Manuscript Evaluations

Editing the heart of your story into something unforgettable.

You've finished your draft, but maybe you're not ready for a deep editing dive yet . . .

You know you want professional feedback, but you're not sure if your story is ready for a full developmental edit—or maybe you’re not ready.

You’re still working through ideas, or you want high-level insight before committing to a more intensive process.

You might be feeling:

Overwhelmed by your draft and unsure where to begin revising
Curious if your plot structure, pacing, or characters are working
Worried there are issues you can’t see—but not sure how serious they are
Tired of vague or conflicting beta reader feedback
Too close to your work to know what’s working (and what’s not)
Unsure if you’re ready to invest in a full developmental edit—but still craving clarity

You don't need to jump into the deep end to get expert storytelling support.

A Manuscript Evaluation is a big-picture analysis of your story’s strengths and areas for growth.

It doesn’t include in-line comments throughout your entire manuscript, but it will give you direction.

You’ll walk away with:

A clear understanding of what’s working in your manuscript
Awareness of your biggest opportunities for revision
A customized strategy for your next draft

This is perfect for authors who:

Are early in the revision process
Want to know if their story is “on track” before investing in a full edit
Are preparing to self-edit or looking for coaching support afterward
Know they’re still shaping their story and want to do that with guidance

Manuscript Evaluation Includes

Multiple full read-throughs and an evaluation of your manuscript—focusing on structure, plot, character development, pacing, worldbuilding, tone, and more.
A detailed 10+ page evaluation letter—breaking down what’s working, what’s not, and actionable next steps.
Side-bar comments on twenty pages—Unlike a developmental edit where you receive side-bar comments throughout the entire manuscript, you'll only receive comments on twenty pages within the manuscript.
One 1:1 Story Mentorship sessions—one week after receiving your feedback.
Two weeks of unlimited voice support after your 1:1 Story Mentorship session

The Manuscript Evaluation Journey

Phase One: Discovery Call
After you’ve filled out the Discovery Call Questionnaire, we’ll meet for a free Discovery Call. During this time, we will discuss your goals for your manuscript, payment plans, whether we’re a good fit, and you’ll have space to ask me any questions.

Phase Two: Onboarding
Once you're ready, you’ll sign your contract, pay your down deposit, and receive the onboarding materials to get started.

Phase Three: Manuscript Hand-Off + Author Alignment & Vision Session
On our selected project start day, you’ll send over your manuscript and we’ll meet for a 60-minute call to align on your story’s heart, intentions, and areas of focus.

Phase Four: Manuscript Evaluation
Over the course of 6–8 weeks, I’ll read your manuscript multiple times and prepare all materials included with a manuscript evaluation.

Phase Five: Manuscript & Feedback Delivery
You’ll receive your full editorial letter and comments. You’ll have a week to review before we reconnect again.

Phase Six: Story Mentorship Session
We’ll meet for a 1:1 mentorship session to walk through my feedback and create a clear revision plan with two weeks of voice support afterwards.

Optional: Continued Mentorship
You can book additional story crafting mentorships, developmental edits, or manuscript evaluations at any time.

Your investment

Manuscript Evaluation services begin at $1250

Available Discounts:
45% of your manuscript evaluation is credited towards a full developmental edit on the same manuscript if you upgrade within 3 months of receiving your feedback.

20% off any additional developmental edits or manuscript evaluations on the same manuscript.

25% off if you book at least 3 months of story crafting mentorship between revisions.

Flexible payment plans available.

Start Phase One

Here's what other writers have to say from working with me . . .

Sarah Waterhouse

“With Vicki’s guidance, I was able to clearly see the strengths I had woven into my narrative, as well as the specific areas where growth was needed. She is a knowledgeable coach and editor, and I am so glad I trusted her with my art. "

FAQ

How is a manuscript evaluation different than a developmental edit?

A Manuscript Evaluation is a big-picture analysis of your story—ideal if you're early in revisions, unsure if your story is working, or not quite at a "final draft" stage. You’ll receive an in-depth editorial letter outlining strengths, challenges, and next steps, but no in-line comments.

Developmental Editing goes deeper, offering everything in an evaluation plus scene-by-scene in-line feedback, multiple read-throughs, and hands-on support through your revision process.

If you’re looking for professional insight at a lower investment, a Manuscript Evaluation is a great starting point. For more personalized guidance and a detailed revision roadmap, Developmental Editing offers a fuller level of support.

What genres do you work with?

You can see the genres I work with here.

Do you evaluate short stories?

I do! Please contact me to discuss this.

How do payment plans work?

I offer flexible payment plans for most services. You can choose to pay in full or split the total into monthly or milestone-based payments, depending on the service. A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot, and the remaining balance must be paid in full by Phase 5.

All payment terms will be clearly outlined in our service agreement. If you have specific budget considerations, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to explore options within those boundaries.

Got additional questions? Contact me here.

Who Is Your Developmental Editor?

My name is Victoria Krouse

If we haven’t met yet, hello! I’m a compassionate fiction developmental editor with a background in editing fantasy, romance, horror, and paranormal manuscripts. I’ve also helped authors outline their stories, navigate revisions, and prepare to pitch to agents.

My goal is to support you in finding clarity and confidence in your creative process. I believe that storytelling often benefits from embracing a slower, more intentional approach to crafting your narrative. I’m here to guide you in weaving your ideas into something truly magical and uniquely yours.