Manuscript
Assessment
Get a detailed editorial report designed to help you see your project with precision and objectivity.
I undertake a close, analytical reading of your manuscript (or equivalent project material where appropriate — get in touch to discuss), assessing how effectively the different elements of the story are working together. This includes how the narrative functions across structure, character, tension, and theme.
Rather than focusing on sentence-level edits, this service is concerned with the architecture of the work. It's about identifying strengths, diagnosing issues, and mapping out a clear path forward.
You'll receive a detailed editorial report (6 pages minimum) with my analysis and recommendations. If you also want your submitted manuscript marked up with suggested changes, the developmental edit might be what you're looking for.
Ideal for:
- Completed or near-complete manuscripts
- Writers seeking high-level, objective feedback
- Projects that feel uneven or unfocused
- Manuscripts needing total structural evaluation
- Writers wanting a clear roadmap for revision
How it works
You'll provide your full manuscript and any supporting material that helps contextualise the work, such as a synopsis, outline, or notes on your goals.
It's also very helpful to indicate any particular concerns, goals or intentions you have for the story. While the assessment is comprehensive, knowing where you feel uncertain can help shape the emphasis of the report and make sure the final product will provide the value you want.
I strongly recommend we jump on a quick 15-minute video call for you to introduce your project, goals and concerns to set us off on the right foot.
*A free sample assessment for up to 1,500 words or 10 double-spaced pages is available before starting this service if you want.
I undertake a thorough, analytical reading of your work, assessing how narrative elements function individually and together across structure, character, tension, pacing, and theme. This is a comprehensive read focused on the architecture of the work rather than sentence-level edits.
You'll receive a detailed editorial report (6 pages minimum) with my analysis, identified strengths and weaknesses, and clear recommendations for revision. The report is designed to give you a clear, actionable roadmap for the next stage of your work.
Cost
Payment plans available spread across 4 or 6 fortnightly instalments.
For stories where word count isn't a good representation of the amount of work required (e.g. branching dialogue in games, or complex plotting systems for unfiction stories) we can work with an equivalent hourly rate. Please note a sample edit will be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Manuscript assessment is $25 per 1,000 words AUD. Payment plans are available across 4 or 6 fortnightly instalments. For projects where word count isn't a good representation of work required, we can arrange an equivalent hourly rate — a sample edit will be required.
Yes — a free sample assessment for up to 1,500 words or 10 double-spaced pages is available before starting the full service. It gives you a clear sense of my approach and the level of detail you can expect in the full report.
Assessment is for completed or near-complete drafts when you want a comprehensive, high-level evaluation without line-by-line editing. If you're still working through specific story elements, story consulting is a better fit. If you want page-by-page feedback in the manuscript itself, look at developmental editing.
Novels, novellas, short fiction, game narratives (branching dialogue, world bibles, quest design), unfiction, interactive fiction, scripts, and anything else that tells a story. If your project doesn't fit a neat category, reach out — I'm probably interested.
