Looking for an editorial assessment?

1000+ of the most sought-after editors in publishing are on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Get an assessment from the best editors in the industry

An editorial evaluation is a detailed report that reviews your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses. It generally includes an editor’s feedback on big-picture issues with plot, structure, and characterization. As a result, authors usually find editorial assessments most useful in the early stages of the book editing process.

On Reedsy, meet editors who have years of experience working with bestselling authors and debut writers alike. They understand your audience and genre. Most importantly, they know what makes a story resonate, and they can help you get on the right track to completing the best possible version of your book.

Paul H.

Available to hire

I have a PhD in philosophy and two decades' experience in editing humanities manuscripts for university presses and independent authors!

Jack L.

Available to hire

Award winning fiction writer published by FSG. Former editor at The Paris Review, Fortune, Newsweek. I'm religious about narrative.

Eli B.

Available to hire

With 20+ years' experience as an acquiring editor and editor in chief, I offer comprehensive insight into the entire publishing process.

Martin C.

Available to hire

I am a UK author, editor and reviewer with experience of UK and US publishers specializing in philosophy, social science and politics

Joe P.

Available to hire

Fast. Friendly. Experienced. Thorough. I'm here to help you be your best. Sample edits available.

Why get an editorial assessment?

Most writers go through multiple drafts, often including several major rewrites. Getting a professional editor’s perspective can help you solve large-scale problems and fine-tune your vision at an early stage, making your writing journey more efficient.

In addition to story elements, your editor will read your entire manuscript to identify its big-picture goals, essential themes, and unique components. Then, they’ll give you detailed feedback on how to fully realize your idea. Their letter will serve as a roadmap for transforming your current draft into a book that satisfies readers.

Reedsy editors are handpicked for their experience in publishing, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your book.

An editorial assessment is the most affordable way to get holistic feedback. A developmental edit that provides line-level commentary on plot, structure, and character will typically cost 30% more than an assessment letter.

By making an editorial assessment the first stage of the editing process, you’ll avoid paying for extensive commentary or edits on writing you eventually delete or rewrite. Based on your editor’s feedback, you’ll be able to strengthen your manuscript in advance of copyediting and proofreading, ultimately saving more time and money.

FAQs

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Get to know our editors

To get started on your search, meet some of our top-rated editors.

Jack L.

New York, NY, USA

Award winning fiction writer published by FSG. Former editor at The Paris Review, Fortune, Newsweek. I'm religious about narrative.

Specializes in:
Historical Fiction
Short Story
Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Non-Fiction

Andy R.

Oakland, CA, USA

I am a literary agent and freelance developmental book editor. I also edit and consult on query letters and non-fiction book proposals.

Specializes in:
Literary Fiction
Non-Fiction
Women's Fiction
Historical Fiction
Writing & Publishing

Haley W.

New York, NY, USA

Developmental editor with a decade of wide-ranging experience in both fiction and nonfiction as an acquiring editor at 2 of the Big 5s.

Specializes in:
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
LGBTQ Non-Fiction
LGBTQ Fiction
Thriller & Suspense
Contemporary Fiction

Browse thousands of professionals on Reedsy. Search for editors near you

How it works

Browse profiles, request quotes, then collaborate.

Step 1

Apply filters

Reedsy is home to thousands of professionals. Select the specific editing services you need and narrow your search based on your book’s genre and requirements.

Step 2

Browse

Then, browse editors' profiles to find out more about their personalities and past projects.

Step 3

Request quotes

Request quotes from up to five editors at any time. They’ll look at your sample pages to give you a tailored quote as well as a sense of how they work.

Step 4

Collaborate

Once you agree on terms and a timeline, you’ll start collaborating using the many communication and editing tools available on Reedsy.

Reedsy in action

Watch how Reedsy can help you assemble your team in the video below:

Reedsy | Editorial Assessment | 2023-07

Get a professional opinion on your book

To get expert advice on revising, ask for an "editorial assessment."