Q - What is an Alpha Assessment?
A - An Alpha Assessment is:
An Alpha Assessment 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.
- overview assessment, generalized commentary in document to point out critical issues
- brief summarizing report with recommendations for next steps
- Note - If you subsequently hire me for an editing service package, I'll apply this fee toward that service (within six months).
An Alpha Assessment 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.
Q - Who might need this service?
A - 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'll suggest general writing craft tips that will give you a leg up with your self-edits, saving you time and money when you're ready to hire an editor.
- Was I confused?
- Could I relate to any of the characters?
- Did 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'll suggest general writing craft tips that will give you a leg up with your self-edits, saving you time and money when you're ready to hire an editor.
Q - What will this report include?
A - In my report I’ll address:
As part of this service, I'll assess and advise what I think your next step should be in terms of editing as well.
- story opening
- characterization
- pacing and tension
- motivation and believability
- confusions and inconsistencies
- writing technique
- reader impact
- afterglow - lingering impressions
As part of this service, I'll assess and advise what I think your next step should be in terms of editing as well.
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 (preferably sent in the standard Word format) and write up a review, often in just a week.
BONUS: If you hire me to edit this manuscript within six months, I’ll apply a discount to the additional service.
See Rate Calculation page for explanation of how fees are reached.
BONUS: If you hire me to edit this manuscript within six months, I’ll apply a discount to the additional service.
See Rate Calculation page for explanation of how fees are reached.
Looking for constructively critical
yet supportive and encouraging feedback?
Then you need a book friend editor!
Contact BFF Editing today!
yet supportive and encouraging feedback?
Then you need a book friend editor!
Contact BFF Editing today!
“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
