Do you need help analyzing a plot? Download The Plot Outline Exercise from Advanced Plotting in a form you can edit and reuse! (For more about Advanced Plotting, scroll down.) Scroll down for info on my writing craft books.
Thinking of self-publishing? Get the Indie_Publishing_Worksheet to see if you’re on track. (This has not been updated in several years but the basic questions should still apply.)
Sign up for my (very rarely sent) writing advice mailing list for notices of webinars.
Publishing Help For Writers and Information on Critique Services
Editorial Services
Take a Step toward Publication
Chris Eboch is the author of novels, nonfiction books and magazine articles. Kirkus Reviews called her middle grade historical drama, The Well of Sacrifice, “[An] engrossing first novel.” Chris taught Writing for Children through the Institute of Children’s Literature for ten years, and she has given dozens of popular writing workshops around the world. She has her M.A. in Professional Writing and Publishing from Emerson College. She is a former Regional Advisor for SCBWI.
Prices
Novels: $2.50 per page (standard manuscript format/doublespaced) for general editorial comments (plot/character/flow/language notes). This provides a 4 to 6 page editorial letter, plus notes written on the manuscript. Minimum $100.
Picture Books up to 1200 words: $60
Email me through the contact page. An example of a critique letter and more recommendations are available on request.
Recommendations
“Your mentoring was superior, and exactly what I needed to take a writing talent and journalism background and fine tune it into something solid…. You are a phenomenal teacher/mentor.” Jodi Lea Stewart, author of Blackberry Road, Silki, the Girl of Many Scarves, The Accidental Road, and other novels
“Chris Eboch is a terrific editor! She is honest and insightful, and good at analyzing your plot and characterization. Her editorial skill helped me get my first novel accepted.” – Louise Spiegler, author of The Amethyst Road and The Jewel and the Key
“Your critique is so clear and concise, and easy to receive. In fact, it’s as though you scratched an itch I couldn’t reach. Nearly everything you said I could see, and on an intuitive level, I think I already knew. Thanks so much for your insights on those areas of my writing that need so much more work, but also for the positive feedback. I truly appreciate your critique and style of editing.” – Victoria L.
“I learned a hell of a lot with you. Your comments were always very constructive and you helped me to see the big picture, instead of losing the plot (pun intended!). I hope I can submit more work to you in the future.” – Marion T.
“I have been telling everyone I know that your editing is the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve had the opportunity to have several.” – Marik B.
“Chris provided a thoughtful, thorough critique. She helped me consider not only the little points such as sentence structure and word choice, but bigger issues like pacing and characterization.” – Jennifer Bohnhoff, author of The Bent Reed, On Fledgling Wings, and other novels.
“Chris’ editing has helped me take my manuscript to the next level. My story is much more polished and I’m learning so much more about the craft. You can trust Chris’ professional judgment. Her prices are very reasonable, and I know her feedback is going to assist me in getting my work published.” – John M.
“Before I met Chris, I thought I was a good writer. I had already sold a book to a major publishing house. I was working on another, and everyone who read it liked it. Chris showed me where it was weak, and how to make it stronger. She’s an ace at suggesting ways to improve characters and plot. Whenever I have that nagging feeling that something I’ve written isn’t quite right, I know I can count on her to feel it, too, and to guide me into making the changes that will make it sing.” – Carolyn F.
You Can Write for Children: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers is available for the Kindle, in paperback, or in Large Print paperback.
Remember the magic of bedtime stories? When you write for children, you have the most appreciative audience in the world. But to reach that audience, you need to write fresh, dynamic stories, whether you’re writing rhymed picture books, middle grade mysteries, edgy teen novels, nonfiction, or something else.
In this book, you will learn:
- How to explore the wide variety of age ranges, genres, and styles in writing stories, articles and books for young people.
- How to find ideas.
- How to develop an idea into a story, article, or book.
- The basics of character development, plot, setting, and theme – and some advanced elements.
- How to use point of view, dialogue, and thoughts.
- How to edit your work and get critiques.
- Where to learn more on various subjects.
Whether you’re just starting out or have some experience, this book will make you a better writer – and encourage you to have fun!
Advanced Plotting is designed for the intermediate and advanced writer: you’ve finished a few manuscripts, read books and articles on writing, taken some classes, attended conferences. But you still struggle with plot, or suspect that your plotting needs work.
This really is helping me a lot. It’s written beautifully and to-the-point. The essays really help you zero in on your own problems in your manuscript. The Plot Outline Exercise is a great tool!
I just read and—dissected—your well written book: Advanced Plotting. It’s now highlighted in bright orange and littered with many of those little 3M sticky labels. GOOD JOB. There are too many just-for-beginners books out there. Yours was a delight.
Advanced Plotting is helping me to be more focused, to stop and ask the right questions, to dig deeper.
Download The Plot Outline Exercise from Advanced Plotting in a form you can edit and reuse!
Chris Eboch 