Manuscript Review Program
The Manuscript Review Program enables WFNS members at all career stages to receive developmental advice for re-vamping, re-visioning, or re-conceiving a literary project that needs a fresh pair of eyes. Feedback is provided by professional and award-winning authors and editors, whose experience and skill bring the best of out a stalled manuscript and provide a writer with guidance and clarity in moving forward.
Since its introduction in 2016, the Manuscript Review Program has provided writers with affordable access to the careful attention of literary professionals, who help writers identify the strengths and weaknesses in specific literary works and projects as well as in their literary writing in general.
Manuscript review (also called ‘manuscript assessment’) provides developmental advice for re-vamping, re-visioning, or re-conceiving a literary project that needs a fresh pair of eyes. The process provides much-needed perspective and clarity when a manuscript has been revised and rewritten over a long period of time (but seems to be going nowhere), when it needs an extra push in the right direction (from someone familiar with the literary landscape), or when it has been submitted several times but has not seen publication (to its writer’s great frustration).
A writer can expect written feedback on technique, craft, genre/form, and any specific concerns identified in the writer’s application. Additional feedback may, at the reviewer’s discretion, include genre-specific notes (e.g., on dialogue, setting, and characterization for fiction), suggestions for further developing the manuscript, suggestions for publishers or journals that may be interested in the work, or general writing career guidance.
Program fees:
- Prose (fiction or nonfiction): $100 for up to 2500 words (approximately ten pages) + $0.006 per word beyond 2500 words (approximately $1.50/page)
- Poetry: $100 for up to 1250 words + $0.012 per word beyond 1250 words
Once a Manuscript Review request has been received, WFNS confirms a reviewer’s availability; collects the program fee from the writer; confers payment to the reviewer; and then forwards the completed review to the writer.
To get the most out of a manuscript review, a writer should submit work that is complete, that has already been through multiple drafts, and that is polished in format and grammar.
A review will be returned in the form of written notes—a minimum of 2 double-spaced pages of high-level, developmental feedback. Additional pages of feedback may be provided, at the discretion of the reviewer, for longer manuscripts. (For stylistic edits, line edits, copy editing, or proofing, please consult instead our Literary Services Directory or Editors Canada.)
Minimum turnaround time for a review is 3 weeks—measured from the date the reviewer receives the manuscript to the date the review is returned to the writer. Timelines for manuscripts above 1000 words are ultimately determined by the reviewer in consultation with WFNS and with consideration for the writer’s preferences.
Reviewers are compensated for a single round of feedback, as described above. If you wish to seek a follow-up consultation with your reviewer, such an arrangement falls outside the scope of the Manuscript Review Program and you must negotiate additional compensation with the reviewer directly. However, WFNS (communications@writers.ns.ca) is happy to pass on a request for such an arrangement to your reviewer.
Manuscript Review Program applications are accepted only through the form at the bottom of this page. Please note that completing the application form is the second-last step in our recommended application checklist:
☐ Select three potential reviewers.
☐ Complete and submit the form at the bottom of this page. After clicking the “Submit application” button, please wait until the green confirmation message appears (confirming that your form has been successfully submitted) before exiting this page.
☐ Reply to the confirmation email from WFNS. When your application is processed, WFNS email you with additional details and the total fee for your manuscript review. This fee will be required once a reviewer has confirmed their availability and a return date for the review has been agreed upon. The entire fee will be conveyed to the reviewer; WFNS retains no part of the fee.
Review fees are calculated according to the follow equations, where W is the total word count of your manuscript:
- For prose, fee = ((W – 2500) x $0.006) + $100
- For poetry, fee = ((W – 1250) x $0.012) + $100
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED YEAR-ROUND
Reviewer profiles
Make note of three potential reviewers listed below. Click a reviewer name to read their full profile, including the specific genres of fiction (F), nonfiction (NF), poetry (P), writing for children (WfC), and writing for young adults (YA) in which they specialize.
