\u2014the feedback I received was perceptive and helpful. The critiquer identified specific issues with my manuscript, and general issues that I need to work on as a writer; and they were able to suggest practical solutions that I can apply immediately.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Andrew Chamberlain[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832801250{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"I recommend the Odyssey Critique Service to all beginning writers who have broken the ice by taking one or two writing classes and have started a novel. Beginning writer courses are like kindergarten writer school, where the not-so-good writers criticize a few paragraphs of your bad writing. The best result of Odyssey’s service is that I have a much better sense of how far I have to go to become a great writer.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Mark Wunh[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550893969934{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"I certainly would recommend and have recommended the Odyssey Critique Service to other writers.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Lee Wee Leng[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832847103{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"I thought I would be receiving a critique of my work; what I got was a life-changing experience. Not only has the Odyssey Critique Service nailed down my weaknesses as a writer, but it has also given me invaluable tools for improvement that I never could have found on my own. I am eternally grateful.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Walt Mutschler[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550894103642{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"I don’t know that I have anything to add that the previous authors have not said. This is a good thing. It means Odyssey consistently provides authors with strong, detailed, and helpful reviews. Even if an author has tried another service, they should try Odyssey\u2014it can only make his work better.”<\/p>\n

\u2014James Breyfogle[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832882086{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"If you have put in the work to write an entire novel, don’t stop there; use the Odyssey Critique Service to hone that novel to the best it can be. It’s a double whammy\u2014you get both overall evaluations and recommendations (i.e. big picture), and line edits and other line-by-line suggestions (i.e. small picture). The feedback is clear, concise, detailed, and helpful. It will also point out your strengths and weaknesses as a reader, which you can use both in the novel and in future writing.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Larry Hodges[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550894140858{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"The feedback I received from Elaine was professional, concise, and absolutely priceless. I now have the tools to take my writing to the next level which is exactly what I was looking for. I have specific areas which I understand are weak, why they are weak, and, equally important, I know how to go about fixing them. She didn’t just say what was wrong but also what I need to do to make the necessary improvements. She obviously spent quality time and thought on my writing and it shows in the quantity and quality of her feedback. This is a great service. Do it!”<\/p>\n

\u2014Karen Lacey[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832958006{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"The critique exceeded my expectations. It was clear, comprehensive, and helpful.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Keith Sen[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550894183869{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"Carrie Vaughn’s in-depth critique plus substantial line edits delivered a lethal one-two to the flaws in my manuscript. . . . Worth the investment and more.”<\/p>\n

\u2014C. R. Steevens[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832975882{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"I must have read my manuscript a dozen times. But I felt something was off so I had gone to an independent editor that was recommended by Preditors and Editors and Literary Marketplace. His edit was completely shallow, giving me no input on character or plot development. This lead me to search for another source. And that was Odyssey. The line by line edits were fantastic, giving me insight from an outside reader. This helped illuminate potential problems, opening my eyes to the rest of my manuscript. The summary critique was also fantastic, focusing on both character and plot development issues\u2014issues that I can now focus on correcting. She [Lane] stated the strengths of my story, which only helped me focus the story further. Thank you.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Jimmy Ng[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832716474{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"I’m a technician by trade, not a writer. This is my first attempt at anything creative. The editor was extremely helpful; she pointed out my weaknesses, strengths, gave suggestions and was very encouraging. I have a lot of work to do, but this pointed me in the right direction. When the revisions are done, I’ll be sending it back for another look. Thanks for the help!”<\/p>\n

\u2014Michael Damon[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550894401272{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"The feedback I received on my young adult fantasy manuscript from the Odyssey Critique Service exceeded my expectations. The comments were truthful yet constructive, helping me see the weaknesses in my story and suggesting ways to improve them. The explanations were clear, detailed, and showed the professional experience and expertise of the editor. I would highly recommend the Odyssey Critique Service to other science fiction and fantasy writers!”<\/p>\n

\u2014Suzanne Y. Truong[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832770353{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"The Odyssey Critique Service is of the same high standard as the Odyssey courses. The advice is clear and helpful. I would certainly recommend it to other writers.”<\/p>\n

