The Editorial Department is pleased to provide a wide range of services for fiction manuscripts, appropriate for works at just about any stage of development. The menu above provides direct access to details about each service, and below you’ll find an overview of each category of service we offer.

Manuscript Evaluation:  The first step in our editorial process for novels is mainly diagnostic in nature. We read the manuscript and prepare a detailed written report that explores what works, what doesn’t, what challenges need to be addressed, and ultimately what can be done to give the work the best chance of success in the marketplace. The Manuscript Evaluation also provides a candid assessment of a work’s chances at traditional publication and addresses whether or not the work will be a good fit for our literary agent matchmaking program. Some projects need just this initial feedback. [Evaluation Submissions]

Manuscript Evaluations are always written, with phone follow-up with the reviewing editor available at no additional charge. For writers interested in testing the waters by having a smaller sample reviewed for a nominal fee, we offer a $35 critique. 

Manuscript Consultation:  Some writers prefer informal back-and-forth with their editor or want feedback that falls outside the boundaries of our other services. Our manuscript consultation service is billed by the hour and basically allows writers to have access to as much of an editor’s time and expertise as they need and to get their feedback any way they like. (By phone, by email, by notes in the manuscript, or any combination of the above.) [Consultation Submissions]

Memorandums on Fiction Craft:  Many manuscripts we review show impressive potential, but need further development in a given area before they’re ready for the ‘blue-pencil’ type of editing that’s often the last step in preparing a manuscript for the marketplace. We offer a wide range of in-depth tutorials and highly specific craft lessons on topics such as on characterization, dialogue, plotting, and writing mechanics. Unlike books and traditional courses on such topics, these memos don’t generalize. They’re based on the content of the manuscript. [More Information]

Manuscript Annotation: Our manuscript annotation service puts highly specific notes from our editors in the body of electronic manuscript text. The intent of manuscript annotation is to push the author of a good book into taking it over the finish line. [Annotation Submissions]

Line and Copy Editing:  Finally there’s the hands-on polishing, correction, and general stylistic attention most writers think of as “editing.” We offer three levels of service when it comes to classic ”blue pencil” editing, ordinarily using Microsoft Word's Track Changes function. Line or copy editing should always be the very last stage in the editorial process, at the conclusion of any content or developmental editing we do for the story. [Request a quote]

Every manuscript is different. Every author is different. The challenges of every story are different. This is why there is no single standard process for editing a manuscript or coaching its development and why our menu of services is a la carte.

If after reading the more detailed descriptions provided by the menu above you have any questions as to which service would best suit your needs, please contact Ross Browne or Jesse Steele at (520) 546-9992, or by emailing them here.