Editorial Assessment
A comprehensive evaluation, for fiction or nonfiction, that clarifies what's working, what's not, and exactly how to revise: before you invest in line edits.
What you'll receive
A comprehensive report (roughly 3,500–5,000 words) organized into 12 craft areas, with concrete examples drawn from your manuscript.
Core Story Elements
- PREMISE : Deep analysis of your story concept, setup, and foundational elements.
- PLOT STRUCTURE : Examination of narrative arc, pacing, and structural choices.
- CHARACTERS : Evaluation of character development, depth, and authenticity.
Craft & Style
- DIALOGUE : Assessment of speech patterns, voice distinction, and conversation effectiveness.
- PROSE STYLE : Analysis of writing quality, sentence craft, voice consistency, and diction.
- PACING : Evaluation of rhythm, tension building, narrative momentum, and flow.
World & Impact
- SETTING & WORLDBUILDING : Review of atmosphere, place, world creation, and descriptive elements.
- EMOTIONAL RESONANCE : Assessment of impact, feeling, reader engagement, tension, and conflict.
- THEMES : Exploration of deeper meanings, messages, significance, and thematic development.
Market & Strategy
- MARKETABILITY : Analysis of commercial potential, target audience, and publishing viability.
- INITIAL IMPRESSIONS : Comprehensive synthesis of overall response.
- REVISION ROADMAP : Strategic, prioritized revision recommendations with actionable next steps.
Notes
- No full-manuscript line edits are performed in this service.
- Best for authors who want a rigorous, big-picture evaluation before revising.
Samples
Mini before/after
How small structural changes in an opening clarify POV and momentum.
Before
- Three POVs introduced in two pages with no clear anchor.
- Exposition interrupts momentum before the inciting incident.
After
- Single-POV opening with a concrete scene goal and grounded sensory detail.
- Backstory moved after the scene turn; stakes clarified.
Process
1) Sample & Quote
Share word count and a short sample. I confirm scope and price.
2) Book Your Slot
Deposit secures the start date; we align on goals and constraints.
3) Assessment
I deliver the 12-area report (PDF/Docx) on the agreed date.
4) Q&A
Targeted follow-up to clarify priorities and next steps.
FAQ
Is this an edit?
It's a big-picture evaluation (story, craft, market). Copy-level changes are not part of this service:those happen in copy/line editing.
Can you assess partials?
Yes: partial manuscripts, novellas, and works in progress are fine, fiction or nonfiction. The $250 minimum applies.
How long does it take?
Typical timelines scale with word count; we'll confirm dates when booking your slot.
Ready to get clear, actionable guidance?