Editorial Assessment

◈ Overall Story Evaluation

Manuscript strengths and weaknesses assessment
Story effectiveness and reader engagement potential
Narrative coherence and completion evaluation
Core story elements functionality review
Genre convention adherence and execution
Overall artistic achievement assessment

◈ Narrative Foundation

Story concept strength and originality assessment
Core premise evaluation for sustainability and reader interest
Central conflict identification and effectiveness review
Story question clarity and resolution satisfaction
Thematic foundation and message coherence
Narrative purpose and focus evaluation

◈ Structural Integrity

Beginning, middle, and end effectiveness evaluation
Story arc completeness and logical progression
Major plot points and turning moments assessment
Overall manuscript organization and flow
Chapter and section break effectiveness
Pacing structure and rhythm evaluation

◈ Character Viability

Protagonist appeal and reader connection potential
Character distinctiveness and authenticity assessment
Supporting cast necessity and functionality review
Character motivation clarity and believability
Dialogue effectiveness and voice differentiation
Character arc development and consistency

◈ Craft Elements Assessment

Point of view effectiveness and consistency
Narrative voice strength and appropriateness
Pacing patterns and reader engagement levels
Show vs. tell balance evaluation
Scene construction and purpose clarity
Writing technique and style effectiveness

◈ Editorial Development Needs

Thematic elements and message clarity
Content consistency and internal logic
Craft skill demonstration and areas for growth
Story length and structural proportions
Revision priority identification and sequencing
Editorial service recommendations and focus areas

Service Includes...

◈ Editorial Report

Comprehensive manuscript evaluation (8-15 pages) identifying strengths and areas needing development
Story foundation analysis examining plot, character, and structural effectiveness
Craft assessment covering narrative voice, pacing, and technical elements
Editorial priorities ranked by impact on overall story quality and reader experience
Professional assessment markers identifying patterns affecting overall story quality
Clear identification of essential revisions versus enhancement opportunities

Craft-focused observations connecting story elements to narrative effectiveness
Editorial insights explaining how specific issues impact reader engagement

◈ Manuscript Development Roadmap

Customized revision pathway outlining steps toward manuscript completion
Revision priority guidance focusing on story-level versus line-level concerns

◈ Revision Plan Review

One round of reviewing and feedback on your revised manuscript within two months of the edit

◈ Consultation & Support Services

One-hour consultation via live chat to discuss your project before service begins
Email support for clarification questions during the revision process
Post-delivery follow-up support for questions during revision implementation within two months of the edit

The Process...

Still unsure about editorial assessment?

Editorial assessment is best for manuscripts that are complete first drafts needing an overall diagnostic of story structure, character development, pacing, and narrative effectiveness to identify priority areas for revision.

This comprehensive overview is particularly valuable for writers who want to understand their manuscript's strengths and weaknesses before investing time in extensive revisions or hiring specialized editors for line editing and copyediting.

Manuscripts with multiple POVs, nonlinear timelines, or ensemble casts particularly benefit from the structural analysis and character consistency evaluation that editorial assessment provides.

While beneficial for all fiction, editorial assessment proves especially crucial for plot-driven genres like fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and thriller, where world-building consistency, intricate plotting, and sustained tension need evaluation. Literary fiction also benefits significantly from editorial assessment's focus on character depth, thematic coherence, and narrative voice analysis.

I've written an in-depth blog post about editorial assessment that you can read here.

Please fill out the following form with details about your project and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. To determine if I am the right editor for you, a complimentary editing sample will be provided once we discuss your project. Your work will never be shared with anyone. If you have any questions before submitting a form, see if my FAQ or blog can help you out!

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