Manuscript Assessment FAQ

(How/what/how much?)

Please read this carefully. If your question is not covered, contact me.

1. What manuscripts do you assess?

 

We assess ---

 

Children's books, including picture books, chapter books, easy-reads, mid-age novels and YA novels, non-fiction and poetry.

Fiction for adults, including fantasy, science fiction, romance, thrillers and general novels, as well as popular non-fiction.

 

2. What do I get?

 

A manuscript assessment is a written in-depth assessment of your writing, covering strengths and weaknesses, and offering specific suggestions and advice for improvement. It may include edited passages from your work, plus comments on plot, characters, style and format. Assessments vary in length according to the length of the manuscript, its complexity, and how many possible problems are found.

 

An assessment will not include specific marketing advice. That is the province of literary agents.

 

3. How do I send my manuscript?

 

Save your manuscript as a single MS Word document or in RTF.

Use double spaced Times New Roman 12 (or a similar font).

No spaces between paragraphs unless you have a scene break.

Indented paragraphing is preferred for fiction.

Do not use fancy formatting such as text boxes unless the work is non-fiction.

If, for whatever reason, you cannot comply with these formatting requirements, mention the reason in your covering email and either ask for your ms to be reformatted, or direct that it be left as it is.

Send the document as an e-mail attachment to mail@affordablemanuscriptassessments.com

 

4. Who will assess my manuscript?

 

In 2010, Sally will do your assessment. Her rates and contact details are on this page. You may find contact details for providers of other writers' services under LINKS (see menu on left). More links are added from time to time.

 

Submissions may be made through the mail@affordablemanuscriptassessments.com e-mail. You will be given an account along with your assessment.

 

 

5. Can I send hard copy instead?

 

No.

 

 

6. How much will an assessment cost?

 

Assessment costs vary according to the length and complexity of the manuscript. Sally charges AU$22.00 for the first hour, and AU$13.20 for each subsequent hour which includes both reading time and time spent writing the assessment. In general, if your manuscript is up to 5000 words Australian clients will pay $22.00. A manuscript of 10,000 words will probably cost $35.20  For each additional 10,000 words add an extra $13.20. Thus, a manuscript of 50,000 words would probably cost $74.80 to assess. Clients from other countries will pay AU$20.00 for the first hour and $12.00 for each subsequent hour, since they do not pay the GST. Using the formula below and a calculator, you should be able to work out a probable cost. 

 

Formula: First hour or first 5000 words (or part thereof) - $22.00

              Each subsequent hour or 10,000 words (or part thereof) - $13.20

 

 

7. Will you give me an exact quote?

 

Not unless your story is a children's picture book text. Otherwise, you can work out a probable cost using the formula above. The actual may be less, or it might be $13.20 more.

 

 

8. How do I pay?

 

Sally accepts PayPal, cheques in Australian dollars (made out to "Sally Odgers") and Australian money orders. The details will be on your account. Payment is due within three months of the assessment. Extensions may be granted if necessary.

 

 

9. How long will this take?

 

Turnover time varies, according to how many manuscripts have joined the queue, how long they are, and what other jobs are to hand. Turnaround can be as short as a day (for a very short manuscript) to several weeks (if the queue is very long).

 

 

10. Does editing cost the same as assessments?

 

Editing costs the same hourly rate, but takes longer. Click the SALLY'S EDITING tab for more information on this.

 

 

11. Will you provide follow-up advice, or reassessment?

 

Yes. The first reassessment or support e-mail for a short manuscript (5000 words or under) comes free of charge. Further reassessments for short manuscripts will cost $13.20. Reassessment of a longer manuscript will cost $13.20 per hour.

                If, after reading this page carefully, you have further queries, contact me.