You’ve typed “The End.” You’ve revised and self-edited until you were cross-eyed. But you know your manuscript is not quite ready. Let me read it and I’ll tell you what to do next. My manuscript evaluations aren’t looking at grammar or punctuation. Instead, I’ll read your entire manuscript and write a report detailing what you’ve done correctly, where you need to improve, and specific suggestions on how to do it. I give you my opinion as both an avid reader and someone who has studied plot development and story structure. You can see a sample evaluation template here.
This is not developmental editing, which is a lot more intense, but it will help you know what to do to get your manuscript in shape for submission to agents or publishing companies. It can also be used as a budget-conscious option to full developmental editing for self publishing. No matter what your publication goals are, though, you will need to plan to rewrite and revise extensively before going to the next step. My goal at the end of the evaluation is that you’ll be able to take my suggestions (perhaps an example of how to show and not tell) and apply them not only to the specific passage I’ve pulled for the example, but to the manuscript as a whole.
Read more about the editing process, why you should hire an editor, or what kind of editing you need. Or just email me with any questions you have about any of it.
Visit the Editors Freelancers Association for more information about standard industry rates.
See my terms here.
“Rachel’s evaluation of my manuscript was thorough, thoughtful, and detailed. There were many insightful comments that built up my manuscript to its full potential. The evaluation contained everything a writer needs to know in order to move forward in polishing a manuscript. The feedback held a mirror up to my work and really clarified the issues that I could resolve. Overall, Rachel is a great editor who is reliable and is very good at what she does. I look forward to working with her again, and would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for an amazing editor!” –Nisha Patel
Rachel Shipp Editing 