Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Pepperfish Publishing?
Pepperfish Publishing is a small independent publisher founded in 2017 by Nick Tyler, author of Haunted Yorkshire, Emily, Nemesis, British Ghosts and Where to Find Them, among other titles. Following feedback from authors seeking accessible, cost-effective ways to improve their manuscripts, Pepperfish expanded into professional manuscript critique and writing tools. These tools are designed to support writers preparing for traditional publishing, agent submissions, and self-publishing platforms such as Amazon KDP.
Today, Pepperfish Publishing works with US-based and international authors, offering publishing-standard insight to help writers strengthen their work before submission or publication.
What Is the Manuscript Critique Tool?
The Pepperfish Manuscript Critique Tool is designed to help authors strengthen their books before submission, publication, or self-publishing on platforms such as Amazon KDP. Unlike editing or rewriting tools, Pepperfish delivers structured, agent-style editorial feedback focused on craft, clarity, pacing, and market readiness. The goal is to help writers understand what to revise and why it matters, without altering their voice or content. Best of all, the tool has been designed by authors, for authors, with real publishing standards in mind.
Does Pepperfish rewrite or edit my manuscript?
No. Pepperfish does not rewrite, edit, or alter your text in any way. All feedback is editorial critique only, similar to the notes you would receive from a literary agent or acquisitions editor. You remain fully in control of your writing at all times.
Is Pepperfish suitable for Amazon KDP authors?
Yes. Many indie and self-published authors use Pepperfish to strengthen their manuscripts before publishing on Amazon KDP.
The tools we offer focus on:
- Reader engagement
- Structure and pacing
- Clarity and authority
- Market positioning
Improving these areas helps increase reader satisfaction, reviews, read-through, and overall book quality.
Can I use Pepperfish for fiction and non-fiction?
Yes. Pepperfish supports both fiction and non-fiction manuscripts.
Fiction feedback focuses on:
- Character
- Voice
- Structure
- Pacing
Non-fiction feedback focuses on:
- Authority and credibility
- Clarity
- Reader trust
- Logical flow and organisation
How accurate is the manuscript feedback?
Pepperfish is designed to reflect real publishing decision criteria. The system has been developed with input from authors, literary agents, and publishers. The critique highlights issues that commonly cause agents, editors, or readers to stop reading and prioritises fixes that will have the greatest impact. Feedback is intentionally honest, practical, and direct.
What’s the difference between the Free plan and Pepperfish Pro?
Pepperfish Free
- Editorial preview (sections 1–5)
- Focus on craft, structure, and clarity
- Up to 1,000 words per critique
- 8 critiques per month
- Basic access to all Writing Tools
- No payment details required
Pepperfish Pro $15/month
(Includes a 7-day free trial · Cancel anytime)
- Full decision-grade critique (sections 1–9)
- Market positioning and genre fit
- Line-level craft signals (no rewrites)
- Prioritised revision roadmap
- Manuscript readiness score
- Up to 10,000 words per critique
- 30 critiques per month
- Unlimited access to all Writing Tools
🎁 Use promo code NINETYOFF for 90% off your first paid month.
Is my writing stored or shared?
No. Manuscripts submitted to Pepperfish are processed securely and are never stored, shared, or used for training purposes. Your writing remains private and fully yours at all times.
Is Pepperfish just another AI writing tool?
No. Pepperfish is not a writing assistant or content generation tool. It is an editorial critique system designed to simulate professional publishing feedback.
The focus is on:
- Diagnosis, not generation
- Feedback, not replacement
- Revision guidance, not automation
How long does a critique take?
Most critiques are returned within seconds. Longer chapters or full Pro critiques may take slightly longer, but feedback is typically delivered within 60 seconds.
Can I cancel Pepperfish Pro at any time?
Yes. Pepperfish Pro subscriptions can be cancelled at any time from your account dashboard. There are no long-term contracts. We understand that writing follows a fluid timeline.
Who is Pepperfish best for?
Pepperfish is ideal for:
- First-time authors
- Indie and self-published writers
- Authors preparing agent submissions
- Writers revising full manuscripts
- Editorial teams reviewing multiple submissions
Can Pepperfish guarantee publication or bestseller status?
No tool can guarantee publication or bestseller success. Pepperfish helps improve your manuscript by identifying issues that commonly block acceptance and reader engagement, giving you the best possible chance of producing a strong, market-ready book.
Does Pepperfish offer traditional publishing?
Yes. Pepperfish Publishing is an independent publisher. We publish a small number of standout manuscripts each year and are currently accepting selected fiction and non-fiction submissions.
👉 View our Submissions Guidelines for details.
Do you offer an affiliate program?
Yes. We offer a competitive affiliate program for websites, newsletters, educators, and creators with an audience of writers.
If you’d like to partner with us, please email:
hello@pepperfishpublishing.com
Include links to your website or social media channels for consideration.
👉 Visit our Affiliate Program page to learn more.
How do I get started?
You can create a free account and start using Pepperfish immediately. No payment details are required for the Free plan.
👉 Create a Free Account
👉 Start Your 7-Day Pepperfish Pro Trial
