When should you get a manuscript evaluation?
It’s a good idea to get your manuscript evaluated when you’ve completed a draft of your work and want high-level feedback on its overall structure, pacing, characters, and themes. It’s ideal if you’re not ready for detailed editing but need guidance on the big-picture elements to ensure your story works. A manuscript evaluation is especially helpful for early drafts, giving you actionable insights to strengthen your narrative before moving to revisions or professional editing.
What is the difference between a manuscript evaluation and a developmental edit?
A manuscript evaluation is a high-level analysis of your manuscript similar in nature to developmental editing, though much less detailed (and therefore less pricey!). I’ll look at big-picture things like structure, pacing, character development, and themes, as well as your writing style and how effective it is. You can expect to receive a comprehensive report that will highlight strengths and areas for improvement, as well as provide guidance and resources for how to address these issues. A manuscript evaluation does not include in-text edits or comments.
A developmental edit, on the other hand, is more detailed, offering both a critique and in-line suggestions within the manuscript. It dives deeper into fixing structural issues, enhancing character arcs, and improving flow, making it ideal for authors ready for intensive revision.
A manuscript evaluation or a developmental edit (or both) precede line edits, copy edits, and proofreading.
Here are some of the things I will be looking out for when providing a manuscript evaluation:
Plot and Structure
- Does the story have a clear beginning, middle, and end?
- Are the stakes high enough to keep readers engaged?
- Are there any plot holes, inconsistencies, or unresolved threads?
Pacing
- Is the story too fast or too slow at any point?
- Are there scenes or chapters that drag or feel rushed?
Characters
- Are the main characters well-developed and relatable?
- Do character arcs show growth or change?
- Are motivations, relationships, and actions believable?
Themes and Tone
- Are the central themes clear and impactful?
- Does the tone fit the genre and target audience?
World-Building (if applicable)
- Is the setting immersive and consistent?
- Does the world enhance the story without overwhelming it?
Dialogue
- Does the dialogue sound natural and suit each character?
- Is it engaging and purposeful, moving the story forward?
Narrative Voice and Style
- Is the voice distinct and appropriate for the story?
- Does the writing style align with the genre?
Strengths and Opportunities
- What are the manuscript’s strongest elements?
- What areas need the most improvement?
What is included in the service?
- Evaluation report
- A detailed document outlining strengths and weaknesses in key areas like plot, structure, pacing, characters, and themes
- Actionable suggestions for revisions and improvements
- Overview or summary: A concise summary of the evaluation, highlighting major points for you to focus on
Pricing
I follow suggested rate guidelines provided by the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). For a manuscript evaluation, that means $0.015 per word. Therefore, a manuscript evaluation for a 50,000-word fiction novel would cost $750.00.