Manuscript Assessment

A professional editorial review that shows you exactly what to fix and what’s already working.

What Is a Manuscript Assessment?

A​n editorial assessment is a full read of your manuscript by a developmental editor and 10+ page editorial review that gives you honest, strategic, big-picture feedback.

This is designed to show you where your manuscript is already working and where it needs stronger development before any type of editing. Your editorial letter may address:

  • Story and plot structure
  • Narrative voice, clarity, and consistency
  • Character development and emotional depth
  • Your goals and intentions for the book
  • Strengths, weaknesses, and missed opportunities
  • Sections that feel essential, unnecessary, or underdeveloped

  • Pacing issues, repeated patterns, and areas that need deeper revision
  • Revision priorities and overall market positioning

This is often one of the most valuable steps in the editing process because it helps you stop guessing. Instead of revising in circles, you get a clear sense of what the manuscript needs next and why.

Our Three-Step Process

1: Submission & Brief

Send us your full manuscript and complete our author questionnaire so we understand your goals and target audience.

The rate is $0.016 per word.

2: Editorial Assessment

Your manuscript is carefully reviewed, focusing on structure, pacing, character development, and overall effectiveness.

3: Editorial Letter

You’ll receive a detailed 15 to 25 page editorial letter with clear insights, strengths, and revision priorities.

Book Your Assessment Today!

In just a few minutes, you can book your future review meeting, upload the manuscript, and pay. 

Click this link to book!

Is an Assessment Right for You?

  • First-time authors seeking objective guidance before investing in full editing (or those wanting a smaller test run via a First 50 pages review)

  • Experienced writers wanting a market check on a new genre or series launch

  • Agents & publishers evaluating acquisition potential prior to offer

Free Checklist

10 No-Fail Steps Before You Publish

The checklist most authors wish someone had handed them sooner. Get it free, plus other publishing tips and special offers, delivered straight to your inbox, no more than 2x/month.

Ready to Elevate Your Voice?

Every author who works with Midnight Editors leaves with more than a better manuscript. They leave with a real understanding of the industry they’re stepping into—and the confidence to navigate it long after our work together ends.