Manuscript Assessments provide a birds-eye view of your writing to help identify strengths and challenge points as you take the next step. I offer two levels of Manuscript Assessments to tailor my assessment to your needs and preferred level of feedback, as well as offer assessments on your first chapter or first five chapters.
Comprehensive Manuscript Assessment
Intensive feedback on all aspects of your manuscript and writing, as well as a detailed action plan to guide your next edit. This assessment includes:
- A holistic report (typically 20+ pages) addressing:
- Reader expectations for target genre and audience
- Theme
- Plots and subplots
- Characterization and character arcs
- Structure
- Pacing
- Worldbuilding/setting
- Narration and perspective
- Writing style
- This includes detailed discussion of successes and challenge points, and actionable advice to help plan your next steps for rewriting, further editing, or publication
- A character map to help you visualize character arcs
- A one-hour follow-up consultation to discuss your evaluation, answer questions, and plan next steps for your manuscript
Simple Manuscript Assessment
Great for earlier drafts, this assessment gives you broad feedback on the major aspects of your manuscript to help guide future revisions. This assessment includes:
- A holistic report (typically 6-10 pages) addressing:
- Plots and subplots
- Characterization and character arcs
- Structure
- Pacing
- Worldbuilding/setting
- Narration and perspective
- Writing style
- Discussion on the overall successes and challenge points within your work
First Chapter Assessment
Your first chapter is the critical test for readers, publishers, reviewers, and agents to connect with your text and keep turning the page.
This assessment is ideal for those wanting to give their first chapter specialized attention, or for those wanting professional feedback on their story start before drafting the entire manuscript. First Chapter Assessments include:
- A holistic report (typically 1-3 pages) addressing:
- Introduction of characters
- Stakes
- Narration and Perspective
- Pacing
- Writing style
- Discussion on the overall successes and challenge points within the chapter
This service is charged at a flat project rate of $100 (up to 5,000 words).
Story Start Assessment (First Five Chapters)
Similar to the First Chapter Assessment, this option allows you to perfect your story opening and development as you move towards your story’s midpoint. This assessment includes:
- A holistic report (typically 4-8 pages) addressing:
- Introduction of characters and character development
- Plot development
- Stakes
- Narration and Perspective
- Pacing
- Writing style
- Discussion on the overall successes and challenge points within the manuscript chapters
This service is charged at a flat project rate of $425 (up to 20,000 words).
A Note on Project Rates
Each manuscript is unique, as is it’s author! I tailor my rates in recognition that each project I collaborate on is distinctive in its length, focus, audience, complexity, and editorial needs.
Unsure of where to start? Just ask! I’m happy to answer any questions you may have, familiarize myself with your manuscript or project, and develop a plan that best meets your needs and puts you and your manuscript on a path to success.