The beginning of the edit process. We read through the whole manuscript and evaluate all major aspects of a story, as it pertains to the whole of the piece.
The Focus:
This is a general content edit that addresses the bigger-picture concepts of the manuscript. An editorial assessment focuses on plot and structure, setting and description, voice and style, narrative pacing and transitions, and other conceptual details.
The Return:
At the end of the collaboration, you’ll receive an annotated manuscript with comments or highlights every 5-7 pages and an editorial review of at least 10 pages in length.
An annotated manuscript is a markup of the literature you provide. It usually includes comments in the margins and highlighted lines and sections, which can be evaluated using the key provided.
An editorial review is a written review that expresses primary and secondary strengths, primary and secondary concerns, questions, next steps, a key for the symbolism used to mark the manuscript, and a note to the author.
In an editorial assessment, the bulk of the attention and commentary is found in the editorial review.
The Timeline:
An editorial assessment usually takes about 2 weeks to complete, depending on the length and maturity of the manuscript.
An editorial assessment is usually the first edit a manuscript will go through. It’s followed, most often, by a developmental edit. Though in some cases, if an author chooses to drastically revise the book’s content, a second editorial assessment may be necessary.
“Editorial Assessments are my favorite because it’s a fresh beginning–often nerve-wracking and scary but thrilling too.”
-Ashley