A Manuscript Evaluation provides valuable initial feedback along the lines of a developmental edit. It gives you the opportunity to resolve large issues during draft revisions, potentially saving you some editing costs later on.

It is most helpful when it follows a round or two of beta reads and revisions.

The focus is on the 3 P's - person(s), plot, pacing. Other foundational  story elements are also addressed. I include in-depth first page and first chapter reviews because of the important jobs they do in presenting the story to readers.

Grammar issues, punctuation, spelling, word overuse, and word choice are not a PRIORITY at this stage but they may be discussed in the summary.

You come away with clear paths to pursue outlined in a detailed evaluation document. And The Narrative Gardener is available to cultivate ideas with at any point!

The typical price range for an 80,000 word manuscript is $415-500 with a 3-4 week turnaround target.

Ask about a Manuscript Evaluation today! 

"By highlighting the positives as well as the areas in need of further work, she gave me the confidence to keep moving forward."

- Drew Halfpenny

These reading services provide writers with feedback at any stage of creation. I'm happy to review works as entire manuscripts, or in smaller sections. 

You will receive a 2-4 page summary letter and I am happy to address any specific questions you want answered. Questionnaires are a fabulous way to focus in on what works and what falls short at this very early stage.

Price range is $325-425 for an 80,000 word manuscript.

Please contact me for a quote tailored to the stage of your work!

alpha/beta, CP blog post 

"She also identified spelling issues and areas that didn’t flow well or seemed disjointed, highlighting them in a constructive and informative manner in addition to general feedback on the rest of the story. "

-Tim Seabrook

With this service, I do a comprehensive edit of the first 100 pages of your manuscript. Depending on what stage the work is in, this could be a developmental/line edit combo, or a line/copyedit combination.

For example, if the story line is pretty solid but the main character's POV needs to deepen in some key scenes, it would be more of a line edit. The idea is to identify potential issues and areas of improvement that you can work with as you continue to write or edit. 

It can also be a great way to try out a type of editing you haven't had done yet.

Haven't had a line edit done and not sure it's worth it? Have the first hundred pages examined to see what suggestions arise or how the work could be taken to the next level. Then you can work on improving your craft as you move ahead!

Of course, plot holes may be difficult to detect with a limited sample, and highlighted issues may actually be resolved after page 100. But this review can give you an idea if the framework of your story is solid enough, if you are headed for a "muddy middle," or if the characters capture the reader's empathy enough to make them read on. 

This choice is offered at a flat fee of $500 and includes an in-depth editorial letter. Discussion time can be added on as well. If you return later and contract for another service, I will factor in a 20% discount on the second service.

Ask The Narrative Gardener to pull you out of the mud!