If you’re writing a book, then getting a manuscript evaluation done could be the best investment you make in its success!
Why are manuscript evaluations so important for a self-published or new author? You don’t have to wait until your book is finished to get a manuscript evaluation done. Instead, think of a manuscript evaluation as a tool to help you as you complete your book or if you’re struggling with completing your book.
It’s not uncommon to have doubts about your book. As an author, you can write the best work of your career but still be nervous about how good the book is or if you’ve done a good job writing it. Regardless of where you’re self-publishing, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark Publishing, or any of the other popular self-publishing platforms, a manuscript evaluation is a great investment.
In the following article, we’ll take a closer look at what a manuscript is and the reasons why you might get a manuscript evaluation done, including why manuscript evaluations are so important to new Australian and New Zealand authors.
What Is A Manuscript Evaluation | Why Manuscript Evaluations Are So Important!
The easiest way to image a manuscript evaluation is to consider it as a broad overview of your manuscript. Copy and developmental editing provide you with an action-focused look at your work. However, a manuscript appraisal looks at your book. Importantly, what’s working and what isn’t, and how to fix it.
It can be a full look at your manuscript or a partial one depending on how much you’ve written and your budget. In addition, we can tailor our editing options to your specific needs.
Manuscript evaluations are sometimes referred to as an appraisal, critiques, or structural reports. Your editor will provide you with a written report which will address what’s working and what isn’t. Importantly, they’ll give you some guidance on how to fix it!
Your manuscript evaluation will look at characters, setting, plot, voice, narrative arc, dialogue, tension, and pace.
Why Would You Get A Manuscript Evaluation?
Deciding when to get it done is entirely up to you as the author. Some authors will have a set point of the novel where they get their evaluation done. However, if you’re a first-time author, it may be a harder decision to make. The below scenarios are common reasons that trigger the need to get a manuscript evaluation:
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- You’re stuck and don’t know what to do next – If you find yourself stuck or at a junction in your novel, and you don’t know which way to turn, then a book evaluation could be just what you need to kick-start your writing again.
- You’re worried that your book isn’t good enough – This is a common doubt that creeps into many new authors’ heads. A professional evaluation of your manuscript will tell you if you’re headed in the right direction or if some changes may be needed.
- Your budget is tight – And that’s understandable. While a developmental edit isn’t a substitution for professional editing, it can be an affordable way to ensure that your book is headed toward success, not failure.
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Why Manuscript Evaluations are So Important! – Conclusion
A high-quality evaluation could change the complete direction of your book. In addition, getting an evaluation done before editing and formatting can quickly identify any issues that you may have and allow you time to correct them. The great news is that you don’t have to wait until your book is finished to get it done!
Could your manuscript benefit from a manuscript evaluation? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Author Services Australia. We have an extremely talented and experienced team of editors. They would be more than happy to complete a professional manuscript evaluation of your book.
At Author Services Australia, we offer a full range of affordable self-publishing services for Australian and New Zealand authors looking to self-publish their books. These include ghostwriting, editing, proofreading, ebook formatting, paperback formatting, and premium cover design services.
