The Manuscript Evaluation: What It Is & How It Differs from a Developmental Edit

Apparently, the manuscript evaluation is one of the best-kept secrets in indie publishing. At an event I spoke at recently, most participants were surprised to find out this option existed. And then, as I described what the evaluation was all about, one first-time author frowned and said, “But that sounds very much like the developmental edit??”

And it’s true, friends. A manuscript evaluation and a developmental edit share common characteristics. But you are getting two very different services. Think about going to a restaurant and debating whether you want an appetizer or a full meal. Some restaurants have appetizer “versions” of main course plates—similar or the same ingredients, different in portion size. So it is with the evaluation and the developmental edit. One is meant to fill you up; the other should whet your appetite for more.

What an evaluation and developmental edit have in common

Let’s first take a look at what the manuscript evaluation and the developmental edit have in common.

Your editor will read the full manuscript in both cases. The evaluation and developmental edit both care about the big picture: how the story works as a whole (or whether it does). Both consider content, structure, style, organization, and cohesiveness. Both will take a good look at your ending and your beginning. And both consider whether your mms is being repetitive, or whether there are gaps. Is the book is interesting to read all the way through.

Where they differ—greatly—is in terms of how they answer these questions.

How an evaluation and developmental edit differ

A manuscript evaluation will provide you with select, illustrative examples. A developmental edit provides you with in-depth, comprehensive notes. The evaluation makes suggestions for improvement in a broad way; a developmental edit offers specific changes in each instance. A manuscript evaluation provides you with a report; a developmental edit reshapes your manuscript.

Your relationship with the editor also differs. In the case of the developmental edit, you have an ongoing dialogue. A manuscript evaluation is a one-time event.

When you might want one over the other

If you are looking for big picture feedback (e.g., Is this even working?) and want to limit your financial commitment, the evaluation is your best bet. A manuscript evaluation is also excellent for manuscripts that are not quite ready for full editorial work. Sometimes it’s clear that I’m looking a very early draft, where the author is still exploring how to handle various ideas or characters. In that case I don’t think it’s appropriate, or fair, to point the author to a full edit. It makes more sense for them to develop the MS first.

When you have a solid draft and you are ready to dig in and get your hands dirty changing it, you should consider a developmental edit. The developmental edit is much more of a commitment, both of your time and your financial resources. At this point, you are focused on your story, know what you want to accomplish with it, and are ready to make the investment. You also desire to have an ongoing conversation with an expert as you work to improve your book.

What if you think you are ready to make the commitment but are not sure if your manuscript is ready for a full edit? Ask an editor. Some may charge for an initial review; some may agree to take a brief look at a sample of your book and provide you a recommendation at no charge.

Hint: if you really are still swimming in big-picture-question territory, as in: What am I doing in my book? I’m not sure where to go from here, you are probably in the pre-edit stage. An evaluation can be helpful, as could a writer’s workshop, critique group, or coaching conversation.

The bottom line

A manuscript evaluation and a developmental edit look at the same types of questions, but they are qualitatively different from each other. Just as you wouldn’t order an appetizer if you are ready for a full meal, or a big dinner when you aren’t sure if you like the flavor, keep in mind what you want to get out of the review. And remember: at the end of the day, you as the author are still responsible for taking the ideas your editor gives you and running with them, or not. It’s your book!

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Need help getting clear on your book? Want to get out of your own head? Let’s chat. We can set up one-on-one coaching, or you might benefit from a book structure intensive.

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CC image Project 50 – Day #1 (Moleskine) courtesy Sean McGrath on Flickr. Some rights reserved.