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.
Both of these steps should precede line edits, copyedits and proofreads.
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.