Before sending a manuscript to a publisher or agent, or publishing it as an e-book, many authors consult with an editor to ask:

✧ Is my manuscript ready? Does it need more work?

✧ Who might be interested in publishing or buying this book?

✧ Is there anything I can do to make this project more successful?

I provide a manuscript evaluation service to answer these questions. I will read your manuscript and write a detailed memo (generally 5-7 pages) outlining strengths and weaknesses and recommending next steps.

With fiction, the focus of the evaluation is generally on plot, character, and style. An evaluation of a non-fiction manuscript might look more at content, structure, accessibility, tone. I am happy to direct my comments towards any specific area you are concerned about.

Authors sometimes ask whether I would be willing to edit their manuscripts before they make submissions. I recommend the manuscript evaluation as an alternative, because the editing process can be a long and costly one. At the end, the manuscript might not be accepted for publication, or it might be accepted by an agent or publisher who then recommends that the manuscript be reworked in a different direction. The purpose of the manuscript evaluation is to guide you towards a reworking of your own manuscript so that it will put its best foot forward!

For e-book authors, the manuscript evaluation provides feedback that will help you determine whether you are ready to launch your title, and what steps you might want to take to ensure that your book is successful. For more on e-book publishing, please visit my page Editing for E-Book Publication.

✧ Timing: Because I have to fit manuscript evaluations in around my work for publishers, it’s best to check with me as to how long the process might take.

✧ Format: I can work with a hard copy of the manuscript or an electronic file.