EditoriaL Assessment
Opening chapters and Extract Review
A focused, big-picture review to help you move forward with clarity
If you’re not quite ready for a full Manuscript Critique, an Editorial Assessment offers a clear, thoughtful entry point.
This service offers a diagnostic overview of an extract of up to 10,000 words, helping you test the direction, voice, and structure of your writing before committing to a full critique or edit. The feedback focuses purely on the material provided rather than the full manuscript arc.
It is designed to give you direction, insight, and confidence without the depth or scale of a full manuscript review. It focuses on how your writing is working at a structural and stylistic level, helping you understand what’s landing well and where you might want to refine your approach.
It’s particularly useful if you’re at an earlier stage of your project, if you are preparing your opening chapters for submission to literary agents, or if you’d like professional feedback on a smaller section of your work before committing to a full manuscript review.
What you’ll receive
After reading your extract, I’ll provide a concise editorial report outlining what is working well, where the writing may benefit from further development, and where you might focus your next stage of revision.
The report may comment on elements such as:
• Clarity of voice and narrative tone
• Structure and flow within the extract
• Pacing and reader engagement
• Character introduction and development (where relevant)
• Thematic focus and overall direction
What this service is (and what it isn’t)
This is a focused, big-picture editorial review designed to help you understand how your writing is working overall.
Rather than line-by-line editing, the emphasis is on clarity, structure, and direction, helping you see patterns in your work and identify where it can be strengthened.
You’ll receive a concise editorial report that highlights key strengths, areas for development, and practical next steps for revision.
How it sits alongside my main service:
Many writers choose an Editorial Assessment as a first step before moving on to a full, in-depth Manuscript Critique. The critique offers a rigorous, holistic review of your entire manuscript, covering the complete narrative arc, deep character development, and thematic exploration. The Editorial Assessment is ideal for early drafts or when seeking initial guidance on structure and clarity without the depth of a full critique.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, you’re very welcome to get in touch. I’m always happy to help you decide on the next step.
If you’re looking for in-depth feedback across your full manuscript, my Manuscript Critique service will be a better fit.
I am a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).
Is this right for you?
This service works particularly well if you:
You would like professional feedback on the opening of your manuscript
You’re unsure whether your structure or voice is working
You want editorial insight before committing to a full manuscript critique
You are early in the drafting process and want guidance before continuing
You would like reassurance that your manuscript is heading in the right direction
Writers often use this as a stepping stone before a full critique.
What you’ll come away with
By the end of the assessment, you’ll have:
• A clearer understanding of how your writing is landing with a reader
• Insight into what’s working and what could be strengthened
• A sense of direction for your next stage of writing or revision
My aim is always to offer feedback that is honest, constructive, and encouraging — supporting both your work and your confidence as a writer.
Pricing
£125 for up to 10,000 words
The assessment includes a bespoke written editorial report (approximately 2–3 A4 pages). If your excerpt is slightly over 10,000 words, you’re welcome to get in touch; I’m happy to advise on scope and fit.
Genres I Work With
I enjoy working with thoughtful, committed writers at all stages of their journey, from first-time authors to those preparing work for submission. I usually work with a range of fiction and nonfiction, particularly projects that are voice-driven, character-led, or exploring meaningful ideas.
Genres I frequently work with
Literary fiction
Historical fiction
Contemporary fiction
Psychological fiction
Upmarket / book club fiction
Memoir
Narrative nonfiction
Creative nonfiction (including essays and reflective writing)
Speculative genres I enjoy
Science fiction
Dystopian fiction
Horror
Literary / atmospheric horror
Slipstream and soft speculative fiction
Selected projects
Crime and thriller (particularly where voice and character take precedence over plot)
Outside my current focus
Epic or high fantasy
Children’s fiction
Heavily technical genres
If you’re unsure whether your manuscript is a good fit, you’re always welcome to send a short sample as I’m happy to take a look.
How it Works
1. You get in touch
Send a short message with a brief overview of your project and the section you’d like reviewed.
2. We confirm fit and timing
I’ll confirm availability, answer any questions, and make sure the service suits your needs.
3. You secure your booking
Once agreed, I’ll send an invoice for 60% payment to confirm your slot.
4. You send your extract
You submit your excerpt (Word or Google Docs), and I’ll begin the assessment.
5. You receive your feedback
Your editorial report will be delivered by email, ready for you to reflect on and use as you revise.
6. YOU ASK FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS (IF YOU LIKE)
After reading your critique, you might have questions, or want to clarify something. That’s why I also offer warm, thoughtful support by email as part of your Editorial Assessment.
After you’ve had time to read and reflect on your report, you’re welcome to send one follow-up email with any questions within 7 days of making the final payment. I’ll respond fully and thoughtfully to help you move forward with clarity.
Not sure which service is the best fit? This guide may help.
Editorial Assessment (Opening Chapters and Extract Review) v Manuscript Critique (and Developmental Insight)
Purpose: Editorial Assessment — A diagnostic check to see if your opening or direction is working
Manuscript Critique — A comprehensive structural analysis of the complete narrative arc
Scope: Editorial Assessment — Up to 10,000 words
Manuscript Critique — Typically 40k–120k+ words)
Deliverables: Editorial Assessment — A concise 4–5 page editorial report
Manuscript Critique — A rigorous 15–30+ page developmental report
Best For: Editorial Assessment — Early drafts, testing the waters, or preparing submission packages
Manuscript Critique — Completed drafts ready for structural revision
Many writers choose an Editorial Assessment as a first step before moving on to a full Manuscript Critique.
Faqs
WHAT IF I’M NOT READY FOR An assessment YET?
That’s absolutely fine, many writers aren’t. You might still be finding your feet with the story, or just want to know if it’s ‘working’ at all. If that’s the case, I offer a free 500-word sample edit for creative work. I’m happy to discuss your project before you commit to anything more in-depth. I’ll meet you where you are.
CAN I SEND A longer MANUSCRIPT?
Yes, absolutely. Manuscripts over 10,000 words are very welcome. Please head to my Manuscript Critique page to find out more..
IS THIS THE SAME AS DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING?
Not quite. Developmental editing is a deeper, highly collaborative, and iterative process that often involves detailed scene-by-scene edits, structural rewriting, and multiple rounds of revision.
An Editorial Assessment offers a clear, high-level view of your manuscript. Through a detailed written report, I highlight strengths, identify structural or narrative issues, and provide thoughtful, developmental insight to guide your next stage of revision. It’s designed to help you understand what’s working, what needs attention, and how to move forward with confidence.
WILL YOU BE KIND?
Yes. Always.
I believe the assessment should build, not break. It should support you in understanding your own intentions more clearly, and offer ideas and insights that help you make your story stronger. I’ll never be harsh. But I will be honest, constructive, and deeply respectful of the work you’ve done so far.
WILL YOU FIX MY GRAMMAR OR WRITE IN THE MARGINS?
No. A manuscript critique is not a copy-edit or line edit. You’ll receive a standalone editorial report that summarises your manuscript’s strengths and opportunities. No tracked changes, no in-text corrections. This keeps the focus on development and structure, rather than sentence-level work.
Ready to Share Your Work?
If you’d like a calm, professional editorial second opinion on your writing, I’d love to hear from you.
Send a short message via my Contact page or email hello@lfpstudio.co.uk, including a few lines about your project and the excerpt you’d like reviewed.
Let’s bring clarity, confidence, and fresh perspective to your next steps.
Availability: Each manuscript I work on receives dedicated, thoughtful attention, so I take on a limited number of projects at any one time. If you’re considering working together, I’d love to hear from you — I’m always happy to discuss timelines and availability.