Book Manuscript Evaluations
Once you have a completed book manuscript, the first step is to celebrate and reward yourself for that amazing accomplishment! The next step is to get some outside feedback to assess the big-picture or macro-level elements of your story to ensure that it's compelling, enjoyable, engaging, and logical, and ultimately meets or exceeds industry standards and reader expectations.
Does your story work? Do you have a strong opening hook? Is there enough tension and suspense to keep readers engaged from start to finish? Are your characters believable and relatable? Does the protagonist have clear, specific goals and motivations? Are your narrative and character arcs complete? Have you included the "obligatory" scenes and other expectations for the genre? These are just some of the questions that are addressed during this first editorial stage of your fiction, memoir, or other creative nonfiction full-length book or short-story manuscript. |
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In-depth evaluation of full manuscript. Detailed feedback; specific, actionable solutions.
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Light-service evaluation of full manuscript. General feedback on what works & what needs work.
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In-depth evaluation of first 10K or 20K words. Detailed feedback; specific, actionable suggestions.
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If you're not sure which type of editing your manuscript is ready for, I also offer Project-Planning and Ask-the-Editor Consultations.
Developmental Edit
This is the most in-depth editorial stage (aka Structural or Substantive Edit), which reviews all the big-picture aspects of your story and provides detailed feedback on what works well and specific suggestions to improve areas that could use some attention. My developmental edit includes two full readings of your manuscript: the first to get a feel for the story as a whole, then a second read-through to start making comments and recommendations for ways to make it stronger, with actionable solutions to problem areas. Suggestions and feedback will be made directly in the manuscript (usually in a Word document) and written up in a comprehensive, detailed editorial report with explanations and resources for why and how to implement recommended revisions. Prior to the edit, we will schedule a 30-Minute Dev Chat — a phone or video meeting to discuss your project details, writing and publishing goals, and expectations for the edit and to determine an editorial plan. Once the edit is complete, we will conclude with another meeting to discuss the edit, answer any questions, and make a plan for revisions and next steps. Feedback will be honest, but always with kindness and compassion.
The big-picture areas of focus for a novel or memoir include:
Prerequisites: Your manuscript should be complete to the best of your ability. I will need to see a sample from the beginning, middle, and end of your manuscript, and I will provide a list of preliminary editorial questions for you to answer prior to beginning my edit, some of which will be discussed during our initial meeting (scheduling details below).
Estimated turnaround time: 4 - 8 weeks, depending on length and needs of manuscript.
Rate: $0.035 to $0.07 (3.5 to 7 cents) per word, determined based on your sample writing, questionnaire answers, length of ms, and project time frame.
The big-picture areas of focus for a novel or memoir include:
- Story premise
- Plot structure and organization
- Plot questions, inconsistencies, and loose ends
- Pacing and narrative arc
- Chapter divisions and word count
- Timelines and chronology
- Setting and time period
- Character roles and development
- Dialogue and language style
- Point of view
- Voice and tone
- Narrative techniques (show vs. tell, interiority, literary devices)
- Themes
- Genre and reader expectations
- Organization and structure
- Pacing, chapter continuity, and transitions
- Consistency with voice, tone, and style
- Clarity and impact of the message
- Accessibility and relatability to the target audience
Prerequisites: Your manuscript should be complete to the best of your ability. I will need to see a sample from the beginning, middle, and end of your manuscript, and I will provide a list of preliminary editorial questions for you to answer prior to beginning my edit, some of which will be discussed during our initial meeting (scheduling details below).
Estimated turnaround time: 4 - 8 weeks, depending on length and needs of manuscript.
Rate: $0.035 to $0.07 (3.5 to 7 cents) per word, determined based on your sample writing, questionnaire answers, length of ms, and project time frame.
Ready for a Developmental Edit?
Start by scheduling a free, no obligation 30-Minute Dev Chat to tell me about your project, preferred timeline, and writing and publishing goals.
Start by scheduling a free, no obligation 30-Minute Dev Chat to tell me about your project, preferred timeline, and writing and publishing goals.
