You have the idea. You may even have a strong beginning and a sense of where the story ends.

But somewhere in the middle, It starts to feel uncertain. Maybe the conflict isn’t building the way it should, or the plot feels thinner than you expected. Maybe you’re worried the story has a hole in the middle, but you can’t quite see where the problem begins.

That’s where a focused story structure diagnostic can help.

The Story Structure Diagnostic is designed to give you clear, story-level feedback so you can feel more confident about this book you're writing.

This is not a full manuscript edit or a line-by-line critique. It is a focused review of your story’s structure, conflict, movement, and emotional shape so you can better understand what's working and what's not, and what to do next.

You can choose the written diagnostic on its own, or you can add a private story session if you’d like to talk through the feedback with me.

Do I need to have a finished manuscript?

No. This diagnostic is designed for writers who have a story idea, outline, partial draft, or first draft and want help understanding the structure before going deeper. You’ll need enough of the story developed for me to see the basic shape, including the beginning, main character, central conflict, and where you think the story is going. But you don't have to "know" the ending or the midpoint or any of the specific plot beats. Writers often discover what the story needs for various sections after receiving this feedback.

What will I send you?

After purchase, I’ll send you my story diagnostic worksheets to complete. You may also send a 1,000-word synopsis, outline, or story sketch if you have one. This offer does not include a full manuscript review.

Will you read my manuscript?

No. This is not a full manuscript critique or developmental edit. The diagnostic is based on your completed worksheets and a 1,000-word outline, synopsis, or story sketch. The goal is to diagnose the story-level issue, especially around structure, plot pressure, conflict, and the middle of the book.

What kind of feedback will I receive?

You’ll receive a written report focused on the likely structural issue and practical next steps.

Depending on your story, I may address the central conflict, plot movement, emotional arc, middle section, antagonist or opposing force, escalation, stakes, or other story-level elements that affect the structure.

What happens during the (optional) private story session?

If you choose the Diagnostic + Private Story Session option, we’ll meet for 60 minutes after I’ve reviewed your materials. We’ll talk through the main structural issue I see, where the story may be losing pressure or direction, and what possible fixes may help. This is also a chance for you to ask questions, explain what you were trying to do, and think through your next steps with support.

Should I choose the written-only option or the option with the private session?

Choose the Written Diagnostic if you mainly want clear written feedback and feel comfortable applying it on your own. Choose the Diagnostic + Private Story Session if you process ideas better through conversation, have several possible directions you’re considering, or want help talking through the feedback before deciding what to do next. This is also a good chance to ask questions and get personalized feedback on your story.

Is this the same as a developmental edit?

Not at all. A developmental edit usually involves reading the full manuscript and giving detailed feedback on the whole book. This is a more focused structure diagnostic. It is meant to help you identify the core story problem and understand what may need to change before you spend more time drafting or revising.

Is this useful if I already know something is wrong?

Yes. In fact, that’s often the best time to do this. Many writers can feel that something is off, but they can’t quite see whether the issue is plot, conflict, character motivation, structure, pacing, or the emotional arc. This diagnostic is designed to help clarify the problem so you can move forward with more direction. In summary, this can save you a lot of time struggling with your story!

Is this only for fiction writers?

No. While many writers use this diagnostic for novels and fiction projects, I can also help with memoir and nonfiction books. Structure matters in every kind of book. In fiction, we may look at plot, conflict, character arc, and emotional movement. In memoir, we may look at the shape of the lived experience, the central thread, the emotional arc, and how the story builds meaning. In nonfiction,* we may look at the promise of the book, the progression of ideas, the reader’s journey, and whether the structure supports the transformation or insight you want to deliver. If you’re writing a book and want clearer feedback on how the pieces are fitting together, this diagnostic can help.

*If you're writing a nonfiction book, email me at the address supplied after purchase and I'll send you the targeted nonfiction structure sheets.

Will you fix the story for me?

I won’t rewrite your story or make creative decisions for you. What I will do is help you see where the structure may be weakening, what may be missing, and what kinds of changes could strengthen the story. You’ll still be the author. I’ll be helping you see the path more clearly.

Is the private story session ongoing coaching?

No. The private story session is one 60-minute story structure call.

If you decide later that you’d like more help beyond this offer, we can discuss that separately.

After purchase, I’ll contact you by email with the worksheets and instructions for sending your materials.

(If you're working on a nonfiction book, email me at the address provided after purchase and I'll send you the appropriate worksheets. Fiction writers will have the worksheet links available immediately.)

Once I receive your completed worksheets and supporting materials, I’ll review them and send your written report.

If you choose the Diagnostic + Private Story Session option, I’ll be in touch to schedule your 60-minute private session after I’ve reviewed your materials.