Manuscript Assessment
You’ve written a book. Congratulations! But now what? Before investing in a developmental edit or a copy-edit, you may want to step back and consider the strengths, weaknesses and potential of your book. You’re wondering:
As an experienced developmental editor, I’m well equipped to assess manuscripts – to see what’s working and what could be improved, and to take a view on marketability. My manuscript assessment service helps authors develop their writing and get realistic feedback on their book to inform their next steps.
- Is the book any good?
- How could it be better?
- Will the book sell / get published?
As an experienced developmental editor, I’m well equipped to assess manuscripts – to see what’s working and what could be improved, and to take a view on marketability. My manuscript assessment service helps authors develop their writing and get realistic feedback on their book to inform their next steps.
Why commission a manuscript assessment?
A manuscript assessment reviews your book, looking at elements such as structure, writing style and content. As an author, you can be too close to your book to spot problems, weaknesses and inconsistencies, but a professional manuscript assessment will shine a light on these, helping you to address issues, further develop your book and get a better idea of its suitability for publication.
My role is not to criticise and knock an author’s confidence, but to offer constructive feedback. I’m sensitive in my approach, and I make a point of telling authors what’s good in their writing as well as where they can develop. Above all, I’m always honest (there’s no point commissioning a manuscript assessment unless you want the truth).
While accepting constructive feedback can be difficult, it really does help you grow as a writer. A manuscript assessment is a great first step in the editorial process, before diving into developmental work or polishing the language.
My role is not to criticise and knock an author’s confidence, but to offer constructive feedback. I’m sensitive in my approach, and I make a point of telling authors what’s good in their writing as well as where they can develop. Above all, I’m always honest (there’s no point commissioning a manuscript assessment unless you want the truth).
While accepting constructive feedback can be difficult, it really does help you grow as a writer. A manuscript assessment is a great first step in the editorial process, before diving into developmental work or polishing the language.
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‘I loved working with Charlie. Her edits made my book the best it could be, so when Little, Brown/Corsair published Being Brooke Simmons as part of a three-book deal, there were hardly any revisions to do thanks to her!’
Karen Clarke, Author |
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My manuscript assessment service
The manuscript assessment is a report on the ‘big picture’ of a book. In the report, I summarise my opinions on and recommendations for the book within certain areas:
The report gives you a clear picture of which areas you may want to develop and how you may take the book forward for publication.
- Genre
- Audience
- Title
- Writing style and tone
- Structure
- Plot (fiction) / content (non-fiction)
- Characterisation (fiction)
- Setting (fiction)
- Readiness for publication
- Marketability
The report gives you a clear picture of which areas you may want to develop and how you may take the book forward for publication.
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‘Charlie’s critique of my novel really helped me as I worked through another draft. She pinpointed exactly the areas I needed to work on to take it to the next level.’
Lea Bailey, Author |
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What comes next?
Sometimes a manuscript assessment is abundantly positive and I recommend that the author prepare the book for submission or publication. Sometimes I tell an author that the book is unlikely to have a market or needs a complete rewrite. Often, however, assessments fall somewhere in the middle, and the author uses the feedback to take the book to a higher level.
After a manuscript assessment, some clients move on to developmental editing, and some feel ready for copy-editing.
After a manuscript assessment, some clients move on to developmental editing, and some feel ready for copy-editing.