Manuscript Evaluation

I offer a variety of services to writers looking to polish their manuscripts and have worked with both the Writers Union of Canada and the Writers Guild of Alberta. Having your work independently evaluated gives you an unbiased opinion, helping you to tighten your manuscript and fix problems you may have overlooked.

Services Provided

You will receive a detailed written evaluation that includes:

• An assessment of the content, which may include comments on characterization, setting, dialogue, believability, structure, plot, language, research and references,
• A summary of the strengths and weaknesses (if any) of your writing, with comments on writing technique, format, technical ability and market potential.
• Advice on how to develop your manuscript further.
• Responses to up to three specific questions that you may submit with your manuscript.

I may mark-up your manuscript and my comments, along with your manuscript, will be returned to you. However, please note that this is an evaluation, not a page by page editing service, Consequently, your actual manuscript may be returned to you containing no further corrections or comments. Depending on the length of your manuscript, the entire process may take up to six weeks. However, I will return it to you as soon as possible.

Fees

I will evaluate both full manuscripts or just a short synopsis of your story, along with the opening chapter. Examples of fees in Canadian dollars are as follows:

Synopsis of up to three pages, plus first chapter, double spaced, not to exceed ten pages: $95 + GST = $99.75

Full manuscript, double spaced: $95 for first ten pages + $1 a page thereafter + GST (e.g. Fee for 200 pages: $95 + $190 = $285 + GST = $299.25)

The evaluation will include a written report of up to three pages, as well as suggestions and comments on the text itself, unless you object to that. I am happy to answer any specific questions in relation to what publishers may or may not like to see in the story.

Submissions

Submissions must be written in English. I will accept international submissions, but they must be written in English. Please type in black ink, in twelve-point easy to-read standard font, double-spaced, single-sided, with one inch margins on white 8 1/2 x 11 inch bond paper of standard weight, such as twenty pound paper. Pages should be numbered sequentially. Do not fold sheets. Use paper clips or rubber bands for bulkier manuscripts. Please avoid staples or any other fasteners which go through the paper, including binders, presentation covers, or coil binding.

Include:

• A synopsis of the manuscript of up to three pages
• A cover page that includes your name, the number of words in the manuscript and the type of work (e.g. young adult novel, science fiction, short story etc). Whether your name appears elsewhere is up to you.
• A page with three specific questions you would like me to address (optional).

Hand-written submissions will not be accepted, nor will manuscripts submitted by email, fax or on disk. Do not send originals. Always keep a copy of your manuscript for your own files.

I will evaluate manuscripts in most genres of fiction and non fiction, adult and children’s literature, including science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, time travel, historical fiction, paranormal, supernatural, suspense, adventure, action, mainstream novels, mysteries, thrillers, romance novels, picture books and more. If you’re not sure whether your work is appropriate or require further information, please contact me directly.

To have your manuscript returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage for return of both the manuscript and the evaluation. If your manuscript is large, please use a padded envelope. Correct payment must accompany your submission. Please contact me directly for full details on all fees for manuscript evaluation at writers@simon-rose.com.

*Please note that evaluation of a manuscript and the resulting changes or suggestions, even if acted on by the author, will not necessarily guarantee publication. While the feedback may improve your manuscript, doors will not automatically open. You will also still need to thoroughly research the marketplace to ensure that you are submitting your work to an appropriate publishing house.