Alpha Assessment: (reader responses, general editorial recommendations, critique)
What is it?
I wondered, what if an author just needs a basic review of a manuscript without all the bells and whistles?
Some authors like to have a professional editor in their stable of beta readers - an alpha reader, if you will. :)
Sometimes an author just needs a trusted professional impression of a new story idea.
Or maybe an author needs a fresh look at a previously published story that isn't getting the love they expected from reviewers.
I can be that trusted professional editor in your back pocket, so to speak.
The type of service I'm offering here, the Alpha Assessment, is a critique. It's not detailed or exhaustive. It is about over-view impressions, with a few specifics pointed out, and some generalized commentary (using Track Changes in the manuscript), all with the goal of pointing the author toward some critical issues that need to be sorted to make their story stronger. In my email report I will address:
If you think your story, either a new or previously published one, needs this kind of loving, professional attention, I would be happy to work with you. I will read your story and write up a critique, usually in just a week. As part of this service I can assess what I think your next step should be in terms of editing, as well.
I wondered, what if an author just needs a basic review of a manuscript without all the bells and whistles?
Some authors like to have a professional editor in their stable of beta readers - an alpha reader, if you will. :)
Sometimes an author just needs a trusted professional impression of a new story idea.
Or maybe an author needs a fresh look at a previously published story that isn't getting the love they expected from reviewers.
I can be that trusted professional editor in your back pocket, so to speak.
The type of service I'm offering here, the Alpha Assessment, is a critique. It's not detailed or exhaustive. It is about over-view impressions, with a few specifics pointed out, and some generalized commentary (using Track Changes in the manuscript), all with the goal of pointing the author toward some critical issues that need to be sorted to make their story stronger. In my email report I will address:
- Story Opening
- Characterization
- Pacing and Tension
- Motivation and Believability
- Confusions and Inconsistencies
- Writing Technique
- Reader Impact
- Afterglow
If you think your story, either a new or previously published one, needs this kind of loving, professional attention, I would be happy to work with you. I will read your story and write up a critique, usually in just a week. As part of this service I can assess what I think your next step should be in terms of editing, as well.
What does it cost?
The fee for this service is $200 (USD) for the first 10,000 words and $50 (USD) for every additional 10,000 words.
I am also available to discuss specifics or answer follow-up questions for a $20/hour consultation fee.
If a Full Edit or Final Polish is booked as a result of this Assessment, I will apply the fee for the Alpha Assessment toward the cost of the additional service.
The fee for this service is $200 (USD) for the first 10,000 words and $50 (USD) for every additional 10,000 words.
I am also available to discuss specifics or answer follow-up questions for a $20/hour consultation fee.
If a Full Edit or Final Polish is booked as a result of this Assessment, I will apply the fee for the Alpha Assessment toward the cost of the additional service.
The Beta Plus: (‘Beta Reading’ plus light ‘Developmental Editing’)
What is it?
The Beta Plus includes a beta reader-type commentary as well as a light developmental-type commentary in the margins of the manuscript using Track Changes. I also write a separate report that sums things up.
Let's just break that down, shall we?
Beta reader commentary (in the margins of the manuscript) - it is helpful for authors to get a sense of how readers will react.
I describe, as a reader, if and how:
Light Developmental Commentary (summed up in a separate document) I offer observations regarding:
Along with these sorts of commentary on your writing, I can provide explanations for why I’ve made the suggestions I have.
Who might need this 'Beta Plus' editing service?
Some authors don’t have supporters with the experience or training to give them candid, discerning, and insightful feedback on their story in the earlier stages of development. And let's face it, it is probably both awkward for family or friends to try to advise or critique your work and uncomfortable for you to receive it. If you need constructively critical yet supportively encouraging feedback from a person whose favorite thing in the world (one of them, anyway) is reading, then I am happy to step into this role!
The Beta Plus includes a beta reader-type commentary as well as a light developmental-type commentary in the margins of the manuscript using Track Changes. I also write a separate report that sums things up.
Let's just break that down, shall we?
Beta reader commentary (in the margins of the manuscript) - it is helpful for authors to get a sense of how readers will react.
I describe, as a reader, if and how:
- jokes hit their mark
- my emotions were engaged
- characters were relatable
- consistency of tense and POV
- vocabulary suggestions
- description
- the plot
- cohesiveness
- believability
Light Developmental Commentary (summed up in a separate document) I offer observations regarding:
- narrative voice
- flow
- pacing
- continuity
- clarity
- consistency
- point of view
- vocabulary suggestions
- writing patterns
- the need for more description or less
- obvious verb tense discrepancies
Along with these sorts of commentary on your writing, I can provide explanations for why I’ve made the suggestions I have.
Who might need this 'Beta Plus' editing service?
Some authors don’t have supporters with the experience or training to give them candid, discerning, and insightful feedback on their story in the earlier stages of development. And let's face it, it is probably both awkward for family or friends to try to advise or critique your work and uncomfortable for you to receive it. If you need constructively critical yet supportively encouraging feedback from a person whose favorite thing in the world (one of them, anyway) is reading, then I am happy to step into this role!
What does it cost?
I charge $.01 per word for this service.
I am also available to discuss specifics or answer follow-up questions for a $20/hour consultation fee.
A discounted package rate will be given when you Book more than one service.
I charge $.01 per word for this service.
I am also available to discuss specifics or answer follow-up questions for a $20/hour consultation fee.
A discounted package rate will be given when you Book more than one service.
