Manuscript appraisal

Writers can either commission a one-off detailed report, or use the initial appraisal as the first stage within a longer-term mentoring process.

Reports are very detailed, (over ten single-spaced pages for an average novel) with a number of examples offered for each point raised. They include a general overview covering marketability, story structure and characterisation as well as a more practical approach to technical issues such as plot-signposting and point-of-view.

Note: Many agents make an assessment about whether to see a complete manuscript on the basis of a cover letter, synopsis and the first two or three chapters. Often they have made the decision within the first couple of pages.