Check your Story Pulse book cover - teal with a drawing of the heartbeat line and the heart
Check Your Story Pulse

Be true to your story

A close up for a page in a typewriter with words 'In the Beginning...' written on the page.

The Opening Pages Review

Get the big-picture clarity your story deserves right from the first line.

You’ve polished your opening pages so many times they practically sparkle. But deep down, you’re wondering if they’re pulling their weight.

Will the readers care about your protagonist? Did you start the story at the right place?

Your opening doesn’t just set the tone. It decides whether readers (or agents or editors) keep turning the pages. In other words – your opening pages are your prime real estate. You’ll want it to dazzle the readers and lure them into the world you’ve created. And surface-level fixes won’t cut it when what you really need is a powerful engine that purrs on page one.

That’s where I come in.

What You’ll Get:

  • A developmental edit (not just line edits) of your first 3000 words (standard manuscript format)
  • A 45-minute coaching call on Zoom to discuss your feedback and next steps
  • Big-picture insight into what’s working, what’s unclear, and what’s worth rethinking
  • Clear, actionable suggestions to strengthen character connection, narrative drive, and story promise
  • An editorial letter plus in-line comments, so you’re not left guessing what to do next or how to do it
  • Additional resources or exercises (when applicable) to help you enrich your story, deepen your characters, and keep your momentum

How it works

You send me your pages (up to 3000 words, double-spaced, 12-pt font). I review your work with a developmental editor’s lens with a clear focus on the story mechanics. You walk away with clarity, direction, and practical next steps.

Who it's for:
  • Writers preparing to query or submit to editors
  • Writers revising (again) and wondering if their opening actually lands
  • Writers who crave feedback that cuts to the heart of the story, not just the syntax
Who it's not for:
  • Writers looking for a full line edit or copyedit
  • Writers who aren't yet sure what their novel is about
  • First-draft drafters who haven’t revised at all yet

For tips to revise, check out my blog posts on the topic.

Availability:

This service takes up to two weeks from the day you submit your opening chapters. I've got one slot per month.

The process:
  • 1
    You reach out

    Fill in the form below to let me know more about your project. I’ll get back to you within 3 working days with questions about specific details. I might ask for a sample of your writing.

  • 2
    We talk

    Once I get your reply, we’ll schedule a free discovery call to discuss the process, expectations and deadlines. If we decide we’re a good fit, I’ll send you an invoice with payment details.

  • 3
    You pay the invoice

    Upon receiving the payment, I’ll send you further details and ask you to submit your opening pages (the first 3000 words) as a Word document.

  • 4
    I send my feedback

    Upon receiving the payment, I start with the work and deliver my feedback as per the agreed-upon deadline.

  • 5
    Zoom call

    We discuss my feedback in a 45-minute Zoom call and address your questions, concerns and the next steps.

  • Your investment:
    USD 99

    or

    EUR 85
    One-time payment
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