You completed your early drafts by describing each filament of lichen on every tree. Now it’s time to consider the forest.
A manuscript evaluation gives you a detailed, professional understanding of your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses. I approach manuscript evaluation as a complement to the writing process: a supportive and expert pair of eyes on the big-picture issues that would have stopped you from writing had you addressed them earlier.
What You’ll Get
- A precis, typically no longer than 300 words, describing the essence of your manuscript as I see it. This is what I’d tell a friend if I wanted them to read your book, and it can help you pull your story back to what you consider its sweet spot.
- Analyses of each chapter or section in your manuscript, focusing on what each chapter promises the reader and how well it delivers.
- An analysis of your manuscript’s argument or plot–the story you’re telling, whether you’ve written a novel, a nonfiction study, a memoir, or a practical guide–and how each chapter or section contributes to it.
- Detailed descriptions of non-structural characteristics of your manuscript, again focusing on what works and what needs some attention.
- For works of fiction and most memoirs, this includes feedback on voice, person, characterization, setting, and dialogue.
- For nonfiction works, this typically includes feedback on voice, argumentation and anticipation of counterargument, and support and citation.
- Any notes on style that I think might be helpful.
- Answers to your questions! We’re teaming up at a unique time in the development of a unique manuscript; it stands to reason that my idea of a complete report might leave a question or two unanswered. A quick conversation before I lay eyes on your manuscript can help ensure that you get everything you need at this stage.
What’s Next
A good manuscript evaluation will give you plenty to consider and might leave you with a fair amount of work to do. This time around, though, you’ll be working on the finer points, and the work should be more straightforward (although you won’t get as much of the heaven-storming sense of heroic effort that powered your first draft).
That work will be your own, not mine. An evaluation does not include line-level editing, fact-checking, or scrupulous attention to questions of continuity and consistency. Those things matter enough that they should be done just once–and this is a bit early in the process to be considering them. Right now, we’re making your manuscript as balanced, well-proportioned, and compelling as possible.