Manuscript Evaluations
Story Ecosystem Assessment™:
Most manuscript feedback tells you what isn't working. The Story Ecosystem Assessment™ tells you why —and what to do about it in the right order.
Using the Narrative Ecology™ methodology, I read your manuscript as a living system, mapping how your story’s foundational elements interact across three layers: the root system that feeds everything, the structural core that moves energy through the story, and the reader-facing layer where it all becomes visible on the page.
What you receive is not a task list. It’s a complete ecological map of your manuscript—where energy is flowing, where it's stalling, what’s competing for resources, and what needs to change at the system level so the whole story can come into balance.
Deliverables:
- Detailed editorial letter (8–15 pages) mapping your complete story ecosystem
- Root-cause analysis identifying system-level issues, not just surface symptoms
- Prioritized revision roadmap organized by story layer—so you know not just what to fix, but in what order
- Framework overview so you can apply ecological thinking to future drafts
Ideal for: Authors stuck in revision, those who’ve received conflicting feedback, series authors managing complex worlds and large casts, and anyone who wants to understand their story at a systems level rather than receive another checklist.
Turnaround: 3–4 weeks from manuscript receipt.
Pricing: $1,200 up to 80,000 words | $1,450 up to 100,000 words | $1,700 up to 120,000 words | $1,950 up to 140,000 words. Contact me for manuscripts exceeding 140,000 words.
Want to understand the methodology behind this service? Learn about Narrative Ecology™
Quick Diagnostic:
You know something isn't working. You just need someone to tell you what it actually is.
The Quick Diagnostic is a focused ecological read of your full manuscript, delivering a written assessment that identifies your three highest-priority issues—root causes, not surface symptoms—with clear guidance on where to focus your revision energy first.
This isn’t a light skim. I read the whole manuscript through the Narrative Ecology™ lens, the same way I approach a full Story Ecosystem Assessment™. The difference is in the delivery: tighter, faster, targeted at the three issues that will make the biggest difference to your story right now.
It’s most effective after a round or two of beta reads and self-revision, when the big picture is mostly in place but something still isn't landing.
Deliverables:
- Written assessment identifying your three highest-priority story issues
- Root-cause analysis for each issue—why it's happening, not just that it exists
- Clear first steps for addressing each one
- In-depth first page and first chapter notes included
Grammar, punctuation, and word-level issues are not the focus at this stage, though patterns may be noted.
Turnaround: 2–3 weeks from manuscript receipt.
Typical price range for an 80,000-word manuscript: $650–700.
Need a more comprehensive ecological analysis? See the Story Ecosystem Assessment™ above.
“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
Beta Reading:
This reading service provides 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 3-6 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 $250-325 for an 80,000 word manuscript.
Please contact me for a quote tailored to the stage of your work!
“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
First 100 Pages Evaluation:
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!
First Three Chapters Evaluation
For authors who want a bit more assurance that they are on the right path beyond the first chapter, a First Three Chapters Evaluation fits the bill.
Characters, setting, and the main conflict all appear at the beginning of a story, but perhaps not enough in the first chapter to evaluate. The extra two chapters can provide the additional details or highlight shortfalls.
Author and character voices and tone also become apparent, and what better point to make adjustments, if necessary?
This evaluation package includes both the First Page and First Chapter Evaluations as separate documents and is offered at $225.
A First Three Chapters Evaluation gives authors a checklist to be aware of for self-editing. A real timesaver!
Ask The Narrative Gardener about your First Three Chapters!
First Chapter Evaluation
After the first page, the first chapter must continue to generate curiosity while delivering important details in a timely manner.
It begins to reel in the reader's attention after the opening line's hook is set. Like its critical opening page, the first chapter often receives more effort and attention than most.
Beyond those of the first page, there are more elements that a strong first chapter should contain, all of which are discussed in this review. You will come away with a solid idea of how effectively your first chapter captures reader attention and where improvements can be made.
Because the opening page is an integral part of this chapter, a First Page Evaluation is included.
First Chapter Evaluations are offered at $150 and can be added onto any other editing service. It's ideal for when you've been over the words so many times they start to read themselves.
Inquire about a First Chapter Evaluation today!
First Page Evaluation
A novel's opening page has a monumental task: to hook the reader thoroughly enough to make them want to read more.
An enticing first page can make or break a sale or download. For this reason alone, many authors spend far more time on this page than any other.
The opening line is perhaps the largest piece of this page. How many first lines of novels can you recall or recognize? A few, I bet. Especially those that set tone and character immediately.
This petite evaluation is not light on deliverables, though, despite its brief scope. It discusses the crucial elements of successful first pages and suggests ways to incorporate those that may be missing.
Offered at $85, the First Page Evaluation is perfect for any author, especially those planning to query. Strong starts make lasting impressions!
Want your novel's opening line to be BookTok worthy? Let The Narrative Gardener dig into your first page!
Outline/Story Arc/Story Beats Evaluation:
Have a great story idea but your outline or beat sheet has blank spaces? Are you concerned your planned story arc lacks tension or conflict? Will your chosen tropes deliver on expectations? Smooth out those troublesome furrows at the earliest point with this review.
Outlines, story arcs, and beat sheets provide direction once you begin drafting scenes, whether you write linearly or not, and for many authors, having a target to write toward keeps words and momentum flowing.
Conversely, being aware that an unknown scene or an empty beat is approaching can slow the writing roll.
Enlisting another set of eyes at this stage helps avoid plot holes, identifies areas that need further clarification or development, and ensures your tropes and archetypes hit their marks. After all, sound ground preparation encourages healthy blooms!
This evaluation package is offered at a flat fee of $150 and includes in-document comments and an evaluation letter to guide your brainstorming before you start drafting.
Have The Narrative Gardener review your next story outline or beat sheet so you can begin with confidence!
