Writing is a beautiful art, whether you’re doing it as a hobby or wish to take it a step further and send your work out into the world by submitting to competitions and publications. However, navigating through your words and ideas can get lonely and frustrating. It’s so easy to lose sight of the wood for the trees – we’ve all been there many times! My critique focuses on guiding writers through this process, especially those at the beginning of their creative writing journey. Even when you think a piece is done and dusted, having a fresh pair of critiquing eyes can give it that final polish or, conversely, show you that it requires more work to bring it up to scratch. My aim is to provide clarity as well as that second wind of inspiration that is needed for revision.
My tailored critique focuses on prose in the short story genre, usually between 1000 – 6000 words.
Specific Areas of Focus:
- Openings and endings
- Characterisation
- Structure
- Pacing
- Effectiveness of Language
- Other areas (e.g. point of view/ narrative consciousness)
Your feedback will also include the areas of the story that are working well so you can identify your strengths as a writer. We will also look at what aspects of the story aren’t working to their fullest potential.
How does it work?
- You will first be asked to submit your short story . Please email submissions to: kissearth@hotmail.com
- This will be followed up by a quote.
- If you are happy to proceed, full payment is made and the critique will be emailed, usually within 7 days.
Pricing
Critiques for stories over 2500 words begin at 50 euro. This includes the reading fee, feedback of around 500-600 words and annotations on your manuscript. For stories under 2500 words, a fee will be given after the work is considered. Special rates also apply to undergraduates and students. Please note that in general, the fee is dependent on the nature of the piece submitted and the work required.
About Me
With a lifetime steeped in creative writing and teaching literature, I share the tips and techniques that have seen many of my own short stories published in esteemed anthologies and placed in prestigious international competitions like Mslexia Best Women’s Fiction (twice), Bridport, London Independent Short Story, the Bournemouth and the Commonwealth Prize amongst others. For full list see here https://eriniloucaides.com/index.php/competition-credits/
I myself have been very fortunate to have been selected for programmes where I have received tailored mentoring by award-winning authors who are changing the literary landscape today. Among these are: Commonwealth and Jhalak prize winner Jennifer Makumbi, Pulitzer finalist Rebecca Makkai and Booker prize judge and double shortlistee, Chigozie Obioma. Their knowledge and incisive feedback have greatly impacted my writing, my re-writing and my critiquing skills. I have also been critiquing and beta reading in writing groups for over two decades.
Testimonial
Erini is simply brilliant at identifying specific areas to focus on as well as offering the much needed encouraging nudge in the right direction. Her feedback on my work always chimes with feedback I receive from both my agent and editors – and, they are all almost always right! Erini knows what makes a story work and has well-honed instincts for good writing – if there is a story in there, she will make sure it gets told in the best way possible. Cannot recommend enough!
Costantia Manoli, award-winning, Kirkus-starred author of ‘Tomatoes in My Lunchbox’ and the forthcoming ‘The Fig Tree’ (Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan)
Terms & Conditions:
- I reserve the right to refuse a piece if I feel it is not a best fit for my critique services.
- This is not a proofreading or editorial service although some editing may be provided for you.
- I aim to provide concise feedback. Should anything be unclear in my feedback, I aim to clarify. However, if a writer wishes for further feedback or much more detail beyond the given critique, this may come with an additional charge.
- Payment is made via credit card, Paypal or Quick Pay.
Recent Comments