Manuscript Evaluations
The Evaluation
Not sure where your manuscript’s at? That’s what a manuscript evaluation service is for.
How does a manuscript evaluation work?
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I read through your manuscript.
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I write up a 10–20 page assessment outlining the manuscript’s strengths, weaknesses, and suggested next steps.
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We have a 60-minute call to review the feedback and strategize revisions.
What do you look for in a manuscript evaluation?
In a book manuscript evaluation, I’m looking to see what shape the story is in. Is the plot arc complete? Are all the scenes necessary? Is the writing engaging? Do the characters change over the course of the story? What common errors are coming up that should be addressed? Areas such as theme, structure, character, writing style, genre conventions, and mechanical elements are addressed.
What’s the difference between a manuscript evaluation and a developmental edit?
The manuscript evaluation is like a DIY developmental edit. All you get is the 10–20 page evaluation and a 60-minute follow-up call, and you then take the feedback and revise your work.
In a developmental edit, I leave comments all over the manuscript itself, highlighting examples, pointing out problems, and leaving suggestions. Sometimes I’ll even shift around content as needed to improve the structure. I also provide an editorial letter outlining strengths and weaknesses, and we have a 60-minute call after to go over the feedback. It’s more hands-on and thorough than the evaluation.
Should I get a manuscript evaluation?
A manuscript evaluation service is good for you IF
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you need objective, actionable feedback
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you’re able to apply editorial feedback on your own
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you want a cheaper alternative to a developmental edit
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your book is a genre I work with (check my genres)
FAQs
Aimee Gindin, Writer
I loved the level of detail, the structure, and how insightful the feedback was in the manuscript evaluation. Adina was knowledgeable, reliable, and helpful.
Ed Belanger, Writer
It was a great experience to work with Adina, and as a first-time author of fiction, I learned so much from her. She helped me identify things to improve, and most importantly, reassured me that I had the skills to make it even better.
Genre Check
I Work With
Nonfiction: memoir only
Fiction: sci-fi/fantasy, historical, mystery, literary, middle-grade
I Do Not Work With
Romance, horror, general nonfiction, heavy Christian content, or anything with excessive cursing or explicit material
Are we a fit?