Chris Benjamin (F) (NF)
Genres: Fiction (long-form, short-form, historical); Nonfiction (long-form, short-form, memoir, research-based)
“I write and edit narrative pretty much every day. As a journalist with hundreds of published stories, I make sense of complex information by making it into story. As a journalist and features writer, I’ve worked in Canada and abroad, including a stint working for a daily national newspaper in Ghana. I shared an honourable mention in the 2009 Canadian National Magazine Awards for a story about a Ghanaian prison. I’ve written for a long list of magazines and newspapers in Canada and the United States. A few highlights include The Globe and Mail, Science Friday, Chronicle Herald, Z Magazine, Canadian Dimension, This Magazine, Briarpatch, Saltscapes, Halifax Magazine, The Halifax Examiner, Progress Magazine, and The Coast. My piece on efforts to create an onshore fish farm won a Silver Atlantic Journalism Award for Saltscapes Magazine. My goal in every story is to bring human faces to complex issues, touching not only the minds but the hearts of readers. Most prominently, this work shows in my books.
“My latest book is Indian School Road, which uses historical and contemporary research to tell the difficult and multi-faceted story of the Maritimes’ only Indian Residential School. Released in August 2014, this book won the Dave Greber Prize for social justice writing. My previous book, Eco-Innovators: Sustainability in Atlantic Canada, won the 2012 Best Atlantic-Published Book Award and was a finalist for the Richardson Non-Fiction Prize. It is a series of profiles of farmers, fishers, activists, politicians, businesspersons, artists and others committed to improving how we live for the sake of the planet. My novel Drive-by Saviours won the H.R. Percy Prize, was longlisted for a ReLit Prize and made the Canada Reads Top Essential Books List in 2011. It received critical acclaim from national and local publications. I’ve also published about 20 short stories in literary journals, magazines and anthologies (published by the likes of Descant, Nashwaak Review, Roseway, Pottersfield Press, Voiceprint Canada, The Society, Rattling Books, Third Person Press, and Fierce Ink).”
K.R. Byggdin (F)
Genres: Fiction (long-form, short-form)
K.R. Byggdin’s short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction has been published in anthologies and journals across Canada, the UK, and New Zealand. Their writing has received support from the Canada Council for the Arts, and they are an alum of the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia’s Alistair MacLeod Mentorship Program and the Banff Centre’s Emerging Writers Intensive. In 2022, they completed studies in English and Creative Writing at Dalhousie University and published their first novel, Wonder World, with Enfield & Wizenty. For more information about their writing, visit krbyggdin.com.
“I have extensive experience workshopping peers with cordial and constructive feedback, have served as a fiction and creative nonfiction editor for Dalhousie’s Fathom journal and as a freelance editor for a variety of writing projects, and am also active as a manuscript reviewer for The Writers’ Union of Canada. Developmental and structural editing is where I shine. My goal is to offer substantive and specific feedback, probing the story and posing clarifying questions that allow each writer to go deeper with their work while always respecting and honouring the story they wish to tell. As a queer and nonbinary writer, I am particularly interested in working with other 2SLGBTQ+ writers to strengthen their unique voices and expand queer and trans representation in Canadian literature.”
Alison DeLory (F) (NF) (WfC)
Genres: Fiction (long-form, short-form); Nonfiction (long-form, short-form, memoir, research-based); Writing for children (early readers, chapter books)
“Long form fiction: as consulting manuscript editor I’ve critiqued several full-length adult fiction manuscripts. Short Fiction: as writing group member and participant in the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, I’ve critiqued short stories. Short form creative non-fiction (CNF): I’ve taught 2 university credit courses and two WFNS workshops on CNF writing, evaluating student’s work. Long form creative non-fiction: edited Take as Directed, a best-selling book. Research-based non-fiction: as academic editor I’ve edited theses, journal articles and research papers. Early Readers/Chapter Books: I authored two children’s chapter books and visited many schools participating in the Writers in the Schools.”
Pamela Ditchoff (F)
Genres: Fiction (long-form, short-form)
“I have been writing and reading fiction and poetry since I was ten years of age, because these activities were more gratifying than nearly any other challenge or pleasure. When placing your manuscript in the hands of another reader, I think you would like to know the person has a love for the art of writing.
“I have not been employed as a literary editor; I have read and critiqued hundreds of manuscripts as a teacher of creative writing. I have also had six novels and two teaching text published as well as short fiction and poetry in various literary magazines and anthologies.
“When I read your manuscript, I will be first be looking for the heart of the story, what inspired you, as a writer, to chose this story above infinite possibilities . . . a story you wish to share with readers. I will be attentive to the basics:
- Plot driven novel or character driven novel.
- Plot type, quest, metamorphosis, boy meets girl, comedy, tragedy, etc.
- Setting and atmosphere.
- Structure.
