MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION
Every writer needs a helping hanD
Have you thought “Okay… but is this actually working?” at least once (or, let’s be honest, 237 times) while spinning your tale of mystery and intrigue?
Well, congrats, you’re officially a writer. Have no fear, a manuscript evaluation can light the way like a sleuth’s trusty flashlight in a shadowy park.
A manuscript evaluation is your go-to for professional, craft-based feedback without getting lost in a sea of inline comments or paying for a developmental edit too soon.
Whether you’re on your first draft or your fifth, an evaluation helps you uncover structural weaknesses, inconsistencies, plot twists, or clues that need tidying up, and an array of other areas that may need strengthening before diving into heavier edits
Any of These Ring a Bell?
- You’ve self-edited until you’re dizzy, and need fresh eyes on what’s working and what’s not.
- You crave big-picture guidance on plot, pacing, character motivation/ arcs, and all those little details that make your characters and setting sing.
- You’re curious if your book has too few, too many, or just the right amount of genre tropes readers crave.
- You’re seeking insights on genre-specific components such as twists in your mystery plot, swoon-worthy (or steamy) moments for your characters, or how your world’s magic adds to the story.
- You’re preparing for developmental editing and want insights to dodge expensive rewrites by getting your book in great shape before submitting it to an editor.
- You’re getting ready to query or self-publish and need an expert opinion before taking the next step.
What a Manuscript Evaluation Is NOT
A manuscript evaluation looks at the big picture elements of your story. This is not a full and in-depth developmental edit. Think of this as the love child of a beta reader and editor. I will include some in-line comments but will not do heavy lifting like revising content or providing detailed explanations on how to fix things.
Also, this is not where your prose gets polished. If you’re looking for a line-by-line review, comma wrangling, or typo hunting, hold your horses—manuscripts need at least a couple of editorial rounds before they’re ready for that kind of TLC!
WHAT YOU GET
$0.017/ word ($400 minimum) | Turnaround time 3-4 weeks
A manuscript evaluation will give you clarity and direction to craft your most captivating draft yet.
Story Development
I’ll do one full read-through of your manuscript with my detective hat on (from a reader and editor point of view). Be prepared for insights and questions about plot, character development, pacing, tension, structure, and market fit.
Gentle Edits
You’ll receive light in-line comments throughout your manuscript excerpt, including reactions, questions, and technique suggestions to improve clarity, style, and meet genre expectations. With my honest and gentle feedback, you can revise your story with confidence.
Actionable Feedback
Get a 2-3 page editorial letter detailing your novel’s strengths, challenges, and recommendations for revisions. Plus, you’ll receive a 45-minute follow-up call (or email consultation) to discuss feedback, brainstorm revisions, or ask questions.
If you’re interested in more hands-on support after your evaluation, I offer one-on-one workshopping sessions to help you implement editorial feedback.
Upcoming Availability
- April: BOOKED
- May: BOOKED
- June: 2 available
- July: 2 available
- August: 2 available
- September: 1 available
- October: 2 available
- November: 2 available
- December: 1 available
START WITH A SAMPLE
What is a Sample Manuscript Evaluation?
In a sample review, I edit a 1,000-word excerpt of your manuscript. I ask for the entire manuscript so I can get an overall feel for the story and your writing. I typically choose a section at least several chapters into the book because you’ve likely spent more time working on the beginning, and it often differs from the rest of your book since you are setting up the story and characters. Something from the middle better represents your writing style and structure for the bulk of your book.
This process serves two key purposes:
- Meet and Greet: It’s our literary “first date.” You experience my editing and communication style, which helps you determine if my approach aligns with your needs.
- Price Quote and Turnaround Time: No two manuscripts need the same TLC. By evaluating a section of your manuscript, I can gauge how long the full edit will take, which allows me to create an accurate price quote and timeline.
Please note, a sample review might contain more or fewer marginal comments than the actual development edit, since I’m trying to show you what you can expect over a short section of text. With a full evaluation, you’ll get a short editorial letter with examples, resources, and more in addition to the in-line (marginal) comments.
How Does a Sample Edit Work?
Whether or not you choose to continue working with me, you’ll walk away with valuable feedback on the section I review, at no cost to you. And if I think we’re not the best match or a different service would serve you better, I’ll be up front with you so you don’t waste your time or money.
When you request a sample evaluation, you’ll be taken to a short intake form. Here you’ll tell me about your book, any areas of concern you have, your timeline for editing, and some optional questions to help me get to know you a bit better. Finally, you’ll upload your manuscript as a Word doc.
Now the ball (or should I say book) is in my court. I’ll complete a free sample edit and provide you with a quote, an estimated time to complete the project, and delivery date options based on my availability.
You’ll review my edit and proposal, get all jazzed about how I can help you rock your revisions, and say “Rachel, let’s freaking do this.”
Once I get that enthusiastic thumbs up, we’ll pick a date for your edit, and I’ll send you a contract to sign (with NDA included), and you will pay the deposit. Then it’s game on!
When you’re ready to get started, send that manuscript on over.
Common Questions
Developmental editing and manuscript reviews both look at the big picture, but in different ways. This is reflected in the amount of feedback you get and thus the price tag.
A manuscript review is like a professional beta read. I will read through your book once with some in-line comments, and I’ll summarize my findings on a 2-3 page note. This is perfect if you’re early in your writing/ revising process or have already completed a round of edits and want to see if you’ve addressed earlier challenges.
Developmental editing is the big kahuna of editing, which includes two intense read-throughs, a ton of in-line comments, an 8+ page editorial letter, and a follow-up call or email. This process takes 40-60 hours and is ideal if you’ve already revised your book via self-editing or based on feedback from beta readers or a manuscript review.
If you aren’t sure which one would be the best for you, please reach out. I can take a look at a sample of your manuscript and we can chat from there about what the best course of action would be for you.
I edit cozy mysteries, romance, fantasy, and YA. I do not edit science fiction, chick lit, poetry, literary fiction, speculative fiction, or children’s books. I occasionally take nonfiction clients based on referrals from my buddy Neno of the Writer’s Rebellion. If I’m not the right fit, I can refer you to another awesomesauce editor.
Depending on my schedule and how much time it will take to complete your edit, I might be able to fit you in. There will be a rush fee added to my normal price. Reach out via the sample edit form or drop me an email.
If an editor outright promises that your book will be on a bestseller list or land you an agent/ publisher that is a red flag. Editing is only one puzzle piece in the world of writing and publishing. I can promise to provide you with expert feedback and guidance based on my training and writing and publishing background. My goal is to help you confidently improve your prose and grow as a writer.
Workshopping
The full price of the workshop is due when you book the session.
Manuscript Reviews and Developmental Editing
A 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot. The remainder is due upon completion of your edits. I will not send the edits until the project fee is paid in full.
Payment Provider
I use Stripe, which can accept international payments if you live outside of the United States.
Refunds
I do not offer refunds so make sure you are ready for and want a service before booking. I understand life happens so if you need to reschedule your workshop or editing service I will do my best to accommodate it if my schedule permits, but cannot guarantee this will be able to happen.
Clair Creative Co does not offer payment plans. However, I use Stripe to process payments and they often have payment plan options on the checkout page from providers like Affirm or Afterpay. If you choose one of those options the payment plan is through that company and not Clair Creative Co.