Manuscript Appraisal

Whether you already published or just starting out, our goal is to offer you an objective overview of your manuscript and a strategy for improvement. 

Appraisals are designed to be constructive, honest and helpful. Published writers can rely on an informed opinion from an experienced writer in their field; emerging writers appreciate a more practical step-by-step approach. We offer guidance in various forms, covering everything from the strength of the core idea, through to full realization and packaging (synopsis and cover letter).

The feedback we receive on our appraisals is overwhelmingly positive. The most frequent responses include the following: helpful,  empowering, energizing and invaluable. 

What can I expect?

A manuscript appraisal is a detailed and comprehensive report on your manuscript. It will give you a clear sense of what stage you have reached and what you need to be aiming for.

Appraisals cover every aspect of the writing process, with a number of examples given for each point raised. Areas covered are likely to include genre, marketability, story structure and characterisation as well as more practical input on key technical issues such as plot-signposting and point of view. Guidelines on profession presentation are offered as standard. (Where appropriate, we also provide additional editorial notations on the manuscript.)

Each appraisal is as individual as the manuscript and the author and pitched accordingly. We will treat your manuscript with respect and honour the work that has gone into it. Reports, for a full manuscript, are generally about ten pages long. (Between 2,500 and 3,500 words. For a partial you can expect an appraisal of 1,750 – 2,000 words.) 

Note: Many agents make an assessment about whether to see a complete manuscript on the basis of a cover letter, synopsis and the first two or three chapters. Often they have made the decision within the first couple of pages.

Appraisal Package

If you would like to discuss your work in detail, we recommend that you supplement your appraisal with a structured fifty minute consultation. (Availability varies. Consultations are conducted by phone, through one-to-one meetings or via Zoom or Skype.)

A manuscript appraisal is a detailed and substantial core document offering an objective editorial overview of your manuscript.

Partial Appraisals

Up to 50 pages: £225.00

Up to 100 pages: £345.00

Up to 200 pages (or 64,000) words: £395.00

Full Manuscript Appraisals

Up to 100,000 words (av. 312 pages): £595.00

Up to 150,000 words (av. 468 pages): £750.00
Up to 200,000 words (av. 625 pages): £950.00
Up to 250,000 words (av. 780 pages): £1,200.00

(+£55 for every additional 50 pgs/16,000 wds)

Note: Fees are based on A4 manuscripts in 12 point font, double spaced and printed on one side of the page only. (Both publishers and agents expect submissions in this format). To confirm fees contact us.

Print out costs. 10p a page (applies to all reports)

Fees are payable in advance.