About this service
A short story competes for a slot in a contest or a magazine slush pile, and editors often decide within the first page. We critique your story for that moment: the opening lines, a single clear effect, whether every scene earns its place within the word count and whether the ending lands. We also check that the story fits the guidelines you are submitting to, such as word limits, genre and content rules.
What is included
- What you getA written critique: first impression as an editor, strengths, problems with quotes, a check against the submission guidelines and a revision plan. Premium adds line edits of the opening.
- Opening linesWould an editor keep reading?
- Single effectOne story, one strong impression
- EconomyScenes and words that can go
- EndingWhether it lands or fizzles
- Guidelines checkWord limit, genre and content rules
How it works
- 1BriefYou paste the story and the guidelines
- 2ReadingWe read it as a slush reader would
- 3CritiqueYou get the assessment and a revision plan
What we need from you
The story pasted into the brief, the contest or magazine you are aiming for and its submission guidelines.
We will ask you:
- Where do you plan to submit the story?
- What genre is it?
- What effect should the story leave?
- Has it been rejected before, and with what feedback?
Compare packages
| Packages | BasicStory up to 2,500 words$12 | StandardUp to 5,000 words$25 | PremiumUp to 8,000 words with line edits$45 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deadline | 2 days | 3 days | 4 days |
| Revisions | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Text length | up to 2,500 words | up to 5,000 words | up to 8,000 words |
| Revision plan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Line edits | No | No | first 1,000 words |
| Order Basic | Order Standard | Order Premium |
Payment protection
You pay when you order, but the money is released only for accepted work.
- Fixed priceThe package price does not change after you pay.
- The money is reservedWhen you pay, the amount is only reserved. It is released to the service once you accept the work.
- Checked before deliveryEvery result goes through a quality check before it reaches you, and you see it on the order page before accepting it.
- Free revisionsAsk for changes within your brief as many times as the package allows.
- Acceptance after 3 daysIf within 3 days of delivery you neither accept the work nor ask for changes, it is accepted automatically. If you write in the order chat after delivery, the order waits; once we answer, we may start the 3 days again and will say so in the chat.
- Redo or a full refundIf the result does not match your brief and the revisions did not fix it, or the work takes more than twice its deadline, write in the order chat: we will redo the work or refund the payment in full.
Questions and answers
Will my story win the contest?
We cannot promise any result. We help you send the strongest version of your story.
Can you help me cut it to the word limit?
The critique shows what can go. If you want us to do the cutting, order text shortening separately.
Can I send several flash pieces in one order?
Yes, if their total length fits your package.
Is my manuscript kept private?
Yes. Your text is used only for your order.