Manuscript appraisal

We offer two levels of manuscript appraisal  based on the length and complexity of the report, both individually priced. You may request that the appraiser concentrates on a particular aspect of your writing, or a particular concern. For instance, are you worried about

• finishing your book
• plot
• characterisation
• structure

or perhaps you would like feedback on

• your chances of finding a publisher
• prospect of success in the marketplace
• genre

Short report

An initial report providing an outline assessment of a manuscript. This will give a writer an honest idea, based on current trends, of a manuscript’s publishing potential, as well as an idea of its objective strengths and weaknesses. It will give straightforward advice for improving the work, if that is indicated. Examples will be offered for each point made. This report provides a general overview of your script’s potential. It is usually 2-4 pages long.

Detailed report

The manuscript is examined in more depth, aiming to give an assessment of its potential in the market as well as a sense of the kind of editorial work that might be required before the work reaches the requisite standard. Again, the advice is frank and straightforward. This report will tell you (in the case of fiction) what is right or wrong with the plot, the style, the characters and the dialogue, giving specific suggestions for cutting, expanding and rewriting. Where it’s judged appropriate, a short specimen section, or chapter, will be edited in detail to show the areas that need attention or rewriting – this is in addition to the actual report. The report is usually 6-8 pages long.

In both instances, it’s best to wait until you have a substantial portion of the book, or even a complete manuscript, before seeking a manuscript  appraisal.

You may at this stage add your proposed synopsis or outline to the total material to be assessed in conjunction with the manuscript.