MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION
What is manuscript evaluation?
Manuscript evaluation or critique is a simplified form of developmental editing. The developmental editor reads your entire text and provides professional feedback in a written report, but does not leave in-text comments or suggestions. They focus on the big picture of your manuscript – story structure, pacing, character- and world-building, style and thematic development. A good developmental editor is able to identify your target readership and understands the nuances of your genre. While they may occasionally point out a few grammatical mistakes, their primary focus is not on fixing typos.
When should you opt for a manuscript evaluation service?
A manuscript evaluation is perfect if you have finished your first draft and are looking for professional and unbiased feedback on how to enhance your existing text. It is especially helpful for those who have received inconclusive responses from publishers or agents without detailed feedback. However, if your manuscript still needs significant work, you might find a comprehensive developmental editing service or a book coach to be a better fit.
What is the difference between a developmental editor, line editor and coach?
What does manuscript evaluation entail?
A sample edit is conducted before the evaluation service. For a sample edit, please send the first 10 pages of your manuscript (Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 line spacing, left-aligned) to contact@rvbookcoaching.com. A sample edit helps our editor gauge the scope of work and provide an accurate quote for your project.
If you are happy with the quote, you can send the full manuscript to the editor. In the case of manuscript evaluation, the developmental editor will read your manuscript without adding any in-text comments. Instead, all comments and suggestions will be provided in a 6- to 20-page manuscript evaluation. The exact length of the evaluation depends on your manuscript and the specific issues identified.
How much does manuscript evaluation cost?
The price of the service depends on the volume, style and genre of the manuscript as well as several other variables. At RVbookcoaching, the rate is 25 euros per hour. The total hours required will be determined on the basis of the sample edit. This price covers a thorough read-through of your manuscript and a detailed 6- to 20-page evaluation.
If you want to compare rates, you can find the internationally recognised rates at https://www.the-efa.org/rates/
You’ll notice that our rates are below the average. This is because we are operating in Estonia where the cost of living is lower than in the US or UK. This allows us to offer high-quality services at a lower cost for you.
How to proceed after manuscript evaluation?
If you would like to discuss your manuscript evaluation with the editor, you can book a free 30-minute consultation.
After receiving the evaluation, it is a good idea to write a second version of your manuscript based on the feedback. This can sometimes be demotivating, so consider booking a few coaching sessions while you are rewriting your manuscript. A coach will help you stay on track and overcome any potential writer’s block.
Manuscript evaluation is perfect for you if you are looking to enhance you manuscript through professional feedback.
Want to receive professional feedback?
Send us a sample of your writing and we will provide a quote within three working days.
