✨ Professional Manuscript Evaluation

A comprehensive editorial report to guide your revisions with clear, craft-focused feedback across every story layer.

🎉 NaNoWriMo & Novel November Special Extended
Back in November to celebrate National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and Novel November, I created deeply lowered seasonal rates to help authors bring their stories to life. I’ve decided to extend this for a while longer into spring.

💰 $0.005 USD per Word ($150 Minimum Project Fee)

Get a multi-page, big-picture evaluation of your manuscript from a published romance author who understands both reader expectations and story structure. My manuscript evaluation is ideal for completed, self-edited drafts and offers in-depth narrative feedback organized by craft areas—from plot and pacing to story arcs, character development, and genre fit. It’s the perfect bridge between self-revision and in-depth professional developmental editing, helping you understand what’s working, what needs refinement, and how to elevate your story.

📌 Recommended after self-edits and alpha reading, but before beta reading and a full developmental edit. (Sometimes this may be swapped with the beta reading, coming after it and before a developmental edit.) This service is not meant for first drafts.

💬 Not sure if this is the right service for you? Let’s talk about where you are in your process! I’ll help you find your best next step.

💬 What Authors Are Saying

“I honestly didn’t expect such a fast turnaround—let alone one with this much depth and insight. Natasha returned my full evaluation in record time, and it was incredible. She caught things I hadn’t noticed in all my rewrites, from plot gaps to character inconsistencies, and somehow made the big-picture critique feel motivating instead of overwhelming. I’ve worked with editors before, but this was the most thorough and actionable feedback I’ve ever received. I’m already planning to book my next project with her.”
—Tessa, Romance & Women’s Fiction Author

“Natasha didn’t just point out what wasn’t working… she showed me why, and how to fix it. Her feedback was thoughtful, constructive, and exactly what I needed to take my story to the next level.”
—J.L., Cozy Mystery Author

“I was nervous handing over something so personal, but Natasha treated my story with care and genuine respect. Her notes felt like a conversation with someone who truly got what I was trying to say—and helped me say it better. I left inspired, not overwhelmed.”
—Claire

✨ Genre-Friendly Feedback for Every Story

While this service is optimized for romance, I welcome manuscripts in any genre of fiction—mystery, fantasy, horror, sci-fi, women’s fiction, historical, and more. If your book isn’t a romance, we’ll chat about adjustments to make this service a great fit for your genre and goals.

💡 What Is a Manuscript Evaluation?

A manuscript evaluation is a professional, multi-page editorial report that analyzes your story’s big-picture elements: structure, character arcs, interpersonal (including any romantic) tension, pacing, voice, and more. It does not include line edits or in-document changes—this is not copyediting—but it offers the developmental-level insight you need to revise with direction and confidence.

You may have seen this service referred to by other names, such as:
manuscript assessment, editorial assessment, editorial report, or story critique (among others). While terminology varies, they all serve the same purpose: helping you evaluate what’s working and what needs revision before moving forward with editing or querying.

This service is ideal if you’ve already revised your draft, received alpha reader feedback, and want professional eyes on the full scope of your manuscript before investing in a deeper developmental edit.

📘 What You’ll Receive:

• A 5–10+ page editorial report, organized by topic (see below). (Exact page length varies.)
• Honest, professional analysis of your manuscript’s strengths, weaknesses, and revision opportunities.
• Feedback that focuses on storytelling and structure, not sentence-level editing.
• Insight from a romance author who understands genre, pacing, emotional payoff, and reader expectations.
• One full read-through of your manuscript.
• A minimum project fee ensures that even shorter manuscripts receive the full depth of professional feedback.
• ✅ Email follow-up support – You’re welcome to ask questions about your report after you’ve read it. I’m happy to clarify or expand via email at no extra charge.

💡 For example, a 50,000-word manuscript would cost $250 and include a multi-page evaluation with in-depth commentary across 10 key areas.

🧠 What I Analyze in Your Evaluation

Your evaluation will be delivered as a multi-page, editorial-style report organized into clear sections. It will not follow a Q&A format—instead, it offers in-depth narrative feedback that explores the core strengths and opportunities within your manuscript.

The categories below represent the key areas I assess while reading. These are the craft elements, reader expectations, and story mechanics I take into account while writing your report.

If your manuscript is not a romance, some sections—such as the character dynamics or romantic arc analysis—will be adjusted or replaced to reflect the most important aspects of your genre. Whether that’s tracking suspense and misdirection in a mystery, worldbuilding in fantasy, or character introspection in literary fiction, your report will be tailored to suit your story’s needs.

