Diagnose
Find out what your story actually needs next
A focused diagnostic for SFF authors who are tired of guessing why the opening, structure, or reader pull isn't landing.
What It Is
Clarity before revision
Before you spend months revising, you need to know what is actually wrong — and what is already working. The Story Diagnostic gives you a clear, honest assessment of your manuscript's opening act, with a prioritized roadmap of what to fix next. Most authors discover the answer changes everything.
What's Included
What we assess
- ✦Opening promise and reader hook
- ✦Inciting incident timing and impact
- ✦Character pull and early reader investment
- ✦World clarity and genre signal strength
- ✦Story momentum in the first act
- ✦Genre and audience alignment
- ✦Revision priorities ranked by impact
Transparent Pricing
One flat rate. No guessing.
The Process
Simple and clear.
Submit your manuscript
Upload up to 15,000 words of your opening chapters. We only need the beginning — that is where most story problems live.
We assess the opening act
We read and evaluate your opening against the diagnostic criteria: promise, hook, inciting incident, character pull, and genre clarity.
Receive your diagnostic report
You get a written report with ranked priorities, strengths identified, and a clear recommendation for your next step.
Know your path
Whether the answer is more self-revision, deeper editorial support, or a different path entirely — you will leave with clarity.
Common Questions
Answers before you start.
Do I need a finished manuscript?
No. You only need your first 3–4 chapters (up to 15,000 words). The diagnostic is designed for works-in-progress as well as complete drafts.
How is this different from Editorial Review?
The Story Diagnostic is a focused, fast assessment of what your opening is doing and what to fix first. An Editorial Review is a full manuscript critique. Most authors start with a diagnostic before committing to deeper editorial work.
What do I receive?
A written diagnostic report covering what is working, what is holding the story back, and a ranked list of priorities for your next revision pass. One email follow-up question is included.
How long does it take?
Delivery within 5 business days.
What if I need more than a diagnostic?
The diagnostic will tell you. If your manuscript needs deeper development, editorial review, or a different kind of support, we will say so clearly — and you can choose whether to continue with Cora Press or take the roadmap elsewhere.
Not sure whether your story needs revision, repositioning, or a different path entirely?
Start with a diagnostic. Most authors discover the answer changes everything.