What is an Alpha Assessment?
- a generalized review of the manuscript with commentary in the document itself, pointing out critical issues
- and a brief summarizing report with recommendations for next steps
This review is not detailed or exhaustive. It’s about general impressions with the goal of pointing the author toward some critical issues that need to be sorted or reassessed to make their story stronger.
Who might need this service?
Some authors have an Alpha Reader on their Support Team to give early feedback, answering such questions as:
A professional editor can be a big help at this stage.
Or an author might want to get a fresh assessment of a previously published story that isn’t getting the love they expected from reviewers. I can evaluate what might have gone amiss or what might need a bit of tweaking to get the story back on track.
It makes sense to hire a professional editor to be your alpha reader. I offer much more than just my opinions on what I do or don’t like. Besides assessing the merits of your story and structure, I often suggest general writing craft tips as well, which will give you a leg up in your self-editing and save you time and money when you're ready to hire an editor.
- Was I confused?
- Could I relate to any of the characters?
- Does the plot hold my attention?
A professional editor can be a big help at this stage.
Or an author might want to get a fresh assessment of a previously published story that isn’t getting the love they expected from reviewers. I can evaluate what might have gone amiss or what might need a bit of tweaking to get the story back on track.
It makes sense to hire a professional editor to be your alpha reader. I offer much more than just my opinions on what I do or don’t like. Besides assessing the merits of your story and structure, I often suggest general writing craft tips as well, which will give you a leg up in your self-editing and save you time and money when you're ready to hire an editor.
In my report I’ll address:
- story opening
- characterization
- pacing and tension
- motivation and believability
- confusions and inconsistencies
- writing technique
- reader impact
- afterglow - lingering impressions
If you think your story, either a new or previously published one, would benefit from this kind of caring, professional scrutiny, with an eye toward assessing reader impact, I would be happy to work with you. I’ll read your story and write up a review, often in just a week.
As part of this service, I can assess and advise what I think your next step should be in terms of editing as well.
BONUS: If you hire me to edit this project, I’ll apply the Alpha Assessment fee toward the cost of the additional service.
As part of this service, I can assess and advise what I think your next step should be in terms of editing as well.
BONUS: If you hire me to edit this project, I’ll apply the Alpha Assessment fee toward the cost of the additional service.
See Rate Calculation page for explanation of how fees are reached.
If you need constructively critical
yet supportive and encouraging feedback,
BFF Editing has your back!
yet supportive and encouraging feedback,
BFF Editing has your back!
“Kate has been an absolute pleasure to work with. Her edits are thorough and improve the clarity, consistency, tone and impact of every sentence. It's clear she takes pride in her work. She is supportive and respects my voice as an author. Her style sheet has been an amazing resource.”
-Author Renae Wright
