Manuscript Evaluation
Life is short. Write your novel.
You've poured your heart into a manuscript, but you're not sure if it's ready for the world.
That’s where a Manuscript Evaluation swoops in like a literary superhero. It’s your story’s personal cheerleader and coach rolled into one.
This powerhouse analysis doesn’t just pat you on the back for the good stuff – though it definitely does that too. Nope, it also shines a spotlight on those tricky areas that could use some TLC.
But here’s the thing – it doesn’t leave you hanging.
Instead, it hands you a tailor-made roadmap, complete with step-by-step directions to level up your draft. It’s like having a seasoned writing guru whispering the secrets of the trade right in your ear.
Ready to transform your manuscript from “meh” to “marvellous”? A Manuscript Evaluation is your golden ticket.
I found her specific feedback gave me clear direction for moving ahead and when revising. Right from the start, Emma helped me develop vision for my book which was validating and helped me with the writing process. I hope to work with her again in the future!
How it works
1. Big picture analysis.
Prepare for a comprehensive review of your manuscript that reveals what’s hitting the mark and what needs fine-tuning. This thorough examination delves into essential aspects like genre, character development, structure, point of view, theme, and setting. By the time we’re done, you’ll have a clear understanding of what’s effective, what needs work, and the reasons behind it all.
2. Clear next steps.
An editorial letter that clearly outlines what to focus on, eliminating any guesswork about your next steps. I’ll provide my recommended revisions for your draft, along with the sequence in which you should tackle them. These steps will be specific and actionable, enabling you to concentrate on writing without the stress of figuring out what to do next.
3. In-line feedback
In-line feedback on your first three chapters that emphasizes your strengths and highlights areas for improvement. I’ll thoroughly examine your first chapters to identify what’s effective, what’s not, and the reasons behind it. I’ll assess elements such as scene structure, showing vs. telling, dialogue, logical consistency, info-dumping, and more, providing targeted suggestions for edits.
4. Follow-up zoom call.
A follow-up call with me to discuss my feedback and your next steps, ensuring you feel confident moving forward. During this 60-minute coaching session, we can brainstorm plot points, develop characters, resolve continuity issues, delve into worldbuilding, or tackle any other concerns you have. Plus, you’ll receive a recording of the call for future reference!
The result? A clear understanding of your manuscript's current state along with an actionable roadmap for tackling your revisions head-on.
How much does it cost?
I work on manuscripts up to 100,000 words.
I read English language manuscripts in all genres as long as there is no child or animal abuse.
Turnaround time is 3-4 weeks.
The total cost is USD$600
The manuscript review made me think about my work in a whole new light and it was great to get such an informed, fresh perspective on my story. Emma’s feedback helped me tackle key plot holes, and made me really think about the back stories of my characters. Emma is a kind, thorough and knowledgeable coach and one I’d highly recommend.
Who it's not for...
❌ You’re not interested in making significant revisions to your scenes or story, even if your draft needs it.
❌ You prefer to disregard genre conventions rather than invest the time and effort to creatively innovate them.
❌ You find it challenging to accept feedback or constructive criticism on your creative work.
❌ You need assistance with spelling and grammar. Please note that copy editing, line editing, and proofreading are not included.
❌ You write memoir, non-fiction, or poetry. While my specialty is fiction, I can refer you to someone who can help!
Questions and Answers
How long does it all take? When will I hear from you?
Once I have received your payment and manuscript, I will return your evaluation to you within 3-4 weeks.
I will compile my feedback and send everything back to you via attachments in an email, together with a link to schedule your follow up call with me.
If you are working to a deadline, I suggest you get on my calendar as early as possible so I can reserve time for your project.
Do you give in-line feedback on all pages?
No. I provide in-line feedback on the first three chapters only. My primary focus is structure, plot, character development and other big picture elements.