Not ready for a developmental edit? How about a manuscript evaluation?

There really isn't a way to prepare aspiring authors for their first big edit.

Writers send their first drafts to an editor expecting a glowing review, but the editor crosses out entire scenes instead. Developmental edits are hard to take because they cut through all the prose and find weak points.

Some writers are not ready for that kind of feedback, and that's okay. I wanted to provide a way for clients to receive feedback without the discouraging red text. So I've added manuscript evaluations to my services.

A manuscript evaluation is a guide for your book. It's a more affordable alternative to developmental editing and includes an editorial letter highlighting strengths and weaknesses, without in-text comments. That gives you professional guidance for self-editing.

Manuscript evaluations include:

• The strengths of your book: Thoughtful comments on what works well, the reading experience, and the manuscripts core vision.

• Big picture concerns: Foundational issues including plot holes, weak character arcs, structural confusion, and pacing.

• Detailed feedback: Categorized feedback specific to the storytelling and chapter dynamics.

• Recommendations: Actionable suggestions for improvements for the next round of revisions.

After the writer has reviewed the evaluation we'll schedule a meeting (virtual or in-person) to discuss any remaining questions and next steps.

As an editor, this is one of my favorite parts about my job, other than seeing the authors work published, because the developmental edit is the turning point, and sets the process in motion towards a finalized manuscript.

Every writer has their own method and the manuscript evaluation is a great alternative to accomplishing the same goal of a published book.

New clients will receive 10% off their manuscript evaluation using the code: "EVALUATION10".