- Characterization is an illusion based on three elements: consistency, complexity and individuality.
- Dialogue, exposition, and fresh phrasing.
- Tone and mood and clear themes.
“I will strive to find your style through your use of powerful / beautiful / witty / language, from characters and exposition that puts me firmly in your story. And I will look for a balance that urges me to keep reading, keep turning the pages.”
Denise Flint (F) (NF)
Genres: Fiction (long-form, mystery, romance); Nonfiction (long-form, short-form, memoir, research-based)
“I have done several manuscript evaluations through the Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador, now known as WritersNL. I have also been a freelance writer for 25 years, publishing four romances under the pen name Barbara Burke and recently ghostwriting a memoir selected as one of CBC Books’ titles to read in spring of 2023. I received gold at the Atlantic Journalism Awards for best profile article in a magazine.”
Jaime Forsythe (F) (P)
Genres: Fiction (short-form); Poetry
“I’m an experienced writer, editor, and writing instructor with a BA Concordia (English & Creative Writing) and MFA University of Guelph (Creative Writing). I’m the author of the poetry collection Sympathy Loophole (Mansfield Press, 2012); have published poems in numerous print and online publications, including This Magazine, The New Quarterly, The Antigonish Review, Matrix, Lemon Hound, The Rusty Toque, and more; and have taught poetry workshops through a community program for youth and adults and at Mount Allison University. I’m also the editor of the short fiction anthology Transits: Stories from In-Between (Invisible Publishing, 2007); have published fiction in Geist, Kiss Machine, and Syphon; and have taught Creative Writing: Fiction at Dalhousie University.”
Ben Gallagher (P)
Genres: Poetry
“I have been writing and editing poems for the past 15 years, and I have an MA degree in English & Cultural Studies from McMaster and a PhD in Education from the University of Toronto. I am the author of A Grief Cave (Frontenac House) and have had poems published in numerous print and online journals, including untethered mag, Juniper, The Ex-Puritan, The Malahat Review, and others. I have taught poetry workshops for the past four years through the Toronto Writing Project and at the Lunenburg Public Library and have taught Creative Writing: Poetry at Dalhousie University. I can offer feedback on both full-length collections and poetry chapbooks and will provide a mix of line edits and overall comments on structure and organization.”
Sylvia Gunnery (WfC) (YA)
Genres: Writing for children (early readers, chapter books); Writing for young adults (YA fiction)
“My career in writing began in 1978 with the publication of a short story in Grain Magazine. Since then, I’ve published over 20 books for teens, children, and educators. As a manuscript reviewer, I offer my best critical and creative skills, caring about the draft writing as much as I do my own.”
- Mentorships: for the WFNS Mentorship Program (YA fiction). Writing Workshops: the craft of writing fiction for adults, for teens, and for children. Judging Writing Competitions: YA fiction, essay, short fiction, children’s picture books, and chapter books.
- Publication History: short fiction (magazines); YA fiction; middle-grade fiction; chapter books; early reader fiction and non-fiction; teacher resources (writing curriculum)
- Editing Experience: chapter books, early reader fiction and non-fiction; teacher resources
- Manuscript Reviews: with the Writers’ Union of Canada program; several private contracts.
Bethany Lake (F)
Genres: Fiction (long-form, short-form, literary, speculative)
“I am the author of the dystopian novel Walk On (publisher TBD), which began its development in WFNS’s Alistair MacLeod Mentorship Program in 2018 under Sylvia Gunnery’s mentorship. I was also a reader for the Short Form Creative Non-Fiction Category in WFNS’s 2017 Nova Writes Competition.”
Tyler LeBlanc (NF)
Genres: Nonfiction (long-form, short-form, memoir, research-based)
“Having worked as a journalist, editor, fact-checker, staff writer, and most recently an author, I have nearly a decade of experience on both sides of the page, as a writer and an editor. Through my time as a student, and then as a guest speaker, panelist, and assistant in the University of King’s College MFA in Creative Nonfiction, I have workshopped myriad nonfiction pieces, ranging from short essays to full-length manuscripts. I am interested in research-based nonfiction (historical or otherwise) but always keen to look at any nonfiction.”
Nanci Lee (NF) (P)
Genres: Nonfiction (research-based); Poetry
“I have over twenty years’ experience as a researcher and editor reviewing non-fiction research articles, both peer-reviewed and grey literature related to transformative learning, education, alternative economic systems and affordable housing. While I am new to reviewing poetry manuscripts, I have judged manuscript contests and played a small editing role with poetry.”
