FAQ
What is manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal)?
Why have a manuscript assessed (appraised)?
Is my work suitable for manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal)?
Why use the internet for manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal)?
What is the advantage of assessment (appraisal) by an assessor I choose rather than an agency?
Why do Flood Manuscripts fee rates differ from other services?
Can I come back for a second round of assessing?
If I've had my manuscript assessed by Flood Manuscripts and want to resubmit it, will it be cheaper?
What file format should I make my manuscript?
How do I save my manuscript as a Microsoft Word file in RTF (rich text format)?
What is the best way to send my manuscript?
Is it better to send electronic copy via disk or email?
What is manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal, evaluation)
Manuscript assessment(manuscript appraisal, evaluation) 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.
When the assessor considers the work merits it, they may also provide a recommendation to present to publishers and literary agents.
Manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal, evaluation) is not structural or copy editing, proofreading or acting as an agent.
Why have a manuscript assessed (appraised)?
Competition. Manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal, evaluation) has become widely recommended by publishers, agents and other litworkers. While a favourable assessment report is no guarantee of acceptance or publication, it serves as a further incentive to agents and publishers. It also helps self-publishers better ascertain if their work is ready for marketing.
Time & Money. Every writer, including the most successful, can benefit from a 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, evaluation)?
Manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal, evaluation) is suitable for any writer 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.
Why use the internet for manuscript assessment (manuscript appraisal, evaluation)?
The internet allows for faster communication and digital copy the possibility for an assessor to work directly from your text. It allows them to speed the cumbersome process of traditional manuscript handling and assessment (appraisal, evaluation).
What is the advantage of an assessment (appraisal, evaluation) by an assessor I choose, rather than an agency?
Many agencies offer anonymous assessments (appraisals, evaluations) in the name of objectivity. They have the capacity to match your manuscript with an assessor with experience in your field but that capacity will depend on the administrator, their assessors and their availability. Flood Manuscripts allows the author the choice as to whether the assessor has the skills suitable to assess their work.
Why do Flood Manuscripts assessment fee rates differ from other services?
The assessment rate is calculated on a basic rate of $35 hr at an assessment reading rate of 7,500 words/hr with no loading for shorter works and no bulk discounting for longer works. Most services and assessors depend on skimming large portions of longer works to keep the fee cheaper (or consigning their assessors to very poor rates), making up for time and disaffection of assessors by loading the rate on shorter works.
Flood Manuscripts guarantees that every hard-won word of your manuscript will be read and assessed (no skimming), therefore the rate of reading fee remains the same no matter what length.
Can I come back for further rounds of assessing?
Yes. Authors are invited to rework their manuscript or part of it (depending on manuscript length) for a partial assessment in light of the assessor's comments. They can commission Flood Manuscripts for a full reassessment or a short period, say two to three hours, to determine how well advice has been implemented.
If I've had my manuscript assessed by Flood Manuscripts and want to resubmit the whole manuscript again for a second complete assessment (appraisal, evaluation), will it be cheaper than for the first submission?
Yes. 10% discount on the original fee.
What file format should I make my manuscript?
Either a regular Microsoft Word file(.doc or .docx) or Microsoft Word file saved in RTF (rich text format). Word is preferred, or use Open Office or Libre Office files.
How do I save my manuscript as a Microsoft Word file in RTF (rich text format)?
In the 'File' menu of Word, select 'Save As', and in the 'Format' dialogue box that appears, scroll down to 'Rich Text Format'.
What is the best way to send my manuscript?
Authors can send their manuscripts either as hard copy (paper) or electronic copy (email attachment, CD, USB). Emailing electronic copy has a number of benefits over hard copy: minimal or no postage expense; faster and more flexible delivery of service; a more comprehensive service as Flood Manuscripts will be able to access and use the document more efficiently.
Is it better to send electronic copy via disk/USB or email?
It is up to the author. Email will be quicker and more convenient for authors with a suitable internet connection.