Manuscript
evaluation
A manuscript evaluation is similar to a developmental edit (or substantive edit), as a critique of the big-picture elements of your story. It’s a telescopic view, where the focus is on the larger structures, such as characterization, plot, worldbuilding, and premise.
An evaluation is not as detailed or in-depth as a developmental edit; it covers the broader strokes. It also takes less time and costs less. It may be a good choice if you’re on a budget or would like a broader overview of your work to start with. It can serve as an introductory analysis as part of a developmental edit, if you later decide to go with the full edit.
While you may or may not edit as you go, depending on your writing process, it’s generally recommended to start with a developmental edit or manuscript evaluation when you start seeking editing services. If the larger structures aren’t already in place, parts of a line edit, copy edit, or proofread that you paid for will go out the window when you realize you need to make a major change with a character arc or fix a plot hole.
A professional evaluation or developmental edit can be useful whether you seek to submit to agents and traditional publishers or publish independently. If your book is not succeeding at connecting with readers outside your acquaintance, agents, and publishers, it may be time to consult with an editor to determine which types of changes could help your book establish that connection you need.
What is a manuscript evaluation?
How can a manuscript evaluation help me connect with my readers?
Story structure is a language we understand as human beings, whether we’re aware of it or not. Whatever form it takes, it has the potential to take us on an emotional, transformative journey. It’s not just about plot. It’s also about character. As human beings, we all deal with change, choices, and conflict, just as our characters do. And just like our characters, we have motivations and beliefs based on our experiences with life.
Your readers are wired to experience what your characters are experiencing. The things that happen to your character, the actions they take, the way their world shapes their experience, the ways they choose to transform or not, and the timing of it all . . . your readers want to live that right along with the character because it’s an exploration of how to navigate their own lives. And it can make them feel something. (Even if the character they’re relating to is an alien, robot, or magical being.)
If something about the structure is off or missing, such as character motivation, timing, or internal consistency, it can pull the reader out of the story. A manuscript evaluation can help you find ways to bring the structural elements together in a way that will engage the reader and take them on a journey through the characters’ experiences, choices, and possibilities for transformation.
What deliverables can I expect from a manuscript evaluation?
I will do an analysis of the big-picture elements of your work, leaving comments and suggestions throughout your manuscript regarding the broader strokes of your story. I will also provide you with an editorial letter with my analysis, suggested changes, and ideas for next steps forward.
My goal as an editor is to encourage and help you become a better writer, and to help you find ways to created an immersive and meaningful experience for your readers.
If you’re interested in working with me, please fill out the form below to request a sample edit.
Note: This form is not an agreement. It’s meant for you to let me know you’re interested in receiving editing services and to give basic information so I can start to understand what kind of story we’d be working with.
I offer free sample edits for the following:
Novels and Novellas: A free sample edit will include feedback on the first chapter, up to 5,000 words.
Stories longer than 8,000 words: A free sample edit will include feedback on the first 10% the total word count.
I do not offer sample edits for first chapters or works that are 8,000 words or shorter. For these works, please instead fill out this form to indicate interest in an evaluation.
For general questions, please fill out this form.
Sample edit Request form
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