FLOOD MANUSCRIPTS
services
Manuscript assessment (manuscript
appraisal)
Reading the submitted manuscript, identifying
areas that can be improved, advising on structure, style and market
potential (if requested), and offering general advice on development.
Manuscript development
Working with a writer to help develop a
particular piece of work or a manuscript.
Mentoring
Working with a writer to help develop their
skills, ideas and vocation.
Structural editing
Ensuring the structure, content, language
and style of a manuscript are effective and appropriate to the writer’s
intention and readership.
Copy editing
Grammar, spelling, punctuation and other
mechanics of style; checking for integrity and consistency of presentation
and facts; marking heading levels and approximate placement of art;
highlighting copyright and legal issues; notifying design and production
staff of any unusual requirements. May also involve incorporating
the client/author's replies to queries.
Proofreading
Reading typeset copy word-for-word against
a manuscript and style sheet, identifying errors for correction,
querying editorial errors. May also include checking conformity
to type specifications, creating a style sheet, checking typography
(kerning, margins, word spacing, repetitive word breaks, etc.).
Flood Manuscripts also offers ongoing manuscript assessment, where authors rework a section of their manuscript for feedback. The fee for ongoing assessment and the way it is delivered is to be negotiated with Flood Manuscripts. Also on offer is a reduced fee for complete resubmission of manuscripts.
Where possible, we also offer instant assessment for work that is on the boil.
All services can include further queries subject to negotiation.
Click here to find out about Personal assessment.
What is manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal)?
Manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal) is a service provided
by a writing professional who assesses the quality of a written
work and its potential for publication, identifies areas where it
may need improvement, and offers detailed constructive criticism
accordingly, including giving advice about tailoring the work for
a market.
The service may also, when the assessor considers the work merits
it, provide a recommendation by the assessor to present to publishers
and literary agents.
Manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal) is not editing, proofreading or acting as
an agent.
Why have a manuscript assessed (appraised)?
Competition. Manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal) has become widely recommended by publishers and agents. While a favourable assessment report is no guarantee of acceptance or publication, it serves as a further incentive to agents and publishers.
Time & Money. Every writer, including the most successful, can benefit from an informed critical reading of their work. This is a crucial stage in the development of a work and can save an author both time and money by directing their efforts towards their strengths in the market.
Is my work suitable for manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal)?
Manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal) is suitable for writers from all walks of life and for all levels of experience, from the writer just starting out to the published author.
To be assessed, the work does not have to be a polished final draft; however, the more developed the work, the greater the benefit to the author.