Manuscript assessments - are they worth the money?

After having received a number of rejections for my second novel, I decided to have my manuscript assessed. I emailed a number of companies who advertised in "Writers' Forum Magazine" to find out a) how much it would cost, and b) what I could expect in return.

After much deliberation I chose a company that was run by a former literary agent and who recommended those authors who she felt showed more than average potential to agents and publishers. I was told the assessment would take approximately three weeks and would cost £270.00.

Was it money well spent. I think so. I received a 9 page report commenting on my writing style, and which also made suggestions where the manuscript could be improved in terms of prose and plot , but also suggestions for which markets I should be aiming for.

I found it a very useful exercise and would do it again.

Sounds like you received your money's worth with that one, Jenny. I feel each experience we have is another step toward our goals.

I'm curious. tho. What market did she suggest?

Brenda,

The service I used suggested I approach Mills and Boon and Harlequin, even though my manuscript is too long at 73,000 for their lines. They also suggested Hodder Saughton.

Brenda, I left you a message on the other thread with regard to my current WIP.

I, too, decided to have a professional editor critique my first novel manuscript. I met her at a writers' conference, and she was highly recommended.

The money I spent--for a full line-by-line edit and critique--was worth every cent. She pointed out several errors in my style(things that were easily eliminated), as well as providing a fifteen-page indepth plot evaluation and pointers on how to improve characterization.

I have to admit; when I first received the package, I was overwhelmed by the amount of red ink on my work! Once I got over the ego issues and took a good, long look at her careful evaluation, I could see each point! By the time I finished, I felt as if I had taken an English review class. In addition, I use the same guidelines now when I revise my writing.

Now, I am pleased to count her among my writer friends. She is a delightful person. Not only have I benefited from her work, I have found a new friend.

Her name is Susan Malone. If you are interested in having her look at your material, contact me. I also have a link to her business on my website.

Family and friends can read your work and offer suggestions. Still, they are hesitant to offer hard criticism. Hey, my mom thinks my grocery list is inspired.

My first novel, and second, have been published. Book three is agented. Without Susan's help, I don't feel my work would have been as polished. In this competitive business, a writer needs every advantage!

I totally agree, Rhett. Without all the help and suggestions I received a few years ago, I doubt I'd have learned as much as I have.

Some fabulous threads going in these topics and it's a real privilege and honour to be listening in.

I am not sure if those of you who write romance are aware, but if you join the Romantic Novelists Assoication under their New Writer Scheme, they over a read and critique service as part of the fee for joining. Not only do you receive a detailed report on your manuscript, it is also entered into the annual competition, and if good enough, will be passed on to agents.

Hmmm, I wonder if One World could be classed as Romance? What do you think Shelagh?

Me think? Oh yes, I can do that. On second thoughts, maybe I can't. Is this a trick question?

Well, that's a service I didn't know about. Although I'm not a romance writer, I like to keep up.

Thanks, Jenny!

I don't know George, you look like the romantic type to me!

This is a great thread - thanks so much to all of you! I checked on romantic writers and they already have fulfilled their quota for 2008, but it's certainly worth keeping an eye on! Rhett, I think I will check out your friend and see where I get!
Cheers!

I suppose there is a romance weaved through One World. And there is young Angelina, of course, who was kidnapped and held hostage by terrorists on a suicide mission.

Hmmm, I think I'll get my next manuscript professionally looked over. It may well be worth my while trying the rounds of publishers again too. They all know me now anyway and I'm on first name terms with quite a few editors.

Pam,

That was quick! When I sent my application off at the beginning of January the Romance Novelists Assocation was open to new writers. Just goes to show how many of us write romance in one genre or another!

I'll have to remember to get my application for 2009 in quickly, assuming that Chasing the Sandpiper doesn't find a home in the mean time.

Have you thought about joing the RWA - the Romance Writers of America? I did, even though I live in the UK. Whilst they don't offer a critique service as such, they do have "chapters" all over the US (and who knows, may be even Nova Scotia) which meet regularly, and of course their is there annual conference, which this year is in San Francisco.

George Maciver wrote:

I suppose there is a romance weaved through One World. And there is young Angelina, of course, who was kidnapped and held hostage by terrorists on a suicide mission.

Angelina? When she was kidnapped, did she fall into a Pitt? Lucky her if she did!

Angelina Jolie is yuck. Poor Brad. Nah, this Angelina was named after one of my girlfriends from a few years back. Mind you, the other girl in the story, Philippa is also named after one my girlfriends.

Girlfriends? I thought you were gay. I'll have to stop flirting with you now.

Me? Gay? Are you kidding? LMAO!

Would I joke with you?

Lucky for you, I don't mess with married women

Lucky me!

What's this? I knew you were up to something!

Thanks Jenny - I will check it out, although I have to admit that I am not certain all my books will be romantic. This one is, except for the part where the heroine kills the bad guy...

I always thought that Tomb Raider could have been turned into a romance if it wasn't for the fact that the leading lady had rather large guns and was always kicking someone's butt. Not exactly the strong female role model my mother would have chosen for me (she is more the Audrey Hepburn type)...but personally I kind of prefer the Angelina approach for my own girls. Strong, tough, and you know she can look after herself yet still come out gorgeous at the end.
George, you might want to seriously have a look at the romance potential (oooh, I love this smilie!)

Ah jeez, I don't know what happened, but now I can see the rest of the stuff about George and Shelaugh flirting and the whole gay no gay issue. So sorry to see that your arm fell off George. Such a shame.