\u2014John Berks[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550894373816{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"The Odyssey Critique Service gave me more helpful insight than all of the other combined years of writing workshops in which I’ve participated. I’ll never be able to thank the Odyssey Critique Service enough, and if I ever do make it as a writer it will be largely due to their help. I don’t know anywhere else that a writer can get feedback from a successful author for such a bargain-basement price. The critique both enlightened and inspired me!”<\/p>\n

\u2014Ronald Kaiser[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832816600{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"It was excellent! Carrie picked up immediately on . . . what was wrong (and right) in the text. I was very impressed with her skill, and her suggestions are very valuable. I think that I can come at this work now, with new eyes, new ideas and insight. I feel that I have a much CLEARER understanding of my strengths and particularly my weaknesses and definitely a greater sense of how to improve!”<\/p>\n

\u2014Sylvia Saxon[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550894344050{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"I submitted my first attempt at fiction (three short stories) to the Odyssey Critique Service. I’ve read many books on writing and believed I understood the basics of storytelling. I discovered the enormous difference between reading about writing and putting words on a page.<\/p>\n

“I received an incredibly comprehensive critique. Everything in my stories, from concept, character and plot, to grammar and punctuation, was thoroughly examined. The Odyssey Critique Service is a wonderful resource: I will use it again.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Jay Doolittle[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832870134{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"I’m inclined to believe that Lane Robins spent hours and HOURS analyzing my story. Based on her honest critique, I came to realize I’d better try harder to carry my brains between my ears, and not elsewhere, when it comes to presenting information (exposition) within my story. I’m very happy with the professional critique I received from the Odyssey Critique Service.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Steven Wheelock[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550894311967{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"I would certainly recommend the Odyssey Critique Service to anyone who has a finished manuscript. Compared to similar services found online, the feedback provided through this service is highly specific and provides excellent guidance for what may be changed to make the story even better. Whether you are an Odyssey graduate or are looking to become one, this service can provide the objective critique needed to bring your story to the next level.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Thompson Parker[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832929879{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"Elaine provided a detailed, diplomatic and honest critique. She nailed my weaknesses and gave praise to my strengths. Since one of my weaknesses was plot, I know it must have been a challenge to read\u2014more than once\u2014and yet she clearly treated my writing with respect. The typed critique (twenty eight pages!) and the hand-written manuscript notes complemented each other perfectly. I now have a clear direction, several things to work on improving, and I am eager to get started! I know I wouldn’t be at this point if not for this service. I would definitely recommend this service and I would not hesitate to use it again myself in the future.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Zoe Zygmunt[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550894266758{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"EXTREMELY HELPFUL!!! I’ve been working on this novel for over 10 years. The critique I received through this service was the best I’ve ever had\u2014hands down. . . . The service is worth every penny.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Marques Dillard[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832987269{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"This was absolutely the best, most useful feedback I’ve ever received on my writing. It was clear that Barbara [Campbell] had not only read my manuscript, but read it twice, and tailored her feedback to help me identify what she saw as my strengths and weaknesses. Her comments were useful and specific. She challenged some of the basic assumptions of my plot and characters. She didn’t allow me to get away with any shortcuts as a writer.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Josh Roberts[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550894229043{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"I have already recommended the service to another writer. . . .<\/p>\n

“Many services say they critique fantasy but after investigation they really don’t know fantasy. Odyssey knows fantasy and has the reputation to back it up. The service did provide me with a very thorough genre critique.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Cheryl Carter[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550893877328{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"This critique provided a valuable counterpoint to my critique group’s opinions, in that it was a ‘cold’ look at 20,000 words, not a continually evolving and ‘contaminated’ set of opinions on a work my group has read before. My reviewer gave me invaluable insights to what the manuscript is now, as opposed to what it has been, and picked up things that only a fresh pair of eyes could see. My critique group is very good, but this is just the kind of thing I needed to resolve issues of continuity, world building, and where and when and how much exposition is needed as I try to keep the plot moving. Big things, little things. Excellent advice.<\/p>\n

“Well worth the price! I will definitely use this service again.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Barbara Bowen[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832780475{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"I honestly didn’t know what I had when I finished my novel. I was too close to it, and I needed someone with fresh and clear eyes to see it. The Odyssey Critique Service provided me with that person. She read, analyzed, and reported on my novel to a degree that let me see it clearly again. I hope I can get the book published, but at least I know it’s better. And that’s exactly what I paid for.”<\/p>\n

