Manuscript Evaluation
What is Manuscript Evaluation?
It's often said that 95% of writing is rewriting, so it's no wonder that revising is hard work! As an author, you are so close to your own writing it can be difficult to step back from your manuscript and read it from the perspective of a potential literary agent or publisher.
Friends and family members might be able to suggest some useful changes to the book, but often lack the expertise to really hone in on the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript.
Manuscript evaluation is the heart of Black Swan's business. Our editors work in the publishing industry—as authors, editors, and book reviewers—and know what makes a good book great.
We give our clients thorough and constructive feedback, including step-by-step editorial plans they can follow to revise their manuscripts.
When doing manuscript assessment, we consider a variety of factors, including:
- intended audience (reading level, style, and tone)
- literary devices (metaphors & similes, foreshadowing, repetition, reversal, etc.)
- characterization and character development
- point of view, dialogue, and interior monologue
- setting, description, and imagery
- structure, narrative flow, transitions between scenes, etc.
- ...and many other elements.
We are always available to answer any questions you might have about our assessment of your manuscript. We can also team you up with one of our editors if you want someone else to do the revising for you.
What are the advantages of having a manuscript assessment?
Here are just a few of the many reasons why a manuscript evaluation is a good idea:
- It’s social. Writers spend a lot of time hunkered over a keyboard in self-imposed exile from the rest of the world. Having a manuscript evaluation is like inviting an editor into your office, to sit down and talk to you about your writing.
- It’s affordable. Compared to a substantive edit, a manuscript evaluation is an affordable way for you to work with a book editor to revise and strengthen your manuscript.
- It’s educational. By having an editor read your manuscript and point out the strengths and weaknesses of your book—including how the latter can be corrected—you’ll learn how to become a stronger writer.
- You’ll feel empowered. Once you receive the assessment, you decide what level of editing to move ahead with and will be able to knowledgably direct your editor.
. - You’ll boost your chances of success. Whether you want to approach a publisher or self-publish, a manuscript evaluation is sure to make your book more readable.
Manuscript Evaluation Process
Manuscripts can be submitted to Black Swan through the post or by email.
We team your manuscript with an editor who we feel best suits your book. (For example, all children's books are read by a book reviewer who has a Master’s Degree in children's literature.).
The editor carefully reviews your manuscript and writes a detailed assessment, including an editorial plan you can follow to revise your book.
Once you've had an opportunity to review the manuscript assessment, the editor will gladly discuss any questions you might have about the evaluation and the revising process.
Rates:
For an initial assessment, we charge $3.50 per page. For email submissions we charge an extra $0.20/page to cover our printing costs.
Manuscripts must be submitted in 12-point (or larger) Times New Roman font, double-spaced using standard margin widths.
You can email your manuscript to us here.
