You’ve finished your book.
But is it ready?
Find Out With A Manuscript Evaluation
You’ve finished your book.
Now what?
Is it ready to pitch to agents? Self publish? Or does it need more work?
Finishing a book is a big deal. You have something whole, and I hope you acknowledge that.
But you may be wondering if it’s any good. Will anyone even care to read it?
Maybe you’ve already submitted to agents and the rejections keep coming. But you have no idea why. Or maybe you got some feedback and have no idea how to implement it.
And then there are your beta readers, pulling you in opposite directions. Some say don’t change a thing. Others hand you a list.
You thought you had a winning story. Now you’re not so sure.
You just want to know if it’s good enough. And you’re not sure you can trust your own judgment anymore.
What if you knew…
Exactly where your story is working and why.
What’s getting in the way — and what to tackle first.
How to move through revisions with a clear plan instead of going in circles.
What exactly is a manuscript evaluation?
A manuscript evaluation is a detailed written editorial assessment, typically 10-15 pages, covering what’s working in your story and what’s getting in the way.
But I don’t just show you what to improve. I show you how.
You get a detailed revision plan so you can move through revisions with control, confidence, and focus.
Get your manuscript appraised
by a skilled editor.
Hi, I’m Nanci Panuccio. Editor, book coach, and host of the Writer Unleashed podcast.
I’ve been working with writers since 2006. I’ve led live workshops, created online writing courses, and coached writers at every stage of the writing process.
I know what works in a story and what doesn’t. What captivates readers and what sends them dozing off, turning on Netflix, or worse, turning to someone else’s pages.
I hold an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts, where I learned how to deconstruct stories element by element.
My manuscript evaluations help you know what to leave in, what to leave out, what to deepen, and exactly what to do to bring your book closer to published.
Ready to find out where your manuscript stands?
First Chapter Evaluation
up to 25 double-spaced pages- A detailed editorial letter covering what’s working in your opening pages and what’s getting in the way
- An honest assessment of your first chapter from an editor’s perspective
- A clear sense of whether your opening is doing its job — and exactly what to change if it isn’t
- Guidance that carries beyond the first chapter and into your full revision
Full Manuscript Evaluation
- A detailed editorial letter, typically 10-15 pages, specific to your manuscript
- An honest assessment of what’s working, what isn’t, and why
- A personalized, sequenced revision framework built around your specific story so you know what to tackle first and why
- Techniques that empower you to revise on your own with confidence
- A 60-minute Zoom session where you bring your questions, go deeper, and leave with a clear plan for moving forward. The session is recorded and yours to keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a manuscript evaluation and a developmental edit?
A manuscript evaluation doesn’t include in-line edits or margin notes on your manuscript. What it does include is a comprehensive written assessment — typically 10-15 pages — covering structure, character, pacing, point of view, and a detailed revision plan so you know exactly what to do next and in what order.
A developmental edit is a much deeper — and more expensive — engagement. A manuscript evaluation gives you the full strategic picture at a fraction of the cost, so you can go back into your manuscript with clarity and direction.
How do I decide on a full manuscript vs. first chapter evaluation?
For most writers, it’s a matter of budget. If you can invest for a full manuscript evaluation, that’s preferable because I can see where your story’s going and get a sense of plot, structure, who’s essential to the story, and what’s at play in your story as a whole. A first chapter evaluation is still useful; you’ll still learn a lot about how to improve your manuscript. And anything I bring up in my written evaluation is more than likely happening in your manuscript as a whole.
If I start with a first chapter evaluation, can I move on to a full manuscript evaluation?chapter evaluation?
Absolutely. Many writers start with the first chapter to get a sense of what the evaluation process looks like before committing to the full manuscript. And if you decide to move forward with a full manuscript evaluation, the cost of your first chapter evaluation will be credited toward your total investment.
What's your turnaround time?
For full manuscripts, my turnaround is 4 to 6 weeks. For First Chapter Evaluations, you can expect your evaluation within 2 weeks.
I work on a first come, first served basis. As soon as you purchase, I’ll be in touch to get your manuscript into my queue.
What's included in the evaluation letter?
You’ll get a detailed written assessment covering your manuscript’s structure, plot, character development, point of view, pacing, and whatever else your work invites.
You’ll also get a personalized revision framework so you know what to tackle first, what can wait, and how to move through revisions without getting overwhelmed.
My manuscript is over 80,000 words. Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes. Every full manuscript evaluation includes the option to pay in two installments. Half holds your spot, and the balance is due before I deliver the editorial letter.
I've never worked with an editor. Can we talk first?
Of course! Book your free 30-minute story clarity session, and we’ll talk through your story and what a manuscript evaluation would look like. Book your call here.