After using several critique services with some disappointment, I tried Lorraine Mace, with Flash500 stories first, and then with longer short story MS and I recommend her without reserve. The full-page report on structure, character, plot, and other key elements is thorough and professional. There are also line-by-line editorial comments using Word review programme which is a great way to learn as well as to improve a particular story: Lorraine misses nothing. Most important for me though is her ‘eye for story’; her capacity to see deeply into the potential of a story you have only been skirting around without realising it. Eagle-eyed she is but her feedback is constructive and encouraging, and she responds to a request for clarification – not all critique services do that. She sticks to her estimated turn-around time too.

When I began to write a novel for 9-12 year olds I was unsure of my ability so, not wanting to waste time and effort I turned to Lorraine for support. I can’t praise her comments highly enough. She helped me through the basics of presentation and lay-out, and she posed questions which made me think very carefully about characters, plot and pace. An added bonus was the speed of her response. I wrote and re-wrote in line with her guidance and I know that my writing improved as a result.

Lorraine’s critique was very helpful indeed, showing me where I needed to strengthen my story and offering me insights to take away and consider. An objective reader is so valuable, and I felt the cost was well worth paying after investing so much time putting the story together.Lorraine’s experience as a reader, judge and story expert shines through. I will use her services again without hesitation.