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Understanding the Custom Manuscript Masterplan: A Manuscript Review Service

For writers navigating the often tricky terrain of revisions, a manuscript review can provide clear direction and feedback on how to improve a draft and prepare it for more detailed sentence-level editing. Whether you're a first-time author unsure of your next steps or a seasoned writer looking for fresh eyes on your work, this service provides both editorial expertise and subjective reader reactions to help bring your manuscript to the next level.



Many editors offer manuscript review services. So what is the Custom Manuscript Masterplan, and what makes it unique?


The Custom Manuscript Masterplan is a two-step manuscript evaluation process. First, it begins with a deep, immersive read of your manuscript, where I (the editor) take in the full scope of your story, its characters, plot, and themes. Second, in response to the read-through, you'll receive two types of feedback:


  1. Subjective Reader Reactions: Similar to beta reader feedback, these comments will reflect a general reader's experience, providing insight into how your work might be received by your audience, on a whole and during specific scenes.


  2. Objective Editorial Feedback: These comments, made in detailed marginal notes and a written editorial report, will address the structural and technical aspects of your manuscript, offering professional guidance for improvement.


What is included in the Custom Manuscript Masterplan?


The service and the report carry the same name for a reason. At the end of the manuscript review process, when the author has the editorial report in hand, I want them to feel as though they are holding a blueprint or master plan of next steps that will lead them to publishing success.


The editorial report is divided into four main sections:


  1. Overview: This is a general description of the main plot points and major themes of the book. I usually hint in a couple of sentences at what's working well and what's not as a preview of the rest of the report.


  2. What's Working Well: The second section describes the strengths of the manuscript from a structural perspective.


  3. Areas for Revision: The third section describes the weaknesses of the manuscript, as they relate to the structure.


  4. Recommended Next Steps: This is the master plan! In case there is any lingering doubt about what to do with the manuscript, this is the section where I lay it all out, summarizing revision sections and then describing in detail the tangible next steps needed to craft the book into a polished, publication-ready piece.


What does the feedback cover?


I like to think of manuscript reviews as developmental editing "light edition." A manuscript review is not nearly as comprehensive and detailed as a full developmental edit, but it offers the same type of feedback—focused on the structural development and integrity of the book. These are the most critical aspects of storytelling and manuscript structure, including:


  • Overall theme: Does the narrative have a consistent message (or messages) woven into the plot/conflict and character development?

  • Tone: Is it consistent? When it changes, is it appropriate to the genre, plot, and character development? What's the reason for the change? Does it enhance the mood and style of the narrative?

  • Narrative Structure: Are the "bones" of the story intact? Does the plot have a structure or arc to it that is engaging and easily followed?

  • Flow and Pacing: Both on an overall and chapter-by-chapter basis, does the story flow or are there abrupt transitions, or sudden and unexplained increases or decreases in pacing? Are there areas that are too rushed or too slow?

  • POV and Narrative Tense: Is it clear who is telling the story? Is that perspective and the tense of the narrative appropriate for the genre or the story being told? Are they consistent?

  • Character Development: Do the characters evolve believably, and are their arcs satisfying?

  • Evidence of Research: Is research thorough and settings or other descriptions accurate to the time depicted?

  • Presence of Pivotal Scenes & Missing Scenes/Gaps in Logic: Are any crucial scenes missing or underdeveloped? Do the scenes that are present create a set of logical stepping stones from the beginning of the narrative to the end? Is the logic of the story sound?


Who is this service for?


The Custom Manuscript Masterplan is ideal for a variety of authors, including:


  • Writers with a completed first draft but no idea about how to proceed with revisions.

  • Authors who have gone through multiple drafts but still feel their manuscript isn’t quite right.

  • Writers who have never sought outside feedback for their manuscript or who feel overwhelmed by conflicting critiques.

  • Authors who need an affordable option for comprehensive structural feedback.

  • Writers who are not yet ready for full-scale professional editing but need guidance on how to move forward to prepare for that process.

  • Authors looking to connect with a professional editor for motivation and encouragement, or to build a relationship for future editorial work.


What else should I know about this service?


At the end of it, once you've had time to look through all of the feedback, the final step in the process is personalized follow-up. For some authors, that may look like emailing me a list of follow-up questions to answer. For others, we might schedule an hour-long call so I can answer questions, clarify recommendations, or provide more insight on any follow-on changes you've made to your book.


The Custom Manuscript Masterplan is designed to give writers actionable insights and encouragement to continue developing their manuscripts. With detailed feedback on both the technical and emotional aspects of your work, you’ll have a clearer path toward achieving a manuscript that’s ready for publication.

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