Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about BarryEditor

Is my manuscript safe? Do you keep my files?

Your privacy is our priority. We extract the text from your manuscript for analysis, then permanently delete the original file from our servers. The extracted text is only used for analysis and is not stored long-term. We never share, sell, or use your content for training AI models.

What file formats do you support?

We support PDF and DOCX formats. Simply upload your manuscript in either format and we'll handle the rest. For best results, ensure your document is text-based (not scanned images).

How long does the analysis take?

The free editorial preview takes about 1-2 minutes. When you unlock the full analysis, all 7 additional analysis types run in parallel and typically complete within 5-10 minutes depending on manuscript length.

Is there a limit on manuscript length?

We can analyze manuscripts up to 250,000 words, which covers the vast majority of novels. If your manuscript exceeds this limit, please contact us at [email protected] and we'll work with you to find a solution.

How does the analysis work?

We use advanced language models trained on vast amounts of literature and editorial content. The analysis excels at identifying structural issues, pacing problems, character inconsistencies, and other craft elements. Many authors use it as a first pass before working with human editors for final polish.

What genres do you support?

BarryEditor works with all fiction genres including literary fiction, romance, thriller, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, horror, and more. The analysis adapts based on genre conventions and expectations.

Do you own any rights to my manuscript?

Absolutely not. You retain 100% ownership and all rights to your work. We only process your manuscript to provide analysis. We have no claim to your intellectual property whatsoever.

What languages do you support?

Currently, BarryEditor analyzes manuscripts written in English and Spanish. We're working on adding support for more languages in the future.

How is Barry different from beta readers?

Beta readers provide subjective opinions and emotional reactions, which are invaluable. Barry complements this by offering objective, structural analysis—identifying pacing issues, plot holes, and character inconsistencies that readers might feel but not articulate. Many authors use Barry first to fix structural issues, then send to beta readers for emotional feedback.

Can I analyze short stories or novellas?

Yes! Barry works with manuscripts of any length. Whether it's a 5,000-word short story or a 150,000-word epic fantasy, the analysis adapts to the scope of your work.

What if I disagree with the analysis?

The analysis is meant to be a tool, not a verdict. You know your story best. Some suggestions might not fit your creative vision, and that's perfectly fine. Use what resonates and discard what doesn't. Many authors find value in seeing their work through a different lens, even when they choose not to make changes.

Can I share my analysis with others?

Yes. Each analysis has a unique link that you can share with beta readers, writing groups, or editors. You control who sees your analysis—it's not public unless you share the link.

Do you offer refunds?

If your analysis fails to complete due to a technical issue, we'll refund your payment or provide a free analysis. For other concerns, please contact us and we'll do our best to help.

Can I analyze the same book multiple times?

Yes. Many authors analyze their manuscript at different stages of revision to track improvements. Each analysis is a separate purchase, allowing you to compare how your book has evolved.

Still have questions?