Manuscript Assessment
If you're not quite ready for a full developmental edit, a less-extensive (and lower-cost) option is a Manuscript Assessment (aka Editorial Assessment or Manuscript Critique) to get some general feedback on the big-picture aspects of your story (see list above in Developmental Editing for areas of focus). An assessment or critique is an excellent option for first-time authors with a very rough first draft who need some guidance on story-level revisions, or experienced writers who want to focus on specific areas. Honest but kind feedback will point out the strengths as well as areas that could use some attention, keeping in mind reader engagement, marketability, and industry standards for the genre.
The Manuscript Assessment includes:
Prerequisites: Your manuscript should be complete or nearly complete. A writing sample isn't necessary beforehand, but I will provide the same list of editorial questions as with a Developmental Edit for you to answer prior to beginning my review.
Estimated turnaround time: 2 - 6 weeks, depending on length of manuscript and availability.
Rate: Base rate of $75, plus $0.018 to $.02 (1.8 to 2 cents) per word.
The Manuscript Assessment includes:
- one read-through of the full manuscript
- a short editorial letter (usually 3 - 5 pages)
- a customized resource list for guidance on further self-editing and revising
- discounts on additional services
- a one-hour wrap-up video meeting.
Prerequisites: Your manuscript should be complete or nearly complete. A writing sample isn't necessary beforehand, but I will provide the same list of editorial questions as with a Developmental Edit for you to answer prior to beginning my review.
Estimated turnaround time: 2 - 6 weeks, depending on length of manuscript and availability.
Rate: Base rate of $75, plus $0.018 to $.02 (1.8 to 2 cents) per word.
Ready for a Manuscript Assessment?
Start by scheduling a free, no obligation 30-Minute Crit Chat to discuss your project details and editorial needs.
Start by scheduling a free, no obligation 30-Minute Crit Chat to discuss your project details and editorial needs.
First 10K or 20K Review
Whether you have a completed first draft or a manuscript still in progress, getting your first 10,000 or 20,000 words reviewed by a professional can be a great way to ensure that your story is on the right track before investing in a full-service developmental edit, manuscript assessment, or other editorial service that the manuscript might not be ready for. This in-depth assessment will review the same big-picture aspects as a Developmental Edit, providing feedback based on industry standards and reader expectations for your genre and target audience. This initial review can be considered an investment in your writing career; not only will it improve the early pages, much of the feedback you receive can be applied to later sections of your manuscript, as well as future projects.
The 10K or 20K Review will include:
Prerequisites: Your first 10,000 or 20,000 words of a full-length book manuscript. A writing sample isn't necessary beforehand, but I will provide the same list of questions as with a Developmental Edit for you to answer prior to beginning my review.
Estimated turnaround time: 1 - 3 weeks, depending on schedule availability.
Rate: 10K Review = $550; 20K Review = $775
The 10K or 20K Review will include:
- notes and comments directly in the document
- editorial report (usually 2 - 3 pages) with a summary of what’s working well and suggestions for areas that could use attention
- customized list of resources related to areas of focus, which may include links to online articles, videos, or podcasts; book recommendations; printable worksheets or exercises; or relevant upcoming workshops/webinars (always free or very low-cost)
- discounts on additional services
Prerequisites: Your first 10,000 or 20,000 words of a full-length book manuscript. A writing sample isn't necessary beforehand, but I will provide the same list of questions as with a Developmental Edit for you to answer prior to beginning my review.
Estimated turnaround time: 1 - 3 weeks, depending on schedule availability.
Rate: 10K Review = $550; 20K Review = $775
Interested in a First 10K or 20K Review for your manuscript?
Please submit a no-obligation Request for this service. Once I recieve your inquiry and project details, I will let you know my availability for your project.
Please submit a no-obligation Request for this service. Once I recieve your inquiry and project details, I will let you know my availability for your project.
Do your words have the power to change the world?
Tell me your story and let's find out!
Tell me your story and let's find out!
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