Plot Analysis For Fiction Writers
Stuck in the middle? Unsure why something isn’t working? Plot analysis focuses on the architecture of your story.
What’s Included
Includes a detailed look at the plot (building blocks) of a manuscript to identify pacing, flow, character arc through plot, etc.
Required: An outline of some form, whatever that looks like for you. Be it a beat sheet, detailed beat sheet, long synopsis, or something in between. Also includes basic character profiles.
- Analysis document highlighting areas of weakness, places to re-work, and brainstorming suggestions
- 30-minute call (Zoom or audio) to discuss your story.
Pricing
$400
Best For
- Structural issues
- Pacing problems
- Story logic questions
Focus On
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Core story structure
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Strength and placement of the inciting incident
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Escalation of stakes and tension
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Pacing issues (sagging middle, rushed ending, repetition)
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Logical consistency and plot holes
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Alignment between character choices and plot progression
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Effectiveness of the ending
Turnaround Time
Standard turnaround for plot analysis is 1–2 weeks.
Express Option
Stuck and need clarity fast? Express Plot Analysis is available.
- Turnaround: 5 days
- Rush fee: +$150
- Subject to availability
Plot analysis FAQ
What is plot analysis?
A plot analysis is a focused evaluation of your story’s structure, pacing, stakes, and narrative cohesion. It examines how your plot unfolds and whether each scene meaningfully advances the story.
How is plot analysis different than a developmental edit?
Plot analysis focuses specifically on story structure and momentum. A developmental edit evaluates structure, character arcs, worldbuilding, emotional depth, and more—along with in-line commentary. Plot analysis is narrower and more targeted.
What will I receive?
You’ll receive a detailed editorial report that covers:
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Overall story structure (beginning, middle, end)
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Inciting incident and turning points
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Escalation of stakes
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Scene causality and momentum
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Pacing and tension
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Plot holes or logical gaps
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Recommendations for tightening or restructuring
The goal is clarity and direction—not sentence-level editing.
Is this right for an early draft?
Yes. Plot analysis is particularly helpful if:
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You feel something isn’t working but can’t pinpoint why
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The middle sags
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Stakes feel low
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The ending doesn’t quite land
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You want structural feedback before polishing prose
Will you comment on character arcs?
Yes—but specifically as they relate to plot. I evaluate how character decisions drive the story forward and whether emotional stakes align with structural beats.
Do you leave any in-line comments?
No. Plot analysis is delivered as a focused editorial report rather than annotated pages. If you want scene-level commentary throughout the manuscript, developmental editing may be a better fit.
What genres do you work in?
I specialize in adult and YA romance, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal fiction, and tailor structural feedback to genre expectations.
How long does a plot analysis take?
Turnaround is typically 2–4 weeks, depending on manuscript length and availability.
Can I upgrade to a developmental edit?
Yes. Many authors begin with plot analysis and later choose to move into developmental editing once they’ve revised structure.
Is plot analysis useful for a series?
Yes. I can assess whether your first book establishes a strong arc while leaving room for future installments.
Combine Services
Combine two or more services to give your manuscript the attention it deserves. And there’s a discount when you bundle services.
Popular Bundles
Developmental Edit + Line Edit
→ Big-picture + sentence-level polish
Two-pass Developmental Edit
→ One structural pass +second refinement pass
Plot Analysis → Dev Edit
→ Fix structure first + deep craft
How bundling works
- Discounted add-on services
- Custom timeline
- Tailored scope