A former in–house fiction editor, Bev Katz Rosenbaum is also a published author herself, of the Berkley/Penguin young adult novel I Was a Teenage Popsicle, optioned for television by Fresh TV, producers of the popular tween 'toons 6teen and Total Drama Island. Bev has written for the popular cartoon Stoked, and is a regular magazine contributor on the topic of writing. She is also a respected essayist; recent works have appeared in Smart Pop Books' A Taste of True Blood (June, 2010) and Filled With Glee (November, 2010). Bev has conducted writing seminars at colleges and conferences all across North America. Bev currently teaches a children's writing course at Toronto's Centennial College. Bev specializes in tween and teen fiction, and regularly evaluates and/or line edits manuscripts for publishing companies, book packagers, literary agents, and both aspiring and published writers. Many of Bev's aspiring writer clients have gone on to obtain literary agents and publishing contracts.
Service and Fees
A BKR critique gives you a detailed evaluation of your manuscript, focusing on substantive elements such as plot, character, voice, and theme, but also including comments on format and grammar. A report of three to ten pages is sent by e-mail within four weeks (usually closer to two). The following charges apply:
First three chapters: $150.00
Complete manuscript up to 70,000 words: $200.00
Complete manuscript between 70,000 words and 90,000 words: $300.00
Evaluation of revised material at half the original fee (there is no time limit on this offer)
You may include a query letter and/or synopsis (under five pages) with your submission at no extra charge. E–mail your material to and send your payment via PayPal, citing the aforementioned e–mail address. Payment must be confirmed before evaluation is undertaken. Your manuscript must be submitted in Microsoft Word as an attachment. Your query letter and/or synopsis must be sent at the same time as your manuscript. Please double space your manuscripts.
If a copy edit is desired post-critique, I highly recommend Cathy Donaldson, at ckdonald@nbnet.nb.ca
Testimonials (just a few out of hundreds!)
"Bev, you have an uncanny knack for seeing exactly what a manuscript needs!"
—Kimberley Griffiths Little, author of the Secret Rites of the Goddess series (Scholastic, YA)
"Great news! After your amazing critique, I landed my first pick agent in two days! Thank you!!!
—Keri Mikulski, author of the Headgames series (Penguin, YA)
"I'm a total believer! Your notes were exactly what I needed. I don't think it's any coincidence that an agent agreed to represent me after I made the changes you suggested."
—Paula Chase Hyman, author of the Del Rio Bay Clique series (Kensington, YA)