Manuscript Appraisal
We aim to pitch appraisals appropriately. Whether already published or just starting out, our goal is to offer you an objective overview of your manuscript and a strategy for improvement.
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).
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. Reports, for a full manuscript, are generally about ten pages long with a number of examples offered for each point raised. These are likely to include genre, marketability, story structure and characterization as well as more practical input on key technical issues such as plot-signposting and point of view. We also offer guidelines on professional presentation.
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 one-hour consultation. (Availability varies. Consultations are conducted by phone, though one-to-one meetings or via Skype.)
The Other Mrs Walker
Mary Paulson-Ellis
“It really helped me to step back and take the time needed to consider how best to fulfill the potential of the material. I am now embarking on a re-write, which has been energized by your intervention.”
Mary came to us after she was shortlisted in our Spotlight Competition. Since then, she has signed a two-book deal with Pan Macmillan and The Other Mrs Walker launched in 2016. An intriguing and evocative debut, it opens up the hidden world behind Edinburgh’s apparently genteel façade.
Feedback
Writers come to us at various stages in their development.
The feedback offered here is designed to show a glimpse of the range and variety of responses.
THANK YOU!”
Our Fees
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.
Appraisal Package
(Example): Up to 300 pages (or 85,000 words) + structured one-hour one-to-one consultation: £625.00
+10p a page printing costs. (applies to all reports.)
Submission Packages
3 chapters (between 30-50 pages), blurb + synopsis + cover letter: £250:00
Short Stories
Up to 10 pages (or 3,000 words): £85.00
10-16 pages (or up to 5,000 words): £95.00
Children’s Picture Books
Up to 500 words: £120 per book
Children’s Illustrated Books
Up to 4,000 words: £130 per book