New Service: Manuscript Assessments
I’m exited to announce that I am adding a new service: manuscript assessments! In this blog post, I will outline the differences between a manuscript assessment and a developmental edit, and how to choose which service is best for you.
For a long time, I didn’t want to add manuscript assessments, for one specific reason: I am a very thorough worker, and I didn’t like the idea of sending an analysis that doesn’t provide a deep dive into every detail of the book, like my developmental edits do.
However, after working with authors and learning about their editing needs, I have come to understand that not everybody is in a place where a full developmental edit will be helpful to them. Some drafts are too unfinished for a developmental edit; some plots are too loose for a deep dive. But this doesn’t mean that these authors should go without a structural edit. In fact, a structural edit early in the process can be invaluable for shaping the direction of the piece.
So this is why I have decided to add manuscript assessments as a service. I want to be able to open the door to authors of all types, at all stages of their work.
The main feature of the manuscript assessment is that it is an overall assessment, not a full in-depth analysis. There are many reasons that someone might want a more general overview rather than a full developmental edit. Maybe you aren’t ready for every plot to be studied in-depth, and just need help determining the direction of the main structure. Maybe you want to fix the biggest problems before moving on to a more nuanced editing stage. These are all reasons to choose the manuscript assessment option.
And, of course, the manuscript assessment has a lower price due to the lower workload, ideally making it a more affordable option for those who need an overall structural review but aren’t in a place to pay for a full developmental edit.
Services
With the two services, these are the documents you receive:
1. Editorial Essay
For the developmental edit, this is a 30+ page document that provides an in-depth analysis of every piece of the story, from characters, to plot, to meaning and themes.
For the manuscript assessment, this document will be 10-15 pages and will outline the main takeaways and my overall recommendations for the story.
2. Structure and Character Layout
For the developmental edit, this excel sheet lays out each individual scene and plotline, including character relationships and side plots, and analyzes the movement/function of the scene.
For the manuscript assessment, this outline will lay out the main plotlines that impact the story, focusing more on overall plot movement rather than individual scenes.
3. Annotated Manuscript
For the developmental edit, I will annotate the manuscript as I read, making detailed notes about the reader’s experience and providing suggestions to make the story flow smoother.
For the manuscript assessment, I will focus on the most noticeable places to annotate, giving moderate suggestions for improvement.
Deciding between the two
The manuscript assessment option is best suited for drafts that are in earlier stages when you are still mapping out the structure. It is less detailed than the developmental edit, and is focused more on general overviews rather than nitty-gritty details.
The developmental edit option is best suited for books that are ready to delve into details such as sub-plots and character arcs. This option is very comprehensive and provides an analysis of all characters and plots.
I hope that, by adding the manuscript assessment, I can open the door to new authors that would not otherwise become a client of mine. I’m excited to read the new stories that this service will bring in! Please review my services page and contact me with any questions.
Interested in developmental editing services or have a question for the blog?
Send a message and let’s chat!
