Frequently Asked Questions

What is covered in the manuscript appraisal?

The manuscript appraisal includes a detailed report on your work covering aspects such as characterisation, writing style, plot structure, tension, atmosphere and more. You will also receive an annotated copy of your manuscript pulling out specific examples from the report.

If there is anything you have particularly struggled with or you have any questions for the editor in addition to the report you are more than welcome to let us know and we will be happy to also include those. You will be given the opportunity to send questions over for the editor once you have gone through the report.

What format will the manuscript appraisal reports be in?

The reports will be emailed across to you in pdf format. The annotated manuscript will come back to you as a Microsoft Word document with annotations and comments using the ‘track changes’ function.

How much will it cost for a manuscript appraisal report?

Prices for a manuscript appraisal report range from £380 (our minimum fee which includes manuscripts of up to 35,000 words) to around £1000 for a 120,000 word manuscript. You can obtain an accurate quote by using our quote request form and keying in your word count. An email will then be sent to you with the breakdown of the quote and details of what to do next if you would like to go ahead with the service.

How much will a copy-edit cost?

Prices for the copy-edit are based upon word count and start at £250 for up to 20,000 words up to around £1200 for 120,000 words. As with the manuscript appraisal service you can obtain an accurate quote by keying in your word count in the quote request box. You will be sent an email with a breakdown of your quote and details of how to proceed if you would like to go ahead.

How long do reports take?

Reports can take anything from 3 weeks up to around 6 weeks at particularly busy times, but do need to be scheduled in advance as the slots fill up quite quickly. We will give you a firm return date before you need to confirm anything.

Can I get in touch with the editor once I have received my report back?

You are more than welcome to email us with any questions or queries on the report for the editor and we will be happy to take a look at those and get back to you with answers, and any additional clarification, if needed, and other relevant info. You can email us as many times as you like with questions but if it is a re-appraisal of rewritten sections or checking redrafts we may have to charge an additional fee. If you would prefer to talk to the editor on Zoom you can select the ‘Plus 1-to-1’ option when you book.

Can I come back for a re-appraisal with the same editor?

You absolutely can use the same editor – it is just a matter of rescheduling. If you would like a fresh pair of eyes to look at your manuscript you can also go ahead with that.

Can I get a discount for a reappraisal?

We offer a discount of 10% for a reappraisal.

How do I go ahead with a service?

You can either email us on litcrit@writing.co.uk and let us know that you would like to go ahead or you can click the link in your quote request email and follow the step by step instructions for submitting your manuscript.