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.

Blair P.

Available to hire

Seasoned editor turning heartbreak and struggle into inspirational stories to encourage others. Author of Empty Hands Made Full.

Nancy C.

Available to hire

Specializing in memoir, cookbooks, and female-led fiction, I am an editor and coach with 20+ years of guiding authors to finish and finesse.

Wendy H.

Available to hire

Editor â—Ź Published with HarperCollins, Macmillan, PRH, and Hachette â—Ź Master's in Education â—Ź Here to help you write your best book!

Ema B.

Available to hire

Globally focused editor/coach with an emphasis on contemporary and women's fiction. An inquisitive style guides Ema's big picture editing.

Katherine L.

Available to hire

Seasoned novel editor with a passion for powerful storytelling. I'll help polish your plot, deepen your characters, and elevate every page.

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

When should I seek an editorial assessment?

How much does an editorial assessment cost?

Get to know our editors

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

Nancy C.

Seattle, WA, USA

Specializing in memoir, cookbooks, and female-led fiction, I am an editor and coach with 20+ years of guiding authors to finish and finesse.

Specializes in:
Fiction
Home & Garden
DIY & Crafts
Non-Fiction
Contemporary Fiction

Margaret M.

Hopewell Junction, NY, USA

Developmental Editor specializing in Y/A and middle grade, formerly at Penguin and Simon and Schuster

Specializes in:
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Picture Books
Children's
Middle Grade

Lori K.

New York City, NY, USA

I specialize in commercial, adult fiction with a literary bent, and narrative nonfiction. Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree, 2024.

Specializes in:
Coming of Age
Plays & Screenplays
Contemporary Fiction
Psychological Thriller
Biographies & Memoirs

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 scientist | 2023-10

Get a professional opinion on your book

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