Once you’ve edited your manuscript to the highest standard you can manage, it’s ready to be published, right?

Not quite.

You’ve taken it as far as you can on your own, and that’s a huge achievement. But it’s important to understand that reaching publication almost always involves external input. Very few authors make it to print without feedback from others, whether through peer critique, professional assessment, or guidance from expert readers.

Even after a manuscript is accepted by a traditional publisher, it will go through rigorous editing before it sees the light of day. And if you’re planning to self-publish, seeking that same level of external input is just as essential. That’s not a sign of failure — it’s simply how good work becomes great.

After a writer has worked closely with their words for an extended period, it becomes difficult to see clearly what’s working and what isn’t. That’s where a fresh, objective opinion can make all the difference, helping you uncover blind spots, sharpen your prose, and take the next step in your manuscript’s development.

Manuscript assessment

Manuscript assessment services will examine your manuscript for weaknesses and strengths, the quality of the writing and publishing potential. For those able to afford it, assessment can be a great way of improving your skills as a writer and obtaining constructive comments on your work. You can even send your assessment report – if favourable – to publishers and agents to pique their interest. See our information sheets on Getting Published and Literary Agents for details about how to approach publishers and agents.

Writing NSW provides manuscript assessments via Zoom or telephone. For more details see manuscript assessments.

Costs of manuscript assessors

Assessors’ individual websites should provide details of their rates. There is no standard rate for manuscript assessment, so it’s important to shop around to make sure you are receiving a reasonable price.

If you want to reduce assessment costs, you might give only a part of your manuscript to an appraiser for comment.

Manuscript development and mentorships

Many writers’ organisations provide opportunities for manuscript development through programs such as fellowships and mentorships, in which an experienced author works with you to improve your manuscript. Some of these programs, such as the Varuna fellowship programs, are selective. Selective programs have the advantage of being less expensive and more prestigious for participating writers. Writing NSW’s free weekly electronic newsletter, Newsbite, publishes information about upcoming mentorship and manuscript development opportunities for writers.

Writing NSW runs an extensive, paid mentorship program, which is available to members on application. Our mentors specialise in a range of areas including fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry, scriptwriting, speculative fiction and writing for children and young adults. Find out more here>>

Some manuscript assessors also offer mentoring as one of their services. As always, when choosing a mentor service, make sure you investigate several options and be clear about what you can expect for your money.

Writing groups

Many writers find it valuable to join or form a writing group — a regular gathering of people with similar interests and levels of experience who meet to share and critique each other’s works-in-progress. You may be surprised by the insight others can offer. An objective perspective is something you, as the writer, will always lack, and a supportive group can help spot flaws or suggest improvements you may have missed.

Offering feedback on others’ work is just as important. Critiquing draft material sharpens your own skills, helping you think more critically about structure, voice, pacing, and how to apply those lessons to your own writing.

Browse our list of active writing groups in NSW. If you’re interested in starting your own, see our resource sheet How to Start a Writing Group.

A note on choosing the right reader

It can be tempting to hand your manuscript to a friend, partner, or parent — someone who knows and supports you — for feedback. While their encouragement can be invaluable, it’s important to remember that loved ones often lack the objectivity, experience, or confidence to give truly constructive critique. They may hesitate to be honest, or may not have the tools to explain what’s not working and why. For meaningful, actionable feedback that will help move your manuscript closer to publication, seeking out a writing group, mentor, or professional assessment is usually far more effective.

Courses

There are a number of courses available, both at Writing NSW and through other writers’ centres and organisations, to help you improve your skills as writer and self-editor, and some specifically designed to guide you through the novel-writing process.

Check out Writing NSW’s full range of courses here.

More from Writing NSW

Check out our full range of writing courses in Sydney, our online writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your creative writing journey. Find out about our prizes and opportunities, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.