Manuscript Evaluation

Is your book any good?

Sometimes, you just need to know what shape your manuscript (mms) is in, so you can improve it before taking the next step. Does it make sense? What works, and what would make it better?

A manuscript evaluation gives you professional feedback without the larger commitment of a full edit. Sometimes this is the most appropriate place to start. As a plus, not only does it save you grief and time in editing, it can also save you money.

The evaluation considers developmental questions, such as:

  • What is your concept?
  • Who is your audience? Is the writing appropriate for this audience?
  • What is the overall structure?
  • How can you best develop your ideas/storyline?

…and copy-line questions, such as:

  • Is your writing clear and readable?
  • How are your transitions? Are there any gaps?
  • What are your writing tics?

If you are interested in an evaluation, your book should have a beginning, middle, and end. In other words, if you are still in the process of writing, this is not the time for an evaluation. A Chapter One Critique, coaching, or a book structure intensive may be more appropriate.

You helped me create a work of art…
Alexandra helped make my book sensational and worthy of all kinds of accolades. I want to acknowledge her for all the special work that she put into it because she is the hidden talent that most people don’t realize exists.

Bill Taylor
On Full Automatic: Surviving 13 Months in Vietnam

What You Walk Away With

You’ll receive a report on your mms, outlining:

  • Strengths of the work
  • Problems (if any) of concept, structure, content, style, and documentation (this last for nonfiction)
  • Problems (if any) of presentation and formatting
  • Practical suggestions for fixes
  • Recommendations for next steps, including editorial recommendations

We may additionally agree to a sample edit (a higher fee applies).

The evaluation will NOT include:

  • Correcting spelling, punctuation, grammar, or syntax
  • Fixing errors in sentence structure or language use
  • Fact checking
  • Verification of any references

Recommendations are made on an individual, no-obligation basis. Editorial work is contracted for separately. All mms submitted for evaluation should be accompanied by a synopsis (for fiction or memoir) or table of contents and chapter summaries (for nonfiction).

The starting price for a Manuscript Evaluation is $1,375 for a manuscript up to 200 pages/50,000 words.

Be sure your book meets the genre guidelines here.

Are you ready to get started? Complete the form below!

If you’re thinking about writing a book, Alexandra’s services are priceless. She helped me go from having a VERY rough idea to publishing a finished product. I know for sure that I wouldn’t have done it without her.

Sylvia Theisen

Break the Rules: An Uncommon Guide to Creating the Life You Crave

Are you ready to get started?

If you are interested in an evaluation, complete the form below.

Editing and Coaching are contracted for separately. Be sure your book meets the genre guidelines here. Review Working with Alexandra here.

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