Is it OK to... Say No to Unsolicited Manuscript Reviews?

Hi Kelly -

A contact I barely know sent me their book manuscript asking for feedback 'since you're a successful author.' It's 300 pages and terrible. They followed up twice asking when I'll have notes ready. I never agreed to this! How do I extract myself gracefully?

Unwilling Editor

Dear Unwilling Editor,

Yes, let's get you out of this — whether it's good writing or not, or you're just experiencing a constant sting of annoyance for somehow getting yourself into this mess.

Let’s be clear: writing a great book doesn’t make you an editor. And someone forwarding you their 300-page manuscript doesn’t mean you’re suddenly on the hook to critique it — especially when you never agreed to the task in the first place (even if your silence in the face of two email outreaches by the wretched writer may indicate otherwise...).

If you’re stuck in the silence, here’s a respectful exit:

“Hi [Name], thanks again for sharing your manuscript. I’m not in a position to offer the kind of feedback that would be helpful for where you are in your writing. I’d suggest checking out resources like The Manuscript Academy, the Independent Editors Group, or a writing group where mutual feedback is part of the process. Apologizes for not sending these resources along earlier.”

You’re allowed to helpfully redirect - and admit you're not the right person for the task.

And you should definitely stop being silent - it’s giving the impression you willingly agreed to the task… something you perhaps now regret.

OK?

K.

p.s. If landing a non-fiction book deal is on your ambition's to-do list, then read this post.