Manuscript Assessments/Structural Editing

This service is for those who have a rough draft of a manuscript, whether in its initial stages or near completion. If you’ve written a draft of literary fiction or non-fiction (memoir or a blend of) and need an editor’s expert eyes to assess if you’re headed in the right direction, then a manuscript assessment could be for you. 

You might be feeling stuck on how to complete the story. You might be worried that the story doesn’t flow, that the characters feel one-dimensional, or that there’s not enough of a storyline to carry a reader through. Whatever your concerns, a manuscript assessment is good for writers seeking a professional’s opinion on the quality of the work and where improvement is needed. A manuscript assessment will also give you a clearer idea of those next steps in the writing process. You might need more in-depth writing, a structural edit, copy-edit or proofreading, or else you might be ready to submit to agents or publishers, depending on the quality of your work. Self-publishing could also be an option. 

If there are problems with the big picture element of the story, then a manuscript assessment is usually the way to go. If the big picture ideas are satisfactory, then a structural edit is most likely a better option to tighten the work overall. Structural edits look at the nitty gritty of your manuscript, and pay more attention to the flow of the story, looking at where sections of text could be moved, where more writing needs to happen, and where the writing needs improvement. 

Both manuscript assessments and structural edits critically appraise what is and isn’t working within your manuscript. I can assist in making your submission fuller by paying attention to (and questioning) the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of your story. After receiving feedback, you should have a clearer idea of how to further improve your work, and how to be a better editor as you pay closer attention to the fine details of character development, voice and tone, plot and word choice.  

What to Expect:

• In-depth feedback to include line edits and several pages of summary
• 4–6-week turnaround
• A follow-up email or Zoom call

Line Edits 

Line edits provide a microscopic view of what is happening in your story. They are helpful in identifying where, specifically, there are discrepancies in character or plot, and they can highlight where clichés or poor word choice has been used. They also focus on places where more clarification or even reduction may be needed. Line edits are comprehensive and help writers tighten up any piece of work.

Summary 

While line edits look at the precise details of your writing, the summary looks at the bigger picture, discussing what works and what could be revamped with more depth. The summary is where I spend time fleshing out the impact and tempo of the manuscript. I provide suggestions as to how elements of the story (such as character and voice, dialogue and pacing, structure, and point of view) could be improved. I also ask questions to help you arrive at more clarity. Summaries will be typed and range between 1-6 pages. 

Fees:

• Words up to 5000 = £175 (please add £25 for each additional 1000 words)
• Words up to 20,000 = £400 (please add £10 for each additional 1000 words)
• Words up to 60,000 words = £800 (please add £10 for each additional 1000 words)

Testimonials:

“Jennifer’s feedback and collaboration on supporting a debut author on our list has been paramount to bringing the book together. She worked closely to support and nurture the author’s writing style, and provided detailed, thoughtful and incisive notes to make the proposal the best it could be. I can’t think of anyone better suited to take on the project, and Jennifer’s consideration and care in understanding the story and respecting the author’s wishes were second to none. She is an incredible editor and one I would recommend highly.”

Mireille Harper, Editor at Square Peg, Vintage (Penguin Random House UK)

"Working with Jennifer has been seamless. As a co-writer, she is second to none – brilliant at not only capturing an author’s voice, but doing so with nuance and sensitivity. What’s more, she has established a close and trusting relationship with our author, therefore allowing for the very best content and an altogether rich, intimate read. Added to which, Jennifer’s skills as an editor have proven invaluable in navigating a complex structural approach. I would highly recommend her and look forward to working with her on future projects."

Zoe Berville, Commissioning Editor at HQ (HarperCollins Publishers)

"I'm sort of blown away by this process already. I feel both a tremendous amount of gratitude and a healthy dose of overwhelm (in the inspiring way) to get the story to a place ready for public eyes. Jennifer's kind and encouraging words as an editor will stay with me, as well as her care and expertise. She picked out exactly the spots that felt weakest to me as well, and put words to why, and suggested ways forward - which I am eager to get to."

Oliver Slate-Greene, Author of The Way Blood Travels

"As a newcomer to the writing process, the feedback of Jennifer’s has been insightful, intelligent and encouraging; she is very attuned to a writer's needs, and can respond with appropriate assertiveness and truthfulness that is always helpful and respectful. She delivers her assessments in a measured and articulate way, which purposefully does not stifle creativity with personal tastes and viewpoints. The quality of my writing has increased exponentially, both in practical and stylistic terms, and I am in no doubt that this is due to Jennifer's constructive input."

Fiongal Greenlaw, Fashion Designer

"Jennifer’s feedback has been invaluable to me. Her honest, critical, nurturing approach has often helped me push my writing in the right direction. If it wasn’t for Jennifer’s guidance, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to submit one of my stronger stories into a competition."

Zara Miller, Bristol Prize 2016 Shortlisted Nominee