I offer detailed and thorough manuscript evaluations in a variety of genres, including creative nonfiction, memoir, fiction, poetry, and hybrid forms. This is an ideal service for a writer who is ready to publish, but would like an expert to assess for structure, plot, characterization, scene, or organization of the material. When you hire me, you can anticipate thorough and precise feedback. All manuscript evaluations come with a critique letter and a one-on-one video call. Here are just a few things you can expect me to assess.
Fiction
- What does the main character want, and what is interesting about them?
- What is driving the story?
- What psychological issues are complicating the story?
- What problems get in the way of the main character reaching the goal?
- How is the matter resolved, or not resolved?
- What engages me as a reader? What doesn’t?
- What is the tone and pacing of the writing, and how does it serve the story that’s being told?
Poetry
Having studied the compilation of a poetry manuscript in graduate school, I can offer you feedback about the structure and presentation of your book of poems. We can also take the evaluation a step further and I can assist you on the path to publication as your writing coach. See above for more details on the customized coaching packages I offer.
- When assessing a poetry manuscript, I take a closer look at the tone of the whole collection.
- What is the conceit or the trope of these poems?
- What is the focus of the work as a whole?
- How are these poems connected, and what is the larger story they’re telling?
- Does this collection of poems have a narrative arc?
- What are the strongest poems? Which poems may need more attention, and why?
Non-Fiction
Your non-fiction work might be memoir, creative nonfiction, or history focused. I am experienced in multiple non-fiction genres, and I am happy to align my assessment with any style guide you might be using.
- What is the vehicle the author has chosen for this story?
- What is the narrative arc?
- If the focus is nonfiction history, what is the structure of the book and how does it serve the content?
- If the book is hybrid, lyric essay, or a mix of prose and poetry, how do the chapters or individual pieces interact with one another?
- What is the larger story the book is telling, and it clear, cohesive, and engaging?
