I’ve received my feedback, what next?

I’ve received my feedback, what next?

How can I action my feedback?
Receiving editorial feedback can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you're not sure where to begin. To help, we've worked with literary agent and Jericho Writers editor Megan Carroll to create a simple five-step framework for turning feedback into an action plan: https://jerichowriters.com/5-steps-to-turn-editorial-feedback-into-action/

You may also find it helpful to organise your feedback before you begin revising:
  1. Highlight positive feedback in one colour, so you can easily see what's already working well and ensure those strengths are preserved during revisions.
  2. Use a second colour for smaller, quick-win changes that can be addressed relatively easily.
  3. Use a third colour for larger structural changes, such as plot revisions, pacing issues, or character arc development.
Once you've categorised your feedback, create a revision plan and tackle your edits in stages. Start with the big-picture elements of your manuscript, such as plot, structure, pacing, and theme. Next, focus on character development and relationships. Finally, work through any chapter-by-chapter or scene-level feedback, making more detailed revisions once the larger issues have been addressed.

Remember that editorial feedback isn't a checklist that must be followed exactly. Take time to consider each suggestion, decide what aligns with your vision for the book, and focus on the changes that will have the greatest impact on your manuscript.


Can I get more feedback after my editorial service?
Yes. Some of our editors offer Post-Editorial Feedback, which provides two additional hours of support. This can be used to discuss your feedback, review revisions, or talk through next steps.

If you'd like to find out whether your editor offers Post-Editorial Feedback, please contact editorial@jerichowriters.com.

We also offer a 10% discount on a second review of the same manuscript when booking the same service again. To arrange this, contact info@jerichowriters.com.

If you're looking for longer-term support with revisions, writing goals, or publication planning, our mentoring service may also be a good fit.


What are agent referrals?
Occasionally, an editor may identify a manuscript as being ready for submission and recommend it to the Jericho Writers team.

In these cases, we'll review the author's submission materials and provide advice on their agent submission pack. For a small number of manuscripts with strong commercial potential, we may also approach selected literary agents on the author's behalf.

Agent referrals are not a standard part of our editorial services and are only offered when both the editor and the Jericho Writers team feel a manuscript is submission-ready.

Not receiving a referral should not be seen as a negative reflection on your work. Most manuscripts go through multiple rounds of revision before they're ready for submission, and many successful books secure representation through the traditional submissions process.


Can you publish my book?
Jericho Writers is not a publisher, but we offer guidance on the different publishing routes available to authors.

To learn more, see:
Free articles:
  1. Traditional Publishing Vs Self Publishing: A Comprehensive Guide
  2. Digital-First Publishers
  3. Everything You Need To Know About Hybrid Publishing
Premium Member resources:
  1. Traditional vs. Hybrid vs. Self-Publishing: What Are My Options?
  2. Independent & Digital-First Publishing Q&A
  3. Introduction to Self Publishing video course
  4. How to Get a Literary Agent video course