Darren Andrews has been writing since his youth - stories, letters to editors, articles & essays, game text, humour, poetry and newsletters. He loves words and their creative use. At school he even remembers reading a dictionary.   He has also read and critiqued a number of fiction manuscripts, rewritten ebooks, and researched and written articles for various markets. He is also a ConstantContent Author.

"My book is better because Darren reviewed it. He suggested many things that had a huge impact and proved himself to be adept at areas where I thought I had done great research. He could see things that made those areas better. He is well-read and understands what the author is saying and can see ways the author can enhance the message. Darren is a prompt and thorough corresponder. I don't ever plan to submit any manuscript in the future without having first have Darren review it." - Donald B. Anderson, author.

Written a Novel? Want a Second Pair of Eyes
To Look it Over Before Publication?

  If you have a manuscript that you feel is pretty polished - whether accepted for publication or not - then you may want to have someone look through it before it is published or submitted for publication. You can find a competent and impartial associate to do this, or you could use a critiquing service. Such services differ as to the detail and depth of what they offer, but are generally quite expensive and may offer more than you need or can afford.

Manuscript Critiques (Fiction Only)

  Darren can unfortunately only offer his novel-editing services to a limited number of clients, and reserves the right to be selective. He is willing to critique most genres of fiction except adult-themed (including adult humour and strong horror) and romance novels.

What is involved in a manuscript critique?

  This service allows a second set of eyes to view your work. No alterations are made to your manuscript, instead you receive a small report (usually from 1 to 3 pages) covering the following areas:

• General feedback - a review of your manuscript, the good and the bad. A reader's perspective
• Technical feedback - any issues with pace, characterization, plot, dialogue and other elements of writing
• Typographical errors - misspellings, punctuation problems, obvious grammar issues, etc.

  It should be noted that this critique does not aim to be a full copy-editing service, neither does it seek to advise you on legal issues with your content or with the technical side of marketability/readiness for publication. Your publisher and/or agent (if you have one) will work with you on these areas. Further, the thrust of the critique will be on the "general feedback" (see above). If you wish to have more advice about readiness for publication, marketability, etc., you should use one of the more expensive critiquing or manuscript appraisal services. The aim of my service is to keep things as low-cost as possible for you, but still give highly valuable feedback as both a reader and proofreader.

Who is this service for?

  This critiquing service is for writers who have what they consider to be a fairly polished manuscript. Manuscripts that are riddled with numerous errors should not be submitted. Your manuscript should be either already accepted for publication or at a point where it can, or can soon, be submitted to a publisher. This does not mean it needs to be perfect, but it does mean you need to feel it is as good as you can get it on your own.

How much does it cost?

  Trial pricing is set at just 0.0016 cents per word (this would work out to a fee of $160 for a 100,000-word manuscript). This fee may be increased in the future.

  You will of course also have to pay for the postage of your manuscript (which will vary according to where you live) or a printing fee (fixed at $20 regardless of your manuscript length) should you send it electronically.

  You may pay by PayPal or, if in the UK, by cheque (made payable to "Darren Andrews"). Payment need not be made until you have received and are happy with your report.

How long does it take?

  This depends entirely on how popular my service is at the time of your submission! I will, nevertheless, aim to read and critique your manuscript as soon as I am able. I know time is important especially if your book has already been accepted for publication. The report will be emailed to you.

How do I submit my work?

  Firstly you should email me and tell me the name, genre, desired audience and length (to the nearest thousand words) of your book. For example: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, fantasy, kidult/crossover, 77000 words. Please also include a paragraph-long summary of your novel in this email and whether you intend to send it electronically or physically (the latter will be more likely to be accepted). The form below will guide you through these requirements. You may also use the form to contact me should you have any enquiries (just put an "n/a" or other character in the unneeded boxes).

  IF I accept the work then please send a physical copy of your complete manuscript to the address below. There is no need for the manuscript to be double-spaced, though it should have page numbers. You must include a correctly stamped, and addressed, jiffy bag/suitably-large envelope if you want the manuscript returned to you.

Contact Form

Writer and Marketer.
82 Leaford Crescent
Watford, Hertfordshire
England WD24 5JG

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Material that is "adult" should not be submitted as it will be rejected. Payment can be made by PayPal for international customers or by cheque (payble to "Darren Andrews") for UK customers (conversion to pounds will be provided before payment). After receiving your critique, payment should be made no more than one week later. No responsibility for your manuscript is taken whilst in the post (never send your original in case of loss). No guarantee of publication is made in offering these services. The main body of the report is ultimately subjective and should not be taken as the only view of your work.

PRIVACY POLICY: Your contact details and submitted material will not be shared with or sold to any third party, or in any other way abused.