Marked-up manuscript

The marked-up manuscript is a read-through of the full MS, plus a 2-page editorial letter, and any margin comments on your manuscript. This service is perfect for authors who want to know if they’re on the right track with their draft or revised MS but don’t require a full report. 

The focus of a marked-up manuscript is on developmental editing: looking at both the macro- and micro- level of story and scene to determine what’s working well and areas to improve further. The service is carried out by Core, Market, and Industry editors, and is intended to provide you with “real-time” reader responses on your manuscript. It is not a line edit.

Is this right for me?

This report is one of our more static services in the sense that you'll be given a detailed manuscript mark-up with feedback to work from and editorial suggestions to implement. The report is best suited for:

  • Returning authors who would like to check their revisions;
  • Writers who would like editorial feedback but don't require a full report.

What will I get?

Our editors will provide you with margin comments across your full manuscript, along with a short 1-2 page report summarising their overall thoughts on what is and isn't working. This will be accompanied by some of our in-house documents on self-editing and Show not Tell, which we find are helpful for all writers at all levels.

How does the process work?

If you're interested in this service, please contact the office, and a member of the team will assess your work (this is complimentary) and your project's suitability for a marked-up manuscript.

Once you've paid for the marked-up manuscript, we'll ask you to fill out a short book questionnaire, and will then pitch that alongside your materials to 2-3 editors who would be a good fit, based on their experience in your genre and your manuscript's needs. You'll typically be able to choose from this selection of editors, and then we'll request your full manuscript to be passed on. Your editor will spend 4-6 weeks completing the report, and we'll then proofread it before sending it back to you.

How long does it take?

Our reports take 4-6 weeks to complete, and we'll always keep you apprised of any delay to this. If you're looking for a report with a quicker turnaround time, we do offer a two-week turnaround service billed at a higher rate. Please contact the office to arrange this.