Paul Marriner (NF)
Genres: Nonfiction (long-form, short-form, research-based)
Paul Marriner has edited three outdoor-themed nonfiction works by other authors, including one research-based title and two memoirs.
Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail (F) (NF) (WfC)
Genres: Fiction (long-form, commercial, historical, romantic comedy); Nonfiction (long-form, short-form, memoir, research-based); Writing for children
“I am a compassionate, kind, and thorough reviewer of works-in-progress, ranging from children’s picture books to memoir, nonfiction, and commercial fiction. I run several supportive feedback / critique groups and was the general / structural editor for the critically-acclaimed and bestselling anthology In This Together: Fifteen Stories of Truth and Reconciliation (Brindle & Glass). As a trained historian and compulsive reader of spiritual, self-help, narrative nonfiction / memoir, picture books, book club fiction, and romantic comedies, I am particularly drawn to these kinds of manuscripts.”
Melanie Mosher (WfC)
Genres: Writing for children (picture books, chapter books, middle-grade readers)
“When reviewing a manuscript, I bring over 30 years of writing experience, and a love for children’s stories. I have three children’s books published and a fourth due out in the fall of 2023. My middle-grade novel, A Beginner’s Guide to Goodbye, was a finalist for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. I’m also a freelance writer for several magazines and very familiar with the editing process. I have critiqued manuscripts for the Canadian Society of Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP) as part of their annual writing competition. I have been a reader/judge for Nova Writes Competition and a judge for the Woozles writing contest. I have taught a writing workshop at Fog Lit, been part of WITS, and participated in many writing courses. I have been a member of several writer’s groups, learning to read the work of others carefully and thoughtfully. I ask questions and provide feedback that is useful and encouraging, pointing out what works and what may need more attention. Many gifted writers have provided me with guidance over the years and I hope to share what I have learned with others.”
donalee Moulton (F) (NF) (P)
Genres: Fiction (short-form, mystery, thriller); Nonfiction (long-form, short-form, research-based); Poetry
“I am a professional editor with more than 25 years’ experience who has worked closely with writers and publishers across Canada to help move works forward and make work fluid and compelling. I have provided manuscript reviews for works of fiction and non-fiction at all levels of development and have provided substantive and copy editing services.”
Sal Sawler (WfC) (YA) (graphic novels)
Genres: Writing for children; Writing for young adults; Graphic novels
As the editor of Conundrum Press’s Emanata imprint, Sal Sawler specializes in editing graphic novels and young adult fiction. In addition to their work at Conundrum Press, Sal is a regular book reviewer for Quill & Quire‘s Books for Young People section, and has written articles on children’s literature for Atlantic Books Today, Our Children Magazine, Quill & Quire, and ParentsCanada. Sal has also provided freelance editing services for Wattpad’s Paid Stories program (focusing on young adult).
Sal is also the bestselling author of two middle grade nonfiction titles: Be Prepared: The Frankie MacDonald Guide to Life, the Weather, and Everything, which won the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and was shortlisted for Forest of Reading and Hackmatack Awards; and 100 Things You Don’t Know About Atlantic Canada for Kids, which was also shortlisted for the Hackmatack Awards. Their first book, 100 Things You Don’t Know About Nova Scotia, continues to find new readers year after year, and their debut picture book, When the Ocean Came to Town, will be published in Fall 2023, with illustrations by Emma Fitzgerald.
Sal has a special interest in working on graphic novels, picture books, and manuscripts with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent characters. They are also able to provide sensitivity readings that focus on nonbinary experiences and ADHD.
Jessica Scott Kerrin (F) (WfC) (YA)
Genres: Fiction; Writing for children (picture books, chapter books, middle readers); Writing for young adults
“As a manuscript reviewer, I bring over 20 years of editing experience, with a particular fondness for children’s stories. To date, I have 16 children’s books of my own that have been published by Kids Can Press and Groundwood Books, and I have also been published in several children’s magazines.
