In-depth manuscript evaluations have long been one of the most popular parts of the Dancing on Coals workshop experience. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, Sherry’s manuscript evaluations will help make your book shine. You can choose to have Sherry evaluate a few pages, look over a partial/proposal (usually three chapters and synopsis) or an entire manuscript.
Limited space available each month.
We know your first question is cost, so let’s get right to it.
Pricing:
- In-depth evaluation of 25 manuscript pages: $ 50*
- In-depth evaluation of 50 manuscript pages: $100*
- In-depth evaluation of partial/proposal: $2.00/page*
- In-depth evaluation of full manuscript: $2.00/page*
- If you’re considering an evaluation of a full manuscript and you haven’t worked with Sherry before, we ask that you take us for a test-drive first. Take advantage of the 25- or 50-page options listed above so Sherry can evaluate your writing style and you can evaluate her critiquing style to make sure you’ll be happy working together. .
Formatting guidelines:
- Pages must be formatted with 1″ margins all around,
- Font no smaller than 12-point
- Text must be double-spaced
- Files must be on .doc, docx, or rtf format
Note: Sherry accepts manuscript evaluations in any genre except erotica and erotic romance, and may decline to work with a manuscript if it has excessive graphic violence. If you wonder if your work falls into these categories, please e-mail Sherry to discuss it.
What’s Included?
You’ll get a complete and comprehensive evaluation of your manuscript pages with a focus on characterization, tension, plot, dialogue, goal/conflict/motivation, clarity, pacing, structure, sentence structure, organization, and voice. Sherry makes notes directly on your manuscript using MS Word’s Track Changes feature. A manuscript evaluation is not necessarily the same as a line edit, although there may be some crossover. Sherry focuses on making sure your story is working the way you want it to. and never attempts to change your unique writing voice.
All manuscript evaluations will be returned in a timely manner. Upon return of Sherry’s comments to you, and after you’ve had time to review those comments, we’ll schedule a day on the calendar during which Sherry will be available to discuss your submission and answer any questions you may have about her comments and suggestions via e-mail.
Why should you choose to work with Sherry?
She’s an award-winning, national bestselling author with more than 30 works of fiction on her back list and a slew of non-fiction, too. She has written across several genres, reads all kinds of fiction voraciously, and has years of experience evaluating manuscripts. She has been teaching writing courses in person and online since 1993, bringing more than two decades of experience to the table.As a novelist herself, Sherry understands writers’ concerns about individuality and voice and she respects individual writing style. She tailors her comments to help you shine, not to make you sound like someone else
She’ll give you honest opinion and feedback, including suggestions of things to consider, but your manuscript is your own. Take what resonates with you and leave the rest. Sherry’s goal is to help you gain a clearer picture of what you want to accomplish in your book and how you might be able to do that.
Ready for an evaluation of your work?
Once you’ve reserved a spot on the calendar, we’ll send you an invoice from Dancing on Coals via PayPal. Pay with your PayPal account or use your credit or debit card.
*All fees are nonrefundable.
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