First Chapter Critique for Writers

Hook your reader or lose them. Let’s make sure your first chapter hooks the reader.

Bold Quill Studio First Chapter Critique service poster with open book and quill icon

$199 One-time payment.

Up to 4,000 words.

No hidden fees. 3-4 weeks turnaround.

What You Get with Your First Chapter Critique

Your first chapter is the most important part of your manuscript. Whether you’re submitting to agents or editors or testing the waters with beta readers, it needs to deliver tension, character, and voice fast.

This service provides story-focused, actionable feedback on your first 4,000 words, with a sharp editorial eye.

In-Document Comments

Targeted margin notes that focus on:

✅ Where your pacing drags

✅ Dialogue that feels stiff or unnatural

✅ Emotional beats that miss or hit too soon

✅ Moments of confusion or dropped tension

1-2 Page Editorial Letter

A short editorial letter with big-picture insights and revision suggestions. It’ll summarize

✅ What’s working

✅ What’s unclear or missing

✅ Actionable next steps to improve your chapter.

Full First Chapter Review

Focused on hook, character setup, tone, and reader engagement.

✅ Up to 4,000 words

All submitted materials must follow industry-standard formatting: 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins.

Also Need help with just your query letter and synopsis?

Book the Full Submission Package Critique Instead.

Who It’s For

This critique is ideal if you’re a writer who…

✔️ Is preparing to query literary agents.

✔️ Wants an objective, professional second opinion.

✔️ Is submitting to contests, fellowships, or mentorships.

✔️ Feels unsure if your chapter starts in the right place.

✔️ Has revised your beginning and wants to know if it finally works.

Whether you’re a first-time novelist or a seasoned author testing a new genre, this feedback helps you refine your opening pages with confidence.

Why Your Opening Chapter is Everything

Agents stop reading within a few pages. Editors know if a book is for them by chapter one. And readers? They decide if they’ll keep going or close the book.

✅ Introduce stakes without dumping backstory.

✅ Ground the reader fast.

✅ Spark curiosity that demands a page turn.

✅ Deliver tone and voice that match your genre.

This critique helps you shape a chapter that does all that and more!

How It Works

  1. Book your first chapter critique ($199) using the checkout form below. One-time payment. No hidden fees.

  2. Immediately after booking, you’ll receive a welcome email confirming your critique request.

  3. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive another email with your private client portal link

  4. Upload your first chapter (up to 4,000 words) to the client portal. You can include a prologue if it fits the word count.

  5. I’ll go line by line through your chapter, leaving in-line comments on pacing, character, world-building, and more. Feedback would be focused on what matters for agents and readers alike.

  6. Receive editorial letter alongside your annotated file within 2-3 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The service includes detailed feedback on your first chapter (up to 4,000 words.)

    This service covers one round of feedback only.

  • Once you upload your materials, you’ll receive your critique within 2-3 weeks.

    I don’t rush the process. I take the time to deliver thoughtful, actionable feedback.

  • You can submit your materials as .doc, .docx, or Google Docs.

    Just make sure sharing permissions are set correctly if you’re using Google Drive.

  • All your submitted materials must follow industry-standard formatting:

    12 point Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins.

    This ensues the critique reflects how agents will read your work and keeps the page count fair for all writers.

  • No. This is a critique, not a rewrite. But I’ll give you line-level comments, strategic insights, and specific revision guidance.

    You’ll do the rewriting to keep the voice yours.

  • Yes! But you’ll need to upload your materials within 10 days of purchase to reserve your critique spot.

    After that, your booking may be forfeited. If something comes up, just email me and we’ll work it out.

  • Due to the time-intensive nature of this critique, all sales are final once your files are uploaded.

    If you haven’t uploaded your materials within 10 days, your booking is forfeited. Please reach out to us for an extension if you need more time.

  • You can book a query & synopsis critique only here.

  • Yes! As long as your total submission is 4,000 words or fewer, your prologue and first chapter are welcome.

Your Opening Chapter Deserves a Second Look

Don’t waste your shot with a weak opening. A strong first chapter can get you a full request…or a rejection.

Let’s make sure it holds up.

Get in Touch

Interested in working together or have questions?
Fill out the form and we’ll get back to you soon.