Editorial Assessment for Creative Writers
Sometimes you don’t need a full critique, just a clear sense of direction
When you’re deep in a manuscript, it can be difficult to tell what’s working, what needs attention, and where to focus next. An Editorial Assessment offers thoughtful, big-picture feedback on up to 10,000 words, giving you a grounded editorial perspective without the commitment of a full Manuscript Critique.
This service provides clarity, reassurance, and a grounded sense of what to prioritise as you continue drafting or revising. You’ll receive a concise written editorial report (typically 2–3 A4 pages) outlining strengths, patterns, and priorities for revision.
Clear perspective, gentle guidance, and a way forward
An Editorial Assessment is a focused, big-picture read of a portion of your manuscript, followed by a concise written editorial report.
Rather than editing sentence by sentence, I step back to consider the broader reading experience: voice, clarity, pacing, structure, tone, and narrative direction. The aim is not to judge or overhaul your work, but to help you understand how it’s landing — and how it might grow stronger.
It’s a supportive, honest, and constructive service that honours what you’ve already created, while gently highlighting patterns, opportunities, and next steps.
What You’ll Receive
Your assessment will include:
A tailored editorial report
A thoughtful, structured summary of strengths, emerging themes, and areas that may benefit from attention. The tone is always warm, respectful, and encouraging.
Big-picture story insight
Observations on narrative voice, structure, pacing, character presence (where relevant), clarity, and overall impact with a focus on how the work feels to read.
Guidance on direction and priorities
Gentle signposting of what to focus on next, what to develop further, and where your energy may be best spent during revision.
This feedback is designed to help you see your work more clearly, without taking creative control away from you.
I am a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).
Who This Service Is For
An Editorial Assessment may be a good fit if you:
• Want feedback on opening chapters or a key section of your manuscript
• Are working on a novel, memoir, or narrative nonfiction project
• Feel unsure whether your draft is heading in the right direction
• Would like early editorial insight before committing to a full manuscript critique
• Want thoughtful guidance without heavy in-text editing
This service is especially suited to writers who feel close to their work and want a fresh, professional perspective, whether you’re shaping an opening chapter, testing a section, or deciding how to move forward with a draft-in-progress. Whether you’re at an early drafting stage or refining a work-in-progress, an Editorial Assessment can bring clarity and confidence.
Pricing
£150 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.
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 50% 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)
Once you’ve had time to digest the feedback, you’re welcome to email me with any questions about your report within 7 days. This email support is included in the service, because I know how important it is to feel supported and seen as you shape your next steps.
Not Sure If This or a Full Manuscript Critique Is Right?
If you’re deciding between an Editorial Assessment and a full Manuscript Critique, I’m happy to help you choose the option that best fits your manuscript and stage of work.
There’s no pressure, just thoughtful guidance.
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 much deeper, more collaborative process that often involves multiple rounds of feedback and reworking. An editorial Assessment, by contrast, is a standalone service offering thoughtful, honest, big-picture feedback on a section of your manuscript’s structure, characters, voice, pacing, themes, and more. You then decide how and when to revise.
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: I’m offering limited availability for smaller editorial projects between 16–27 March, and will be fully open for new projects from 13 April. If you’re planning ahead, you’re very welcome to get in touch.