Is a manuscript evaluation the same as a copyedit?

Not at all! A manuscript evaluation dives into the big-picture elements of your book—like structure, character development, pacing, point of view, genre expectations, and emotional impact. It’s not about line edits, copyediting, or proofreading.

Do you review every single sentence?

No, I focus on providing developmental feedback rather than going through every sentence. My aim is to help you strengthen the overall structure and impact of your story.

What if my manuscript is over 90,000 words?

I can still help, but I’ll tailor the quote to the scope of the project.

Can I schedule this service before finishing my manuscript?

Yes, you can! If you have a substantial partial manuscript and a clear idea of the ending, I can provide feedback to guide your next steps. Pricing will depend on the manuscript’s length.

Comprehensive Manuscript Evaluation Services for Authors

You’ve written the manuscript. Now let’s find the strongest version of the book inside it.

Finishing a draft is a huge achievement. But once the champagne has worn off (or the celebratory cake has been consumed in a single bite) the questions begin.

Does the structure work?
Is the emotional arc clear?
Are the characters doing enough?
Does the ending land?
Is this the book you meant to write?

A Manuscript Evaluation gives you a clear, honest, practical assessment of your draft so you know what to revise, why it matters, and where to begin.

What I evaluate

Depending on your manuscript, I’ll look at:

Story structure and narrative momentum.
Character development and emotional arc.
Point of view and narrative distance.
Scene purpose and pacing.
Genre expectations and reader promise.
Theme, cohesion, and resonance.
Opening chapters and reader engagement.
Revision priorities: what to fix first, what to leave alone for now, and what absolutely does not require you to panic-buy a new notebook.

What you'll receive

A full editorial read-through.
A detailed editorial letter focused on the big-picture issues that matter most.
A two hours of Zoom calls to talk through the feedback and your next steps.
A prioritised revision path so you’re not left staring at the manuscript like it has personally betrayed you.

Investment

Manuscripts up to 60,000 words: $1,195
Ideal for novellas, memoirs-in-progress, shorter novels, or substantial partial manuscripts.

Manuscripts from 60,000–90,000 words: $1,495
Ideal for most full-length novels and memoirs.

Over 90,000 words: custom quote
Longer, more complex, or multi-POV manuscripts may need a tailored scope so I can give the work the attention it deserves.

All prices are in USD and based on standard manuscript formatting: 12pt font, double-spaced. Payment plans are available.

Ready to feel good about your writing again?

Think we might be a good fit? Start with a short application - it gets us both get clarity on what you need and whether I can help.

APPLY NOW

Ready to feel good about your writing again?

Think we might be a good fit? Start with a short application - it gets us both get clarity on what you need and whether I can help.

APPLY NOW

Manuscript Evaluation FAQs

Story Development FAQs

What clients are saying

"Not only is Stuart a delightful human being, he's an exceptional book coach. If you want to make your book as good as it can be, you won't find anyone better to help you." - D. Liebhart, author of House on Fire and Feral Creatures of Suburbia.