📖 1. Overview & Initial Impressions

• General thoughts on the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses.
• First impressions of tone, genre fit, and market positioning.
• Overall story clarity—does the narrative make sense, and are any lingering or unresolved questions likely to frustrate readers?

🧱 2. Plot & Story Structure

• Does the story arc feel strong, cohesive, and emotionally satisfying?
• Does it start in the right place and hook the reader early on?
• Do scenes build logically, with clear turning points and rising stakes?
• Are twists and major events believable, earned, and well-paced?
• Does the story offer a fresh take on its premise or tropes?
• Are character decisions driving the plot, or are they mostly reacting?

💞 3. Characters & Romance (Or Tailored to Your Genre)

• Are the protagonists developed, distinct, and emotionally layered?
• Are their motivations, flaws, and arcs believable and compelling?
• Do the romantic leads have chemistry—and does the relationship arc feel earned?
• Does the relationship evolve through meaningful interaction and growth—not just attraction?
• Do the romantic obstacles feel earned and emotionally driven—not just circumstantial?
• Do the characters each have something to overcome—internally or externally?
• Do the main characters have external goals, and do those goals conflict?
• Is there a strong external plot to support the romance?
• Are the romance tropes used effectively, and do they enhance the emotional arc?
• What primary romance tropes are present? (e.g., enemies to lovers, forced proximity, second chance)
• Does the romantic arc lead to a satisfying happy ending—whether a happily-ever-after or happy-for-now?
• Does the story reinforce the core idea of romance: that love conquers all?

⚔️ 4. Conflict, Stakes & Tension

• Are internal and external conflicts clearly defined and emotionally resonant?
• Do they feel organic rather than forced?
• Do the stakes escalate naturally throughout the story?
• Does the tension keep the reader engaged—even during quieter scenes?

⏱️ 5. Pacing & Scene Flow

• Is the story paced effectively from start to finish?
• Are all scenes contributing meaningfully to the story—or could some be trimmed or combined for stronger narrative focus?
• Are transitions smooth and logical?
• Is there a strong balance between action, dialogue, and introspection?
• Are there any info-dumps or backstory interruptions?

💬 6. Dialogue

• Does the dialogue sound natural and suit each character’s voice?
• Does it move the plot forward or reveal character dynamics/emotion?
• Are voices distinct, and is the tone consistent?

✍️ 7. Voice, Style & Tone

• Is the author’s voice engaging, confident, and genre-appropriate?
• Is POV handled consistently and effectively?
• Is the tone aligned with the subgenre (e.g., lighthearted, emotional, steamy)?
• Does the writing “show” where it should, or rely too heavily on telling?
• Is the prose polished enough to let the story shine without distraction?
• How would I describe the overall writing style?

🌍 8. Setting & World-Building

• Are the settings vivid, immersive, and tied to character or plot?
• Do descriptions enhance atmosphere or weigh down the pacing?
• Are there inconsistencies, gaps, or underdeveloped elements in the story world?

💞 9. Genre & Market Fit

• Does the manuscript deliver on genre expectations?
• Are tropes and emotional payoffs aligned with the intended subgenre?
• Would the story likely appeal to its target readership?

🎭 10. Reader Impact & Emotional Response

• What moments carried the most emotional weight—and why?
• Were there scenes that felt emotionally flat or off-tone?
• Was the resolution emotionally satisfying and well-earned?

✅ Final Summary & Suggested Next Steps

• Recap of the manuscript’s biggest strengths.
• Key areas for revision.
• My professional recommendation for your next step after revisions.

🔁 Optional Add-On: Follow-Up Evaluation Review

Have you revised your manuscript based on my Manuscript Evaluation and want to know if you’re on the right track?

This optional second-pass service is designed for returning clients who’ve completed meaningful revisions based on my original evaluation but aren’t ready to move on to the next editorial stage. I’ll do a single read-through to assess how well your changes have been implemented, point out any lingering issues, and provide guidance on whether your manuscript is ready for the next stage.

This is not a second full manuscript evaluation—it’s a focused, follow-up review available only to clients who previously completed a Manuscript Evaluation with me.

💰 Rate: $0.005 per word (Lowered for a limited time)
🔒 Minimum fee: $100
📌 Requires: A completed Manuscript Evaluation through me and clear revision work.
📅 Scheduling: Must be booked separately and scheduled after revisions.

🎁 Want to Sample Before You Commit?

I offer a free sample edit! Although it is hard to provide a sample of a manuscript evaluation, you’ll receive a sample edit for a developmental edit, line edit, and copyedit to give you an idea of what I offer and my level of professionalism.

