Open For Critiques

How to purchase a critique of your fiction or query letter

I am once again open for critiques for a limited time!

It’s been quite a while since I last put out a public call, but I’m very much looking forward to reading your stories. I love discovering what you all are up to in your creative work, and I really enjoy giving notes that I hope will help you take your writing to the next level.

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ETA: Because people are emailing me to ask about timelines, I want to add that you can purchase a critique now and send your work to me for critique later this summer if you’d like to.

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What I Critique

• fiction in any genre, in any age range (and I think I’ve actually critiqued almost every genre at this point!)

• query letters

• synopses

What I Don’t Critique

• I am not your girl for non-fiction or poetry.

• I don’t usually critique more than 50 pages to start with. I can start with 50 pages and then continue from there if you’re happy with the initial critique I deliver. I want to make sure we’re a good match before we commit to a whole manuscript.

• Please don’t send me your work if you used generative AI (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.) in any part of your writing process. (Why not?)

How I Critique

• I provide feedback on plot, characters, and other big-picture story elements in a way that aims to help you work toward publication of your fiction.

• I provide in-line notes, plus a letter with an overview of suggestions for revision.

• I give in-depth notes, but I’m also positive and encouraging. My aim is for you to feel excited to revise.

Please don’t send me your work if you used generative AI (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.) in any part of your writing process. (Why not?)

Who I’ve Critiqued

I’ve done many paid critiques and taught creative writing classes. I’ve also given critiques to some of your favorite authors, including

• Emily Henry

• Traci Chee

• Stacey Lee

• Randy Ribay

• Kelly Loy Gilbert

• Jo Whittemore

• Misa Sugiura

• Gordon Jack

In fact, you can find some fun stories about me and my critiques in the acknowledgment pages of Beach Read and People We Meet On Vacation.

What Critics Say About My Own Novels

• *“Strange and compelling” —Kirkus, starred review

• “One of those rare gems that truly transcends the covers” —BCCB

• “Complex, unique, and alluring” —VOYA

• “An exciting ride” —Publisher’s Weekly

• *“A thrilling ride… the kind of book that keeps readers up at night” —Kirkus, starred review

• “A whirlwind of close calls and shocking disclosures with a mind-bending twist” —Shelf Awareness

• “A taut sf mystery... with an irresistible premise and Peevyhouse primes it for maximum suspense… An excellent speculative mystery with mind-bending twists” —Booklist

• *“The tension increases with each layer of reality Lake peels away. Compulsively readable” —Booklist, starred review

• “Heady suspense in a fast-paced survival adventure” —BCCB

How To Purchase

If you’d like to buy a critique, head to this link (click). Instructions will follow on how to send your pages to me.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me (click).

I look forward to reading your work!

—Parker