Manuscript Assessment
A Manuscript Assessment is the first step when you want a professional overview of your book without a full edit. It gives you clear feedback on strengths and weaknesses, showing you what works and what holds the story back. This is ideal if you are still revising, or if you want to know how close your book is to being ready for editing or submission.
What a Manuscript Assessment covers
A Manuscript Assessment provides all the same care and attention to your story’s big picture as a Developmental Edit, but the in-text comments are limited to the first chapter only (or the first 2500 words, whichever comes first).
For many writers, these comments are enough to guide them through revisions for the whole book.
A WordServings Manuscript Assessment examines
- structure, organization and pacing
- plot or argument arcs
- character development and consistency
- subplots and themes
- openings and endings
- voice and tone
- clarity of ideas
- likelihood of reader engagement
Benefits by genre
- Fiction. You receive insight on plot, pacing, characters, and whether your story meets genre expectations.
- Memoir. You see how effectively your life events have been shaped into a compelling and relatable narrative.
- Non-fiction. You learn how well your ideas are organized, how clear your argument is, and how to strengthen your authority.
What you’ll receive
- Your manuscript returned with detailed in-text comments for the first chapter or first 2500 words (whichever comes first)
- A detailed editorial report outlining key strengths and challenges, specific recommendations for revision priorities, and a summary of next steps to guide your rewrite or polish
- Email support during the assessment process
- A follow up call after you have received your report for questions or clarifications
Investment
- Fiction – $0.015 per word (50,000 words x $0.015 = $750.00)
- Memoir – $0.0175 per word (50,000 words x $0.015 = $875.00)
- Nonfiction – $0.02 per word (50,000 words x $0.02 = $1000.00)
A clear agreement covers the scope of the project and fee before any work begins. There are never any hidden costs.
Ready to discuss your needs?
If you’d like more extensive in-manuscript comments than a Manuscript Assessment has room for, consider a Developmental Edit.