Manuscript Evaluation

Note: the description below is for manuscript evaluations of fiction works. For evaluations of non-fiction, please contact me.

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If you’ve finished your book but you’re not sure how well it’s hanging together, a manuscript evaluation could be just the thing. Also known as a manuscript assessment, critique or appraisal, this is a high-level analysis which provides editorial feedback on which bits are working well and which could benefit from improvement.

In an evaluation, I will read your entire manuscript and consider it within its genre. I’ll then write an editorial report broken down into sections. These will vary according to your manuscript, but they usually cover elements such as:

In each section, I’ll let you know what I think is working and what I feel needs further development, and I’ll explain why. I’ll also suggest websites or books for further reading. I won’t make changes to your text or look at any specific parts in detail, although I may refer to particular passages or scenes to illustrate points I’ve made. The idea is to help you understand what you can do to improve your book and how to go about it.

What you’ll get

• a written report of at least 2,000 words
• if relevant, sections of your manuscript highlighted and/or brief comments made in MS Word’s Track Changes which illustrate the elements commented on in the report
• links and/or book suggestions for further research
• the offer of a one-hour video call so you can ask questions to clarify anything in the report. Alternatively, I can take your queries via an email (just one, but as long as you need!). I’m happy to give further editorial support, but I will need to charge for this at an hourly rate.

To get the most out of an evaluation, carry out your own editing as thoroughly as you can beforehand.

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive and detailed analysis, including step-by-step help with the text itself, then you may want to consider a developmental edit.

I am so glad I discovered Jane Spencer Editorial! Jane recently undertook a manuscript evaluation of my first novel. Her detailed report and follow-up video call were invaluable. Jane’s advice is clear and constructive, with plenty of examples and links to articles and books for further help. Her assessment covered everything from plot and structure to characterisation, dialogue, setting, writing technique and more. Jane pinpointed exactly which areas of my book require attention, so I have a step-by-step action plan of what to do next. When I have rewritten and edited, I will definitely ask Jane for a final evaluation before submitting it to an agent. I highly recommend Jane Spencer Editorial to any writer.

Clare S, March 2024

Cost and timescale

The cost is £400 for a manuscript of up to 60,000 words.

For longer books, the cost is £400 for the first 60,000 words, then an additional £5 for each additional 1,000 words (or part thereof).

A non-refundable deposit is payable on booking to secure your slot. For longer books, I offer payment in instalments.

The time a manuscript evaluation takes depends on the length of your book and how full my schedule is, but I’ll always aim to fit it in as soon as I can.

To enquire

Send me an email! Please include the name of your book, the genre and the word count. Please also tell me:

• what your plans are (such as seeking a traditional publishing deal or self-publishing)
• whether your manuscript has been through any previous rounds of beta reading or professional editing
• whether you studied writing craft through classes, books or other means
• any other details you feel might be important.

I’ll get back to you and we can take it from there!