Do you need help to find your novel’s sparkle? Have you got a first draft that needs a fresh pair of eyes? Or a novel that needs a final spruce before submission?
Manuscript Assessments
A manuscript assessment will help you understand the story you’re telling and develop it to the point where you’re ready to submit or indie publish. You will receive a written report with constructive feedback on your book’s strengths and weaknesses. I also make comments on your manuscript which provide detailed and specific feedback on what’s working and what needs developing further.
Please note that I’m not taking on any manuscript assessments just now as I’m concentrating on my own writing. Please check back and I’ll let you know when I’m able to take on assessments again.
Seeing the wood for the trees
Let’s be honest, writing a novel is hard work. It’s also lonely work because only we know the story we’re trying to tell and the characters who inhabit it. It’s not surprising that we can reach a point when we can’t see the wood for the trees. It’s when you know the manuscript isn’t working but can’t figure out why that’s the case that it can be really helpful to get some independent advice.
It is my job to help you understand what the problem is and what you can do to sort it out. Because I’m objective, I can see the key building blocks that make up your story and figure out which ones are not working hard enough. When I write my report on your manuscript, I’ll not only make sure that you understand what needs improving and why but I’ll also provide ideas on how you might make these changes which will take your manuscript to the next level.
Experience
I have worked one-to-one with writers at all stages of their careers from beginners to Amazon best-selling authors. I’ve been a Reader for the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers Scheme which provides critiques for early-stage authors. I have a MA in Creative Writing from York St John University and am an experienced creative writing tutor. Through my teaching experience, I’ve developed skills in giving positive, honest and constructive feedback and building confidence.
As I’m a writer myself (under the pen name Alys West) I understand that receiving feedback can be challenging. We can get very attached to our own work and not want to hear that there are things which could be improved. Don’t worry, I understand that. I’ve been there and faced that struggle. I’m very good at listening to both you and your writing. I don’t want to impose my ideas on your book. My role is to take the work you’ve already got and help you to make it the best it can be.
I have worked on manuscripts from many different genres but as I write fantasy and historical fiction myself I have particular expertise in:
- fantasy (from high to urban);
- historical fiction;
- magical fiction (by which I mean fiction which includes an element of magic but isn’t considered fantasy); and
- retellings of fairytales and folk tales.
Why you can trust me with your manuscript
- I have a MA in creative writing which means I’ve studied the key elements of writing to a high level;
- I’m an experienced creative writing tutor which means I am good at explaining things. I won’t just tell you that an aspect of your book isn’t working, I’ll explain why that’s the case and make suggestions for solutions;
- I’m a successful indie author and know how to write books which hook readers from page one. I have a loyal and growing readership who are eager for the next instalment. I can help you to craft books which keep readers turning the pages and coming back for more.
- My feedback is constructive, positive and designed to help you take your work forward. I’ll celebrate the strengths in your writing and help you develop areas that need more work.
What I offer
Writers need different levels of support at different stages of their careers. These are my most popular packages, but I’m also happy to create something which suits your needs better.
Manuscript Assessment – I will read your manuscript, annotate it with comments and points for development and write a report covering key areas including story structure, character development, conflict, pace, setting, dialogue and craft issues (e.g. showing not telling). Please note that the assessment is not a copy edit or a proofread and although I’ll flag issues that I spot, you’ll need a separate copy edit and proofread if you’re planning to indie publish.
If we’ve not worked together before, I’ll ask you to send me three chapters from your manuscript so that I can get a feel for your work. It may be that I’m not the best person to do the assessment for you or that you need additional skills that I don’t offer. As you’re going to trust me with your work, it’s important that we both understand what’s involved and how long it’s likely to take before we start working together.
Submission Package Review -before you submit it can be beneficial to get an independent assessment of your first 3 chapters, synopsis and covering letter. You only get one chance to impress an agent or publisher so it is worth getting a little extra help to polish your submission package before you start sending it off.
Follow up session – in person or Zoom session(s) to discuss your manuscript. I recommend these as an addition to the manuscript assessment as it gives you an opportunity to discuss the changes I’ve suggested and make sure you feel ready for the next stages of the editing process.
What my happy clients say…
Working with Alex has led to some real revelations
“Alex gave my historical novel so much constructive feedback and encouragement. She pinpointed its Unique Selling Point, highlighted areas that needed some tidying up and made some suggestions on larger themes to work on. I’d been struggling with my lead character’s story arc but I felt a lot clearer about this having talked with Alex.
Writers are a sensitive bunch, but being one herself means Alex is highly respectful of what currently exists. Having an informed fresh pair of eyes look at my work has led to some real revelations. I highly recommend Green Man Words. Thanks for being such a cheerleader, Alex!” H.J. Reynolds, historical fiction author.
Alex has an uncanny ability to cut to the heart of the story
“Alex can recognise what a story is really about, what needs to be said to support the themes and what can safely be cut away. I would definitely recommend Alex if you’re struggling with story structure in any way. She doesn’t just say something is wrong; she explains why she feels it’s not quite working and collaborates with you to reach a solution. She always gives me the impression that my book matters to her and that she wants it to be the best it can be. I’m so grateful to her for all her help.” Sharon Booth, romantic comedy and contemporary romance author.
Alex’s advice made all the difference to me at a really important stage of my writing career.
“I was so deep into my first novel when I sent it to Alex, that I couldn’t see the problems in the story or any of the holes in the plot; I was just too close to it. Alex was really honest in her appraisal of what needed to change to make it a better book, but equally as encouraging about just how good it could become with some more work. Alex is a novelist herself so she knows just how challenging the process of writing a book is and the sort of hook readers and commissioning editors are looking for from a really good story. It made all the difference to me at a really important stage of my writing career and I can’t recommend Alex’s services highly enough.” Jo Bartlett, Amazon best-selling author.
Thoughtful, detailed and encouragingly critical
“I have been very impressed by Alex’s mentoring of my novel. Her written assessment and our subsequent one-to-one conversation have been very useful in helping me move things forward. Her analysis was thoughtful, detailed and encouragingly critical and has energised me to carry on.” Colin Philpott, author of Deathday (published by Fisher King Publishing in April 2023)
How much does it cost?
The costs for a manuscript assessment start at £4 per 1,000 words depending on the amount of work involved. Once I’ve received your sample chapters I’ll provide you with a written quote for the work and an indication of how long it will take. If you’re happy with that, I’ll ask you to send over your full manuscript so that I can start working on it.
Submission package reviews cost £80.
Follow-up sessions are £35 for a forty-five-minute session.
Get in touch
If you’d like to find out more or want more information please drop me a line at greenmanwords@gmail.com.
Green Man Words 