These are also called developmental edits. If you would like to create the best possible version of your manuscript, have it appraised before sending it to a publisher, or publishing it yourself.
Yes, your friends have done a Beta read. That’s important. Now you need a professional
Why do you need it?
It is done by a qualified person who will give you an objective and constructive report.
You’ll have a better product to submit to publishers or to publish yourself.
You’ll learn about your strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
It will reveal problems with storylines or holes in plots.
It identifies unnecessary or incomplete characters.
It reduces the time spent rewriting. And yes. There will be re-writing.
Is my work ready for a Writing Appraisal?
You will learn a lot about your writing from an appraisal.
Appraisals should come towards the end when you’ve been writing for a while and are comfortable with your work.
They’re also useful if you’re concerned about the structure or can’t identify what is missing.
Receiving feedback is a big, brave step for any writer.
I will be kind, but honest.
When I submit my own work that is what I expect and I have assumed the same about you. I will help you identify the good parts of your story and I will show you where you can improve.
What is not included in a Writing Appraisal package?
I do not edit the manuscript.
I do not represent publishers.
This is an advisory service and cannot guarantee that the manuscript will be published. The appraisal is a signpost towards creating a publishable manuscript.