Manuscript Appraisal
‘When you write a book, you spend day after day scanning and identifying the trees. When you’re done, you have to step back and look at the forest.’
Stephen King
The writing process is an intimate one, so it’s not surprising that, once a manuscript is complete, it can be difficult to step back and view it with a detached eye. Yet this distance is essential if you want to take your work to the next stage.
Whether you intend to seek traditional publication or self-publish, a professional manuscript appraisal offers a fresh perspective on your work, illuminating its strengths and identifying areas that may still need attention.
'A number of years ago I decided I wanted to be a writer. I thought it would be very easy. How wrong I was. But then I was lucky enough to meet Rosie Dub. Although she could well have laughed at my first efforts she didn't. Rosie has a tremendous gift of being able to impart her knowledge and suggestions in an encouraging and easy to understand way.'
Rosemary Peterswald, author of Homestead on the River and Can My Pony Come too'.
What a Manuscript Appraisal Looks At
A manuscript appraisal looks closely at how your book functions as a whole, and how each part contributes to that whole. It highlights what’s working, where the energy falters, asks thoughtful questions, and offers constructive guidance toward creative solutions.
Depending on the needs of a particular manuscript, I consider elements such as:
Length
Structure
Flow of information
Plot development
Characterisation
Dialogue
Point of view
Setting (geographical and historical)
Voice
Themes
Symbolism/extended metaphor
Opening
Ending
Sentence rhythm/structure
Pace
‘I contacted Rosie when feeling lost with my writing, and I am so glad I did! Her feedback on my unfinished first draft was thorough, insightful, generous and supportive. I now feel inspired and clear on my path to completion of my manuscript. Thank you Rosie!’
Nadia Mahjouri, author of Half Truth
‘I am incredibly happy with Rosie's manuscript assessment. My manuscript felt overwhelming and I was struggling with the strands of my story. Rosie's clear breakdown of my work, and her positive and constructive comments got me back on track.’
Suzy Cooper
Partial Manuscript Appraisal
Sometimes, in the midst of a major project, you reach a point where you feel stuck, uncertain how to proceed. Often this leads to a manuscript being set aside, labelled unworkable or unfinished.
Before abandoning a project, a partial manuscript appraisal can offer a valuable fresh perspective. It helps clarify what’s already working, what may need further development, and where the underlying block might be.
Partial appraisals cover many of the same elements as full manuscript appraisals, with an added emphasis on ideas generation and creative problem-solving — supporting you to rediscover direction, momentum, and confidence in the work
How it Works
When submitting a full or partial manuscript for appraisal, please include a synopsis and (if you wish) a list of any specific questions you would like addressed.
I will read your manuscript closely, make comments and raise questions within the document, and also provide a detailed written report. You also have the option to discuss the feedback via Zoom, face-to-face, or by email.
‘I reached the stage in my writing when fresh eyes and expertise were essential to reorganise the storyline and sacrifice unnecessary text. Rosie’s insight, questioning and flair for effective storytelling gave me the confidence to complete.’
Colin Baldwin: A Soldier’s Quartet
Fees
(for full and partial manuscript appraisal)
Up to 20,000 words: $500
Up to 40,000 words: $700
Up to 60,000 words: $900
Up to 80,000 words: $1100
Up to 100,000 words: $1,300
Up to 120,000 words: $1,500
Up to 140,000 words: $1,700
Second appraisal: 10% reduction on above figure
‘Rosie has a wonderful eye for improving a story. The improvements she suggested have been invaluable. Not only does she cover the small issues, but she has an eye for the larger picture and world that the story exists in. I've worked with a variety of editors over my last fifteen novels, and Rosie has been one of the most knowledgeable. Plus, she's very easy to work with!’
Peter O
Get In Touch
If you have a complete manuscript that would benefit from a fresh eye and expert and constructive criticism — or an incomplete project you feel unsure how to move forward with — I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and we can discuss your needs. An initial conversation is informal and free of obligation.