Kerning Editorial offers both full and partial manuscript evaluations. If you don’t have a completed manuscript yet, we are open to reviewing at least 25 pages of a double-spaced standard draft that will help guide your direction.
A manuscript evaluation results in a four- to ten-page report of professional editorial feedback that details the strengths and weaknesses of a manuscript; giving you a big-picture review and the keys to unlocking the potential of your work. It includes overall suggestions and guidance on helpful resources as needed. We have also performed customized manuscript evaluations where the writer has requested focus in specific areas.

In our experience, manuscript evaluations are most requested by clients whose projects don’t include a developmental or structural edit due to timing or budgeting constraints. A manuscript evaluation is also known as: an editorial assessment, a manuscript assessment, a manuscript critique, or an editorial report.

What a manuscript evaluation is not:

Your manuscript will not be re-written, revised, or edited in any way. The written report will guide you on voice, readability, imagery, character development, plot, pacing, tension, dialogue, POV, etc., so you can update your manuscript as needed. If you want your manuscript revised, edited, or proofread, please refer to the editing services we offer.

Manuscript evaluation should not be confused with beta reading. Beta reading gives you a reader’s personal opinion as to what they liked or disliked from a reader’s perspective.

A manuscript evaluation offers a professional editorial-based perspective.