- Publishing Push
- Posts
- Editorial Assessment
If you’ve been revising your book for what feels like forever, cutting chapters, rearranging scenes, and wrestling with the nagging feeling that “something still isn’t quite right” an editorial assessment could be the breath of fresh air you need.
This affordable, big-picture evaluation from a seasoned professional provides an objective look at your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Below, we’ll explore the most common reasons that push authors to seek editorial assessments, what an assessment typically includes, and how it can set your project up for success.
You’re Stuck in a Loop of Self-Editing
Maybe you’ve poured months if not years into drafting and redrafting. You’ve received feedback from friends or a writing group, but it’s all starting to blur. An editorial assessment offers an unbiased, professional opinion on what’s working in your manuscript and what needs rethinking.
You Want to Avoid Costly, Extensive Revisions Later
Many writers go into line-by-line edits or proofreading too early, only to discover major plot holes or structural issues later. An editorial assessment, often the first stage of professional editing, helps you avoid paying for in-depth edits on sections you might end up cutting altogether.
You’re Unsure if Your Manuscript Is Ready for Agents or Publishers
Perhaps you dream of seeing your name in bookstores, but you don’t know if your story stands up to industry standards. A professional editor can tell you if you’re truly “submission-ready.” Their realistic perspective can highlight how agents or publishers might respond and whether your manuscript needs more developmental work first.
You Need Outside Validation and Focus
Even if you have supportive beta readers, a professional critique can bring new insights and specific, objective feedback that casual readers can’t match. For instance, you might be so deep in your world-building that you overlook pacing issues or underdeveloped character arcs, precisely the kind of big-picture problems an editorial assessment is designed to uncover.
2. What an Editorial Assessment Includes
An editorial assessment is not a line-by-line edit; rather, it provides holistic feedback on:
Plot and Structure: Does the story flow logically? Are there plot holes or pacing problems?
Character Development: Do your characters have clear goals, motivations, and growth?
Themes and Story Goals: Are your major themes resonating, or do they need more nuance?
Market Readiness: Is your manuscript in shape for querying agents or approaching publishers?
You’ll receive a detailed letter or report that serves as a roadmap for revising your current draft into a book that truly satisfies readers. Think of it as constructive criticism with a forward path. Your editor helps you identify not just the issues, but also how to fix them.
3. The Cost of an Editorial Assessment
We charge £0.0155 per word
Yes, it’s an investment but compared to a full developmental edit, an editorial assessment is typically 30% cheaper (or more). And given the potential to save time and money by addressing core problems early before line edits, copyediting, or proofreading most authors find that the benefits more than justify the cost.
REPLY to this email with your word count for a quote.
4. How an Editorial Assessment Actually Helps
It Streamlines Your Revision Process
By clarifying your manuscript’s biggest roadblocks, you can focus your energy on meaningful changes rather than superficial tweaks. After all, you don’t want to perfect every sentence only to realise an entire chapter has to go.
It Builds Your Confidence
A thorough critique shows you what you’re getting right and where you might stumble. Many authors find that hearing a professional editor’s optimism about their book’s potential is just as helpful as the constructive criticism.
It Guides Your Path to Publication
If you’re aiming to publish traditionally, you can pair your editorial assessment with a query letter review to polish your pitch. If you plan to self-publish, you’ll know exactly what steps to take before investing in further editing, cover design, and marketing.
It Provides a Solid Foundation for Future Editing Stages
With the big-picture issues handled up front, you can head into copyediting and proofreading with far fewer structural surprises. Ultimately, this helps you produce a polished, professional book while saving time and money.
5. Making the Most of Your Editorial Assessment
Be Open to Critique: The best editors offer honest (yet supportive) feedback. Embrace it as a chance to learn and grow.
Ask About Bundled Services: Some editors offer discounted rates if you continue with developmental or copy edits.
Focus on the Big Picture First: Nail down your story’s structure and character arcs before you worry too much about sentence-level polish.
An editorial assessment is often the most affordable and efficient way to ensure your manuscript’s foundation is truly solid. It’s a vital step that can save you from endless rewrites, prevent you from querying prematurely, and give you the confidence to tackle your next round of revisions.
If you’ve been going in circles uncertain whether your novel is ready for prime time or in need of an external perspective consider investing in an editorial assessment. With professional guidance, you’ll not only spot the big-picture issues but also gain a clear vision for how to transform your draft into a story that resonates with readers and (hopefully) catches the eye of agents or publishers.
When you’re ready, explore your options, compare quotes, and find the right editor for your genre. You’ll be one step closer to sharing your best possible book with the world.
Ready to start?
REPLY to this email with your word count for a quote.
If happy with the price we can get started right away.
Patrick ✌️