Manuscript Assessment
The Diagnostic Pass
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.
- Non-fiction. You learn how well your ideas are organized, how clear your argument is, and how to strengthen your authority.
- Memoir. You see how effectively your life events have been shaped into a compelling and relatable narrative.
What you’ll receive
- 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
Every story is unique, so every quote is tailored to reflect the scope and depth of the individual manuscript. As a guide, a Manuscript Assessment of 50,000 words generally falls within the USD $1200–$1800 range. This reflects the detailed attention and care your story receives at WordServings.
The investment for non-fiction manuscripts may be higher depending on the complexity of the material.
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 explicit in-manuscript details than a Manuscript Assessment has room for, consider a Developmental Edit.
And if you’re the “set me on the path and leave me to it” kind of writer, consider an EDIT 8000 edit.