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Ianna A. Small

The Story Spark Critique

$150.00

Every story begins with a spark. A moment. An idea. This offering helps you catch that spark and understand what it wants to become.

The Story Spark Critique for Black women writers is a focused, one-page written assessment designed to help you strengthen the idea, voice, and direction of your story before you dive deeper.

Whether you are working from a rough draft, a few opening paragraphs, or a short concept, this developmental editing critique gives you clarity and momentum.

What's Included

  • A 1-page written critique of your story concept, opening, or early draft. Story length: up to 1,500 words
  • A Mini Craft Pattern Note highlighting emerging patterns in your storytelling
  • Three actionable revision priorities
  • Clear next steps to strengthen your story’s direction, voice, and emotional impact

    You'll receive an honest, thoughtful reading of your work. It will highlight your story’s potential, show you where the narrative opens up, and offer clear guidance to help you develop your next draft with intention.

    This is gentle guidance, not judgment. It is an invitation to see your work more clearly and take your next step with confidence.

    Once you register, you will receive an email with instructions on how to email over your story for evaluation and to initiate our process.

    Your critique will be delivered 3-4 weeks from the receipt of your manuscript pages, to allow sufficient time to review and provide meaningful feedback.

    For Classes: We offer full refunds for cancellation with written notice up until 7 days before your class start date. From 6 days to more than 24 hours before class begins, we offer a 25% refund. If you drop a class less than 24 hours before the class begins or after it has started, you are ineligible for a refund.

    By signing up for a class, you agree to our refund policy and code of conduct here.

    For Editing packages: Refunds are not offered after your story or manuscript is submitted for review.

    Meet Your Instructor

    Ianna A. Small

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    Ianna A. Small is a seasoned editor and story coach with over 12 years of experience helping writers bring their ideas to the page with clarity, confidence, and craft.

    As the executive editor behind midnight & indigo, she’s worked closely with more than 400 emerging and established Black writers across the diaspora, guiding short stories, essays, and novel excerpts from rough draft to published piece.

    She leads all editorial direction for the magazine and Writing Program, with a sharp eye for narrative structure, character development, and emotional resonance.