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Eva Langston

10 Simple Plot Exercises You Need to Do BEFORE You Write Your Novel!

My Services

Is this you?

  • You’ve started your novel ten different times but can’t seem to get past the first few chapters.
  • You have a story you want to tell – or some great characters marching around in your head – but every time you sit down to write, you feel stumped.
  • You’re halfway through writing your novel, but something isn’t working, and you’re not sure where to go from here.
  • You’ve written a novel, but you know it could be better. You’re ready to revise, but you’re not sure where to start.
  • You’re querying agents but getting nothing but rejections. 
  • You really want to start (or finish) a writing project, but you’re having trouble staying motivated. 

If any of these sound like you, I can help.

Need help writing your novel?

First, read my posts about writing.  

Want one-on-one help?

Option 1: Story Coaching

Get the help you need to type “the end!” With Story Coaching, you can finish your manuscript and feel good about it!

Send me a 2-page synopsis, the first 10 pages, and up to 4,000 additional words about your novel, such as  important scenes or a more in-depth outline/summary. Tell me your goals for the manuscript and what I need to know in order to help you: how much you’ve written so far, where you think you’re going with the story, what’s giving you trouble, etc.

I will provide written feedback and ideas about your plot, characters, conflict, and more. I will give you suggestions about where to go from here and point you towards helpful resources. We’ll have one phone or Zoom session to discuss, or we can communicate solely through email if you’d prefer.

I teach creative writing classes and work one-on-one with writers. I can help you start a new novel, revise an old one, or push through a manuscript that has stalled halfway. I specialize in Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction as well as adult contemporary and thriller novels, but I’ll take on other projects if they seem like a good fit.

Ready to get started with Story Coaching?  Click here!

Read more about me here!

Option 2: Accountability Coaching

If staying motivated is your struggle, accountability coaching is a great (and affordable) option. After telling me about your writing project and goals, we will meet via Zoom or a phone call to come up with a writing plan. (We can also do this through email if you’d prefer.)  

I’ll check in with you through email once a week to make sure you’re hitting the deadlines we created, and I’ll be ready to offer resources and support to help you reach your writing goals. For this option, I accept any genre. 

“Eva’s accountability coaching was exactly what I needed to move forward on my project. She helped me take a vague idea and turn it into an actionable plan moving forward. And because she has updated, practical knowledge of the industry, based on her personal experience, I feel confident that I am on the right track. I would highly recommend working with Eva.”

-Joe W.

Ready to get started with Accountability Coaching? Click here! 

 

Option 3: Query & First Page Feedback

Have you been sending out your query letter and receiving nothing but rejections? Maybe something is not-quite-right with your query letter and/or first pages. Maybe there’s a way to revise them so you can get more agent attention. 

I will read your query and the first 500 words of your manuscript and provide written feedback. Then we’ll get on a call to discuss how to further improve your query submission to get more requests from agents and indie publishers.

“Eva really delivered the necessary punch and pzazz my recent query needed. Within a week of the overhaul, I received two full requests—one from an agent and another from a publisher.”

-Tim T.

 

Ready to get started with Query Letter Feedback? Click here! 

 

Option 4: Beta Reader Feedback

Send me your entire novel. I will provide detailed written feedback on your overall manuscript with notes and ideas about plotting and structure, character, dialogue, point of view, summary versus scene, and other major areas of craft.  I will suggest revision strategies and provide resources to help you take the next steps towards your ultimate goals.

For a very reasonable price, you will receive:

  1. in-text comments on your manuscript
  2. a comprehensive, written critique letter
  3. a follow-up phone call, Zoom session, or email with me

I am very selective about manuscripts I select for this option. I will only take on a manuscript if it’s in a genre I am familiar with, and if I feel I’m the right beta reader for the project. Prices vary depending on the word count of your project.

B.A.Veiman testimonial

Eva’s critique was a vital part of getting my manuscript ready and submitted to agents for consideration, and I feel lucky to have such a trusted person on my team. Her services are professional, valuable and I recommend them if you’re feeling stuck, unsure of your novel’s readiness, and before submitting.

B.A. Veiman

Eva’s comments on the first draft of my manuscript were extremely helpful. Her turnaround was prompt, and she was quick to recommend plot advice, tips, and helpful resources for me to rely on as I continue to work on this project. I would definitely recommend Eva’s critique service to anyone looking to take the next step on a manuscript!

Claire

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Your in-depth review of my manuscript, the positive words, the critique I was looking for as to what wasn’t working, and places I didn’t realize it wasn’t working, the suggestions as to what would make it stronger has moved my writing outside the box where I’d stuffed this idea to a place where I’m excited about working on it again.

Ria

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I really appreciated your sharp eye for detail (catching some of my habitual punctuation problems) and your suggestions about tightening scenes. Your comments were both honest and encouraging, which can be a difficult balance to achieve, and were consequently very useful in polishing my manuscript. It was great working with you. Thanks again!

Tanya

Eva gave extremely helpful feedback on my middle grade novel.  She gave me suggestions on scenes I could develop further, how to make my plot bigger, and add more conflict. She was encouraging of my work and the character I developed, making sure to point out my strengths. It was just what I needed to move forward.

Barbara M.

Reach out to see if I am currently accepting Beta Reader Feedback clients: info@evalangston.com.

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Hi, I'm Eva, author, writing instructor, and podcaster! Read More…

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