Manuscript Evaluations

What Is a Manuscript Evaluation?

A manuscript evaluation is an in-depth, developmental editing report. I provide a “big picture” deep analysis of your book, examining it for the following:

You’ll receive an in-depth critique that pinpoints your story’s strengths and weaknesses. I also provide detailed recommendations on how any weaknesses might be improved so you can focus, tighten, and enrich your story.

There are no rules in writing. Well, except this one: “Thou shalt not bore.”

But although there are no hard rules, there are certain principles that have shaped the art of storytelling for centuries. I apply these time-tested criteria about plot, character, and style (which led to the success of my own novels, with over half a million copies sold) so that you can strategically apply them to your writing.

Writing a book is an intensely personal venture. The goal is a story that is both compelling and marketable. When you entrust your manuscript to me, I will respect its integrity and help you make it the best it can be.

Why Do You Need a Manuscript Evaluation?

You’ve finished your novel. First, congratulate yourself. Writing a book is a marathon, and only those who’ve made it to “The End” understand the determination it requires.

Now you want to get it published – and therein lies the challenge. When submitting a manuscript in today’s tough fiction marketplace you get only one chance with each literary agent or acquisition editor at a publishing house. If they reject your manuscript because it needs more work, you won’t get another chance with them on that book.

The biggest mistake new writers make is submitting their work before it’s ready. As Writer’s Digest editor Chuck Sambuchino says: “If you think your story has a problem, it does – and any story with a problem is not ready.”

You’ve likely spent at least a year writing your book, probably longer, which is a huge investment of time. It’s also an investment of your hopes and dreams: you want this book to sell well and reach a large readership. So before submitting it, let me help you make it the best it can be. Armed with my suggestions, you can revise your manuscript accordingly, then submit it to an agent or publisher with confidence that it will make the most favorable impression possible.

In his book Writing the Blockbuster Novel, top agent Albert Zuckerman of Writers House tells writers: “The likelihood of your novel being terrific in every respect the first time you set it down is from slight to nonexistent. Virtually all popular best-selling novelists need and get help from others in enriching their characters and maximizing the drama of their work.“

Established authors have an advantage that you don’t: our publishers provide us with in-house editors who pore over our manuscripts and make detailed comments toward revision. In addition, many authors benefit from the fine editorial skills of our agents. But writers who don’t yet have this kind of expert team need to find help elsewhere.

You’ll get that expert help from me.

What Does a Manuscript Evaluation Cost?

Stage One: $195 for my evaluation of a manuscript’s first 30 pages.

Stage Two (if you decide to proceed) From $995 for my evaluation of a full manuscript. See below: “How I’ll Work With You”

Why I’m Your Best Choice

Unlike many editors, I have a successful career as an author. Creating engaging characters and crafting compelling plots is what I do for a living.

My books – historical novels and thrillers – have been published by major New York publishers (Penguin, Warner/Hachette, Kensington) and sold in seven countries. They have won wide acclaim, and my sales have topped over half a million copies. My latest novel is The Traitor’s Daughter. I also co-wrote the screenplay for the feature film Saving Dinah.

My agent is Albert Zuckerman of Writers House, New York, one of the largest literary agencies in the world. Al represents many bestselling authors and he lists me as one of his leading clients.

This experience is crucial. In my career as a successful author, I’ve faced every challenge you face right now. So, I speak to you as writer-to-writer, teaching the techniques you need to write a book that can compete in the marketplace. I know what agents and publishers are looking for, what they want – and don’t want.

I’m an acclaimed mentor, too. I’ve taught writers at the University of Toronto, and am a frequent presenter at international writers conferences. My online program “Your Path to a Page-Turner” has been a game-changer for many emerging writers. (See the “Page-Turner Program” page of this website.)

My mentoring has launched many writers who’ve gone on to have their books published. (See some of them above.)

How I’ll Work With You

We’ll build a working relationship, step by step. Here’s how.

Stage One. I’ll read and analyze the first 30 pages of your manuscript. (Please note that all manuscripts must be double-spaced. See “The Fine Print” below.) The cost is just $195.

After I’ve reviewed the first 30 pages, you and I will have a half-hour conversation by phone or video meeting in which I’ll give you my comments on the work’s strengths and weaknesses. I’ll also offer recommendations on how you can improve and develop it. Writers I work with appreciate this live dialogue, because it allows them to ask questions and get instant clarification.

Why just 30 pages? It’s like a first date. It lets us get to know each other without making a huge commitment. Your book’s opening section will give me a good idea of how I can help you, and you’ll get good value for very little money. Most important, we’ll get comfortable with each other. Stage One lets us build a relationship of mutual understanding.

Stage Two. If we both feel keen to continue, we’ll proceed to Stage Two in which I’ll give your entire manuscript a close reading and prepare an in-depth analysis about its strengths and weaknesses, including detailed comments on story premise, story structure, character development, dialogue, settings, prose style, pacing, POV (point of view) and marketability. I will also offer suggestions on how any weaknesses might be improved.

You have 2 options for how you’d like me to deliver the Stage Two evaluation:

1. A 2-hour discussion by phone or video meeting. The cost is $995 for a manuscript up to 325 pages and $4 per page thereafter.
   OR
   
2. A multi-page written report. The cost is $5 per manuscript page regardless of manuscript length. BONUS: You’ll also get a follow-up session, at no charge, conducted by email or a half-hour phone discussion, your choice.

The Fine Print

• Rates are based on manuscript pages that are double spaced.
• For Stage One send your 30 pages of manuscript by email as an attachment in Word or pdf. For Stage One there is no printing charge. For Stage Two you can either mail me the manuscript as hard copy, or email it and I will have it printed at a cost to you of 10 cents per page.
• Turnaround time for Stage One is 5 days. Turnaround time for Stage Two is 12 to 15 days, depending on the manuscript length.
• Payment in full is required prior to the commencement of the manuscript evaluation.
• Manuscripts will not be returned; they will be shredded after completion of the manuscript evaluation process.
• To schedule a manuscript evaluation email me at bkyle@barbarakyle.com.