\u2014P. Matt Kimme[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550894432830{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"I just want to thank Barbara Campbell for taking the time to review my work. I appreciate all of her comments, suggestions, and edits. I am very fortunate to have stumbled upon the Odyssey website, as this critique service will certainly enhance my writing. I will undoubtedly be submitting future works, not only for the professional level of editing, but also to monitor my level of improvement.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Justin Monroe[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832827480{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"I was seeking an honest evaluation of my novel. The Odyssey critique provided this and much more. Other services have sometimes been more laudatory than helpful. Which not to say the critique did not praise my strengths, just that, as in the Odyssey Workshop, the emphasis was more on improving the manuscript, and subsequently, the writer’s skill set than on pleasing the author’s ego. The notes written throughout the manuscript gave me constant insight into what a reader would feel at that point in the story and questions she might have. The critiquer’s expertise in genre fiction alone made her evaluation worth the fee. It was refreshing to be reviewed by a professional who understood the tropes of both the mystery and fantasy genres. Her analysis was thorough, tactful, detailed, and clear. She not only highlighted problem areas but also recommended solutions for them. I expect to send another manuscript to the Odyssey Critique Service this year.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Erik Bundy[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550894462856{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"Odyssey provided me with an exceptionally useful critique. The critique was exactly what I wanted and more importantly what I needed, i.e., honest and specific criticism with tips and recommendations on how to productively resolve identified problem areas and improve the weak aspects of my writing. There are many types of critiques available out there but Odyssey’s (from Barbara Campbell) is the only one that provided me with an exceptionally beneficial critique that included suggestions, methodologies\/tools, resources, and exercises that I could complete to identify my own problem areas in the future and improve my writing. YES! AWESOME!”<\/p>\n

\u2014Michael Kessinger[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832907744{padding-top: 3px !important;padding-right: 3px !important;padding-bottom: 3px !important;padding-left: 3px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"I found this to be a very valuable service. The detailed review of my strengths and weaknesses as a writer that I received was very professional and sensitive at the same time. Thank you.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Larisa Walk[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550894478000{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"The critique I received from Odyssey was a well-thought-out analysis of my stories. My critiquer pointed out weaknesses and flaws in my writing with line-edited suggestions on improvement. Essentially it provided me with the external insight needed to bring my writing to the next level. I would recommend this service to any writers interested in improving their craft.”<\/p>\n

\u2014John Iovine[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832943604{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"Detailed and balanced. Very helpful.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Steve Thomas[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550894508839{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]\"quote\"Theodora [Goss] identified both strengths and weaknesses in my writing, and suggested clear and specific ways to improve. The difference between the ‘before’ and ‘after’ versions, once her feedback had been incorporated, was pretty significant\u2014I’d definitely recommend the critique service to anyone trying to improve.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Steve Clancey[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607832999327{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #b2e2f7 !important;}”]\"quote\"Odyssey Critique Service was instrumental in showing me the faults I was blind to in my story and showing me ways to fix them. I am currently reworking the story, and I look forward to using Odyssey Critique Service again in the future. The critique of my novel, 27 pages long, was filled with advice and comments on my characters, plot, and theme. It also gave advice on my style, tone and pacing.<\/p>\n

“The critique broke my story down into manageable bites so I could digest all the information and start to work on my story to make it stronger, to make it publishable as a work of fiction.<\/p>\n

“The line edits, and I am sorry to Barbara Campbell for this, were throughout the novel and were instructive. They showed me the faults I was blind to in my writing, showing me how to tighten up the scenes and sequences I had while giving wonderful, truthful feedback. And that is a rarity.<\/p>\n

“Try getting this kind of feedback from a community college or even a four-year college. It won’t happen.”<\/p>\n

\u2014Joe Hanzlik[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”A Message from Jeanne Cavelos, Director, about Critique Services:” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:40|text_align:center|color:%23212021″ google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1599542600631{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1550889068239{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550888952719{background-color: #212021 !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”About” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1607831544017{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1550889688440{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text] To further our mission of helping writers of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":11079,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-11081","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t