“I continue to serve as a mentor for The Writers’ Union of Canada and the Canadian Society of Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP). I have taught writing workshops for CANSCAIP, the International Reading Association, MASC Young Authors and Illustrators, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, the WFNS, and the Association of Teachers of English of Nova Scotia, as well as for various literary festivals and children’s literature roundtables across Canada. Lastly, I have served on numerous juries for national as well as regional writing competitions for both adults and children, including the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Canadian Children’s Book Center Annual Writing Contest, CANSCAIP’s Annual Writing for Children Contest, the Atlantic Writing Competition offered by the WFNS, and the Dartmouth First Book Award (both fiction and nonfiction).
“My manuscript reviews are a blend of encouragement and honesty in identifying strengths and weaknesses. I will share my interpretation of your manuscript and provide clear criteria that I use to determine my recommendations. Where possible, I will also suggest concrete and specific examples of how you might further distinguish your work from others in your genre.”
Marjorie Simmins (F) (NF)
Genres: Fiction (long-form, short-form); Nonfiction (long-form, short-form, memoir, research-based)
“I am an author, journalist, teacher and speaker with many years’ experience in editing and offering manuscript services, the latter primarily to memoir writers. I have done this work online or via contacts I have made through my annual memoir writing courses in Nova Scotia and BC. I would be pleased to work in all forms of non-fiction and fiction.”
Alison E Smith (P)
Genres: Poetry
“I have reviewed numerous manuscripts for poets ranging in experience from new writers to professionals. It is not my specialty, but I have also been a first reader for several novelists.”
Nicole Elizabeth Spence (F) (NF)
Genres: Fiction (long-form); Nonfiction (memoir)
“I am the author of the memoir Somewhere North of Where I Was. I have a strong background in education, with seventeen years of classroom experience, and work well with all age levels. I have taught workshops (officially and unofficially) in schools and have mentored local emerging authors as well as students, providing constructive feedback in assisting the enhancement manuscript and various writing projects. I am currently working on my second book (a novel set in small-town Nova Scotia). I hold a degree in English from St FX University, with a minor in psychology. As a published author, I am well versed in the editing process, providing constructive, compassionate, reflective feedback to help you make your manuscript the best it can be. I am looking forward to working with you in meeting your writing goals.”
Barbara Elizabeth Stewart (NF)
Genres: Nonfiction (long-form, short-form, memoir, research-based)
“I was a journalist and editor for Florida and New York City news organizations for 15 years, where I wrote hundreds of features, profiles, and news stories for publication. After that, I taught essay writing and research at NYC universities, including NYU and Manhattan Community colleges. I taught journalistic reporting and writing at the Royal University of Bhutan and, for 4 years, taught essay writing and research at American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. More recently, I taught Writing for the Arts at the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design and was a writing coach there. I’ve edited MA theses and other writing projects. I have a strong understanding of all aspects of nonfiction writing — the concept and focus, the research (if outside research is required), the content, voice, tone, organization, and final polishing. I can work with writers at all levels.”
Marianne Ward (F) (NF) (WfC) (YA)
Genres: Fiction (long-form, short-form, historical, fantasy); Nonfiction (long-form, short-form, memoir, research-based); Writing for children (early readers, chapter books); Writing for young adults (YA fiction)
“With a dozen years’ experience as a freelance book editor, I have edited everything from picture books to academic texts, general non-fiction, YA and historical fiction, and memoir. Many of the manuscripts I’ve edited for authors have gone on to secure traditional publishing contracts, and many I’ve edited for publishers have been nominated for (and won) major book awards. I work hard to provide honest, helpful assessments. I respect the trust authors place in me and give every manuscript the careful consideration it deserves.”
Patrick Woodcock (F) (NF) (P)
Genres: Fiction (short-form); Nonfiction (long-form, short-form, memoir, travel writing); Poetry
Patrick Woodcock is the author of 9 books of poetry and countless reviews. His work has been translated and published in 14 languages. Since travel is so essential to his work, Patrick has lived and worked in such diverse countries as Iceland, Poland, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, The Sultanate of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, The Kurdish North of Iraq and Azerbaijan. Within Canada he has travelled from the West to East coasts, as well as working as a volunteer for almost a year with the elders of Fort Good Hope, NT (20km south of the Arctic Circle). He has read at international poetry festivals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, the Kurdish North of Iraq, Azerbaijan, England, The Republic of Georgia, Tanzania, Kenya and Canada’s Winnipeg International Writers Festival. While living in Colombia, he read at the Ibague Poetry Festival, The XVIII Medellin International Poetry Festival, and the Bogota Poetry Festival (being was the first poet from outside of Latin America to ever do so).
