assessments

Why should you pay good money for an assessment?

Find out here.

What will you get?

Our assessment will be an honest evaluation of your writing, and include comments on plot, characterisation, themes, style, and publication potential. We make practical suggestions for improving those aspects of your manuscript that are in need of extra attention.

Assessments are generally 10-15 pages long for a full-length novel.

Non-fiction work varies considerably, and assessments are focussed on providing comprehensive feedback on style, subject, and publication potential.

We include a separate letter to publishers for any manuscripts that we judge to be publication-worthy.

How much will a full assessment cost?

* Under 40,000 words: $380.00

* 40,000-80,000 words: $440.00

* 80,000-100,000 words: $480.00

* 100,000+ words: $480.00 plus $3 per every 1,000 words extra.

* overseas clients add $15 for bank fees

Please include cheque or money order with the manuscript. We will refund any excess. Or use electronic web banking to pay directly to

 BSB 066164 Account 10184776 (Please quote your last name)

Partial Assessments

If you would like an early assessment of your work, send us the first 20,000 words, a synopsis and $200 (overseas clients: $215). We will give you a full evaluation of plot, style, and characterisation, with comments aimed at helping you improve your work before you have committed time and ink to a full manuscript. Ask us for more information.

Please note that a partial assessment is not acceptable if you wish to submit your work to us for agenting later on.

What should you send?

* your manuscript, typed on one side of the page only and numbered (perfectionists can consult our hints for presentation)
 * A self-addressed red postal bag for its return. (Don't waste money on Express post: it is no faster)
(If you prefer, we will print a copy of your ms and e-mail the report. Add 30 per page to your payment.)

* A brief letter stating that you want your manuscript assessed with any specific instructions or concerns that you have. 
* A cheque or money order to cover the cost of assessment (see above for prices) 
* A rough word count 

If you include an e-mail address we will notify you when your manuscript arrives.

Where do you send it?

Assessments 
The Book Doctor 
7 The Vale 
Willetton, WA 6155 
Australia

Or, if you are taking up our electronic service (we print out a copy of your ms at 30 cents per page and e-mail the report to you) send your ms and instructions here.

Got a question? Please ask us.

Because of the enormous number of manuscripts we receive, we will only consider a work for agenting if it comes with a favourable professional assessment. 
We consider having a manuscript professionally assessed an essential step on the way to publication, whether the writer is experienced or novice.

Several months back, I dug up a proofing you did on a rather tedious, impossible short story that you had ripped to pieces. It inspired me to rewrite it and it has turned out to be one of the best things I have. This time, I followed all of your advice, and you were right there on every point. You really hated that one, but I'm sure you'd love it now. You gave me a whole course in writing from that one critique. -Jack