📩 Interested in a sample? Contact me and let me know you’re requesting a free sample edit and we’ll take it from there!

💼 Confidentiality & Professional Agreements

Your manuscript and ideas are safe with me. Every evaluation includes:

• A signed confidentiality agreement.
• A clear contract outlining scope, expectations, and payment terms.

💵 Payment Terms

NaNoWriMo & Novel November Discount Rate (Rate subject to availability)
$0.005 USD per word
🧾 Minimum Project Fee: $150 USD
✨ Includes a multi-page editorial report based on one full read-through of your manuscript

To reserve your spot, a non-refundable minimum payment of $150 USD is due at the time of booking. This deposit secures your project on the schedule and applies toward your total service fee.

If your manuscript exceeds 30,000 words:

• 50% of your total project fee is due on or before your scheduled start date (minus the $150 deposit)
• The remaining balance is due upon project completion, prior to delivery of your editorial report

💡 Example Pricing:

For a 50,000-word manuscript at the standard rate ($250 total):
• $150 due at booking (non-refundable deposit)
• No additional payment is due by your scheduled start date, as the deposit covers 50% of the total
• $100 due upon project completion (before your evaluation is delivered)

💸 Manuscript Loyalty Pricing Applies

This service qualifies for my Manuscript Loyalty Pricing program. When you complete more than one editorial service for the same manuscript, you’ll unlock growing discounts (2.5% per service) and earn retroactive credit—up to a total of 20% off.
👉 See how Loyalty Pricing works →

🪜 Need Help Planning Your Writing Journey?

Each of my services fits into a structured, author-tested 11-step writing process designed to take your novel from concept to polished manuscript.
👉 Explore my 11-Step Writing Process →

📄 Submission Requirements

• Manuscripts must be complete with a beginning, middle, and end.
• Manuscripts should be self-edited and not a rough or first draft.
• No partial drafts, outlines, or exploratory works.
• Submit in .docx format.

📩 Manuscript Submission

Please submit your manuscript before your scheduled start date, or no later than 8:00 AM (ET) that morning.
Late submissions may result in delayed delivery or rescheduling depending on my availability.

🔍 Genre & Content Guidelines

This service is designed for romance novels—any heat level or subgenre⁠—but I also welcome non-romance genres (fiction). If your manuscript isn’t romance, some elements of the evaluation (such as character dynamics or romantic arc analysis) will be adjusted to best suit your genre’s structure, themes, and reader expectations.

I do not accept manuscripts that include rape as an active plot element. If the event occurred off-page prior to the story and is only referenced, we can discuss comfort levels beforehand.

For dark, graphic, or taboo content, please include relevant trigger warnings so I can confirm the project is a good fit before booking.

🕒 Turnaround Time

Turnaround time is variable, depending on your manuscript’s length and my writing schedule. Your report could be completed in as little as one week, or it may take several weeks for longer projects.
💬 Have a specific timeline in mind? Reach out—I’m happy to discuss availability and scheduling.

🛠️ Why Work With Me?

As a romance author and an avid romance reader, I understand the emotional rhythm and genre expectations that make a story work. From the meet cute to the happily ever after (or happy for now—I don’t judge), I know the beats your manuscript should hit—and how to help you strengthen them.

Romance readers have clear expectations when it comes to pacing, character growth, romantic payoff, and emotional tension. If those expectations aren’t met, the story may fall flat no matter how well-written it is. I know what readers crave—and I have the editorial insight to help ensure your story delivers.

Not writing romance? No problem. I work with all genres of fiction, and I tailor each evaluation to highlight what matters most for your story’s category and goals—whether that’s mystery pacing and red herrings, fantasy worldbuilding and character arcs, or structure and emotional clarity. My feedback will always reflect your genre’s unique needs while supporting your storytelling voice and vision.

I approach every manuscript with both compassion and clarity, offering guidance that respects your voice while helping you uncover the most powerful version of your story. A manuscript evaluation is one of the most valuable tools you can invest in before developmental editing, and I’m here to make sure you walk away with feedback you can trust and use.

💌 Ready to Book?

Let’s talk about your manuscript and get you on the schedule.
💰 Rate: $0.005 per word (Pricing while it lasts)
🔒 Minimum Project Fee: $150
✨ Includes a multi-page editorial report based on one full read-through of your manuscript

Fill out my contact form so we can get started! (I reply fast!) Not sure what you want or need? We can discuss!

💬 Not sure if this is the right fit? I’m happy to answer questions!