Big-Picture Feedback to Help You Move Forward with Confidence and Clarity
You’ve finished a draft – or you’re close – but something doesn’t quite feel right.
Maybe the pacing drags; maybe the characters aren’t landing the way you hoped; maybe you’re unsure whether your manuscript is actually ready for editing, submission or self-publishing.
A manuscript assessment provides professional, big-picture feedback on your work, helping you understand what’s working, what isn’t, and what to focus on next – before you invest time or money in further revisions or editing.
Fiction-Focused Manuscript Assessments
My Preferred Genres:
- * Fantasy: Epic, urban, contemporary, and dark fantasy
- * Mystery: Cozy mysteries, thrillers, detective fiction
- * Gothic: Dark atmospheric fiction, gothic romance, supernatural elements
- * Historical Fiction: All periods and settings
I’m also happy to consider other fiction genres upon review. Contact me to discuss your manuscript.
What is a Manuscript Assessment?
A manuscript assessment is a professional editorial evaluation of your manuscript as a whole. Rather than focusing on sentence-level corrections, this service looks at the structure, craft, and overall effectiveness of your work.
Your manuscript is assessed against:
- * Genre expectations
- * Reader engagement
- * Narrative or argument structure
- * Character development or conceptual clarity
- * Pacing, tension, and cohesion
- * Voice, tone, and consistency.
The goal is not to rewrite your work – but to give you clear, actionable insight into how your manuscript is functioning and what it needs to progress.
What You'll Receive
You will receive a detailed written report (typically 6-15 pages, depending on length and complexity) that includes:
- * An overview of your manuscript’s current strengths
- * Identification of key structural or developmental issues
- * Commentary on plot, pacing, character arcs, and flow
- * Genre suitability and reader expectations
- * Practical revision recommendations
- * Guidance on next steps (e.g. further revision, developmental editing, copyediting)
This feedback is designed to give you a clear roadmap for revision, rather than vague or conflicting advice.
What This Service Is (and isn't)
This service is:
- * Professional editorial feedback
- * Big-picture structural analysis
- * Honest, constructive, and actionable
- * Ideal before developmental or copyediting
This service is not:
- * A beta read or reader-reaction report
- * Line-editing, copyediting or proofreading
- * In-manuscript mark-up or tracked changes
If you are looking for reader-based impressions rather than editorial analysis, a beta reading offering may be more suitable.
This Service is Perfect For
A manuscript assessment is ideal if you:
- * Have completed a full draft
- * Have self-edited at least once
- * Are preparing for professional publication or submission
- * Are ready to invest in professional-level editorial feedback
It’s particularly valuable for fiction authors and indie publishers seeking clarity before the next publishing stage.
This service may not be suitable if:
- * You are still drafting your manuscript
- * You are seeking informal reader feedback
- * You are looking for a low-cost beta read
- * You are not yet ready to invest in professional editing
I work with authors who are serious about preparing their manuscript for publication, not those seeking informal critique.
Investment and Timeline
This service is designed for authors who have completed a full draft and are preparing their manuscript for professional publication or submission.
Investment typically ranges from $750 to $1,500 (AUD), depending on word count.
Manuscript Assessments are usually completed within 2 to 4 weeks.
Why Start With A Manuscript Assessment?
Starting with an assessment can save you time, money and frustration.
Rather than guessing what your manuscript needs or revising blindly, you’ll gain a clear understanding of where your work stands and how to move it forward strategically.
May authors use a manuscript assessment as the foundation for:
- * Developmental editing
- * Book coaching
- * Structural revision plans
- * Confident self-editing before copyediting
Ready for Clarity?
If you’re unsure what your manuscript needs next, a manuscript assessment is the most effective place to start.
Book a manuscript assessment or get in touch to discuss whether this service is the right fit for your work.