The Ultimate Guide to Editorial Assessment Services for Indie Authors
Are you an indie author, or a new writer wanting to strengthen your novel?
An editorial assessment is an excellent resource for new writers looking to sharpen their storytelling skills. You will get crucial structural and developmental feedback to fix errors in your manuscript while your editor guides you into the next editing phase.
Polishing a book is a process that can be keenly enhanced through a good set of eyes from your editor(s). The more professionals working on your project, the easier it is to spot flaws that go overlooked, especially if you’re running the entire show as the indie author. In this article, we are covering what an editorial assessment is and how it improves your book. Then, we will discuss the pros and cons of an editorial evaluation so you don’t waste any money. This is an indie author’s ultimate guide to editorial assessment services.
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my full disclosure policy, here.
What is an Editorial Assessment?
An editorial assessment—or a manuscript critique is an evaluation service for your story during its development, or final draft. Let me explain—some authors seek out these editors for advice when they are stuck in their draft, or just before they want to send it to a developmental editor—every writer is different.
Those who provide the service are typically already editors within the industry, giving authors insight into strengthening their book’s structure and publishing advice. You’ll receive positive and negative feedback on your project with editorial guidance in an outlined document. Your editor will break down these specific storytelling elements: theme, character development, plot, and structure.
Please note: these editors do not make changes to your manuscript. Instead, you’ll receive a document with their notes, comments, and an editorial plan for your book moving forward.
These are a few reasons you should consider purchasing this service:
1.) You don’t feel confident in your story.
2.) You are writing in an unfamiliar genre.
3.) You are a debut author.
The evaluation is helpful for two main reasons. The first is that it provides feedback on major storytelling elements so that your developmental editor can focus on deeper editing, such as scene-level edits. The second and more crucial is that this service can inform you if the piece isn’t ready for more in-depth edits and needs substantial rewriting. Either way, you’ll receive helpful guidance to improving the story before sending it off to a more expensive editor. When seeking an editorial assessment service, ensure they are professionals within the publishing industry. They should likely be editors themselves, already equipped and trained to understand story development and the market.
Why indie authors need a professional editorial assessment
Another reason to consider purchasing this service as an indie author is that the more eyes on your manuscript, the better the product. When you’re self-publishing, you’re likely doing most, if not all the work on your own. Errors can easily go overlooked when you have various tasks to get the story written well and released. Endeavoring to get your book out into the world takes a lot of creative energy, and you’re striving to make it the best it can be. Finding a good editor who has you and your story's best interest at heart is crucial to your book’s success.
As an indie author, you don’t have a major publisher sending your story through every editor on your behalf—you are in charge of getting the best version of your book out into the world. With a professional evaluation, you can rest easy knowing your manuscript is in good hands, and you’re doing everything you can to help it breathe life.
Is an editorial assessment worth the money?
Short answer—absolutely. But first, find a qualified professional to give your manuscript a worthy evaluation if you have the budget, or need direction on your project.
When your book is assessed, you’re saving time and money with your developmental editor because you want them to focus on fine-tuning the details of your book. Writing a novel often takes substantial rewriting, so refining your story makes the editorial process more efficient when it reaches other editors. Another reason an evaluation is worth the money, simply put: sometimes we authors are too close to our work and need a professional, objective resource.
However, you do not have to purchase this service. If you’re confident in your work, or a seasoned author, you could skip straight into finding a developmental editor.
Unsure which path is right for you? Please, feel free to schedule a consultation with us. Get on our schedule today without paying a dime. We offer both manuscript evaluations and developmental editing services and are more than happy to steer your project in the right direction.
We know editorial services are expensive and every indie author has a varying budget. Truthfully, there are few editors that are absolutely essential for any writer, so before you make a decision, grab our free checklist to find out which editors are necessary. Then, create your budget.
What’s the difference between an Editorial Assessment and a Developmental Editor?
A developmental editor is a professional who tears apart your manuscript scene by scene. These edits are substantial because they examine the themes, characters, plot, dialogue, voice, style, and so much more. Their edits will mark up your entire manuscript. They examine both the structure as a whole and on the scene level. Your developmental editor will be the bloodline to crafting your book.
What’s the difference between an editorial assessment and a beta reader?
A beta reader is not a professional. We recommend adding them to your process, but they will not evaluate your manuscript to the magnitude an editor will. When searching for betas, think of them more as the target audience readers your book will be marketed to. Try to find free readers— you can pay for their service— if you do, please do your research.
Pros and Cons of an Editorial Assessment
What are the pros and cons of getting an editorial assessment for your manuscript? Some may wonder if it’s worth the time, effort, and money. Let’s find out.
Pros:
More editors are reading your work, which means you are tuning your story to be the best version it can be.
Everyone has varying perspectives which allows more insight into making your book stronger.
You’re building relationships with editors that you can use for future projects
Cons:
More editors mean more money out of your pocket, and while they are less expensive than any other editor, you’re still spending more money.
Honestly, money is the biggest fallacy most writers face when paying for editorial services—and rightfully so. Editing a book isn’t cheap, but when you find the right editor to oversee your story, there is no price for that kind of relationship and trust.
Keep this in mind when searching for editorial assessment services: even though professionals evaluate your manuscript, their prices will be significantly less than any other type of editor. Don’t overpay for what you get.
Affordable editorial critiques for self-published authors
At Humming Hearts Publishing, we offer affordable editorial assessments for indie authors and new writers. View our pricing guide, then contact us for a free 30-minute consultation call before committing to anything! And if you’re on our email list, we’re giving an exclusive 25% discount to members on verified first-time purchases of this service. If you want to get access to this exclusive discount, sign up below!
We are dedicated to helping indie authors enhance the story of their dreams, so that when it’s in the world—they’re proud of the book they spent years making.
How to choose the right editor to assess your manuscript?
First and foremost, ensure the editor works within your genre. Then, grab a sample edit. Capturing a sample gives you insight into their ability and communication skills. They will be your creative collaborator, you want someone who you’ll get along with and who can harness your vision. Do your research on every editor, their business, and style. You’ll want to find an editor whom you feel confident in their capabilities and overall personhood. Visit their mission statement and business values to understand who they are, and how they approach storytelling.
When sending out your work, ensure you’re asking any reader to sign an NDA (Non-disclosure agreement) before you give them your project. This is a precaution, but we highly recommend it. We value creativity and never want your work to be stolen or misused in any way.
Recap
To recap, you should purchase an evaluation if you’re doubtful about your story, a debut author, or writing in an unfamiliar genre. We don’t want you to spend more money than necessary, but we also know the value of editorial assessment services for indie authors/new writers. If you’re still unsure what to do with your manuscript, please book a consultation with us. We want you to have all the information at your fingertips when deciding if editorial assessment services are right for your book.
Writing a novel is no small feat—often one that takes years. We recognize the value of each word and understand how every moment you go to sit in your writing chair, you pour your heart into the keyboard.
At Humming Hearts Publishing, we are storytellers and harmonize with our authors, knowing they give a piece of themselves to each reader who seeks a familial feeling they can’t articulate—yet we do.
Happy editing!
