A manuscript assessment is sometimes called a manuscript critique, editorial letter, manuscript evaluation, manuscript appraisal, editorial assessment or light developmental edit.
What is a manuscript assessment?
A manuscript assessment gives you big-picture feedback on your draft. It focuses on plot, character development, structure, pacing and genre expectations. It’s an excellent option if you’ve completed a draft and want guidance on what’s already working well and where to go next, without line-level editing or annotations.
I will read your manuscript two times and return a 20-25 page revision letter that focuses on how to elevate your story, while preserving your voice and protecting the soul of your work.
My revision letter is designed to help you revise with confidence and clarity. It focuses on what is already working well, and what can be improved, and asks the big questions, like:
- Does your protagonist have a well-defined and compelling goal, motivation and conflict?
- Does your protagonist’s arc unfold and resolve in a satisfactory way?
- Is your plot engaging and relatively plot-hole free?
- Does your pacing and tension keep your readers on the edge of their seat throughout the manuscript?
- Does your setting and world-building feel natural and immersive without intruding on the plot?
Your answers will include examples and clear, actionable suggestions for how to improve your manuscript.
When should I get a manuscript assessment?
A manuscript assessment is a great choice if you’re still early in the revision process, or if you want a professional perspective before diving deeper into editing. It’s also a useful first step if you’re not sure whether your story is ready for a full developmental edit. There is no need to worry about grammar or typos, a manuscript assessment focuses on how your plot unfolds and characters develop.
What will my feedback look like?
A 20-25 page report that covers your manuscript’s overall strengths, weaknesses, and potential. My reports include a comprehensive review of your plot, causality, character development, narration, setting, genre expectations and pacing.
Ready for more? Try a developmental edit.
Looking for less? Try coaching.