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.

Margaret D.

Available to hire

Published novelist and memoirist with extensive editing experience who takes pleasure in assisting other writers solve problems.

Daniel M.

Available to hire

I am a freelance developmental editor and manuscript assessor with more than 25 years experience in fiction and narrative nonfiction.

Hilary D.

Available to hire

Editor with 20+ years experience in TTRPGs, genre fiction, and academic writing. Specialties in history, sci-fi, romance, and LGBTQ fiction.

Edward L.

Available to hire

Experienced, award-winning nonfiction book editor, providing developmental and substantive editing, evaluations, and coaching

Allan G.

Available to hire

Expert editor and publishing consultant across the sciences and humanities, with over 30 years experience -- numerous award winning titles.

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.

Hilary D.

Halifax, NS, Canada

Editor with 20+ years experience in TTRPGs, genre fiction, and academic writing. Specialties in history, sci-fi, romance, and LGBTQ fiction.

Specializes in:
Historical Romance
LGBTQ Fiction
Psychological Thriller
History
Romance

Melissa R.

Cocoa Beach, FL, USA

Experienced freelance editor and assistant literary agent. I'll edit your work with an agent's eye and get your book positioned to sell!

Specializes in:
Picture Books
Non-Fiction
Children's
Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction

Flannery W.

Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Experienced editor and proofreader with expertise in trade and academic publishing specializing in historical fiction and the humanities

Specializes in:
History
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Young Adult Fantasy
Music

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."