Manuscript Assessment
Big-picture feedback to help you understand what your manuscript needs next.
A manuscript assessment provides an in-depth, professional overview of your manuscript, focusing on the strengths, weaknesses, and the overall shape of the story—without in-text editing.
What's Included:
A manuscript assessment involves a full read-through of your manuscript and a detailed written editorial report. Depending on your manuscript, this may include feedback on:
- Overall structure and story arc;
- Plot logic, pacing, and narrative momentum;
- Character development and motivation;
- Point of view and narrative voice;
- Tension, stakes and reader engagement;
- Genre expectations and reader experience;
- Areas of strength and key opportunities for improvement.
Feedback is provide in a clear, structured report which is designed to be practical and actionable.
What's Not Included:
This service does not include:
- In-text editing or tracked changes;
- Line-level or copy-level corrections;
- Rewriting or ghostwriting;
- Formatting or proofreading.
If your manuscript would benefit from a different service, such as developmental or line-level editing, I’ll let you know and recommend an appropriate next step.
Who This Service is Best For:
A manuscript assessment is ideal if you:
- Have a complete first draft and want professional feedback before you start revising;
- Feel unsure about what your manuscript needs next;
- Want to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript before committing to a full edit;
- Are working towards publication or submission and want clear direction.
This service works particularly well for authors writing romance, crime and thriller fiction, where structure, pacing, and tension play a key role in reader engagement.
What You'll Receive:
When the assessment is complete, you’ll receive:
- A detailed editorial report outlining key findings;
- Clear, prioritised recommendations for revision;
- Guidance on possible next steps and suitable services.
The report is designed to give you a roadmap for revision, whether you plan to revise independently or continue working with an editor.
If you’d like to talk through your manuscript assessment in more detail, you can add an optional sixty-minute feedback call to your booking.
This session gives you space to ask questions, clarify key points from the editorial report, and talk through revision priorities so you can move forward with confidence and a clear plan.
The call is discussion-based and focused on understanding and applying the feedback, rather than additional editing.
Timescales & Booking:
Turnaround time depends on word count and current availability, but most manuscript assessments are completed within three to five weeks.
This service can often be scheduled more flexibly than in-text editing, making it a good option if you want feedback sooner.
Pricing:
Prices start from $0.006 / £0.004 per word
Optional sixty-minute editorial feedback call: $80 / £60 when booked alongside a manuscript assessment.
Pricing is based on word count and the level of editing required, and a tailored quote will always be provided before any work begins.
FAQs
How is a manuscript assessment different from a developmental edit?
A manuscript assessment provides big-picture feedback delivered in a written report only. It does not include in-text edits or margin comments.
A developmental edit includes in-text comments and more detailed, hands-on guidance throughout the manuscript. If you’re unsure which level of support you need, I’m happy to advise.
Is this suitable for unfinished drafts?
This service works best on complete or nearly complete manuscripts.
If you’re still early in the drafting process then coaching or a partial assessment may be more appropriate – please get in touch and we can discuss the best option for you.
Will you tell me honestly if my manuscript isn't ready?
Yes. Honest, constructive feedback is a core part of my approach.
My aim is to give you a clear, realistic understanding of where your manuscript is now, and what will help it move forward most effectively.
Next Steps
If you’d like professional insight into your manuscript and clear guidance on what to focus on next, a manuscript assessment may be the right place to start.