Do you have a non-fiction manuscript that could be ready for publishing? Do you want advice on how to improve your manuscript and its publishing potential? Our experienced assessor offers feedback on non-fiction works-in-progress, including memoir, biography, travel, true crime, parenting, cookbooks, self help, gardening and more.

What should I expect?

Our non-fiction assessor will consider your manuscript’s structure, content and style to assess its potential for publication. Feedback may include structural assessment, analysis of voice, and/or legal issues to be aware of, such as defamation and copyright.

You will receive a brief written summary of the assessor’s key feedback points; however, you will not receive edits on your manuscript submission. This one-on-one meeting is a chance to discuss issues and potential solutions, and to ask questions.

Our assessments may be carried out in-person, or via Zoom or a phone call.

Is my manuscript eligible?

All non-fiction is eligible. If you’re writing narrative non-fiction and would like a stronger focus on story structure, character or dialogue, please see our narrative non-fiction assessments.

Next dates

Saturday 15 June 2024 – Lliane Clarke – IN-PERSON AT WRITING NSW, LILYFIELD – Bookings open! 

If this date doesn’t work for you, Join the waitlist for future Non-Fiction Manuscript Assessments

Submission requirements

You will need to provide the following at least 10 days before your assessment:

• the first 4000 words of your manuscript*
• a one-page synopsis, up to 300 words (need help with your synopsis? Please see our guide to writing a synopsis)
• a brief writing CV, no more than one page

*Please note that if your manuscript excerpt exceeds the word limit, it will be truncated at 4000 words before being forwarded to the assessor. Please respect the time the assessor is dedicating to reading your work by sticking to the industry standard formatting and word limit. Thank you.

Submitting your work

Once you have made your appointment, you will need to submit your materials at least 10 days before your assessment as one document in MS Word format. Your document must be formatted to industry standards, as follows:

You can submit your document via our submission form.

Please note, if your materials are not submitted at least 10 days before your assessment, we cannot guarantee your assessor will have time to review them before your appointment.

About the assessor

Lliane Clarke is an experienced publisher, writer, ghost-writer, editor and journalist with over 20 years of experience in publishing in print and online. She has a passion for story-telling and helping writers to bring to life the stories they want to tell.

Patrick Mangan is a senior editor at Penguin Random House and is also the author of two non-fiction books, So Close and The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Gunner.

Reviews

‘…this decision was the best I could have done.  The time I spent with Patrick was more than worthwhile, he actually gave me the confidence to keep tackling the massive job I have in front of me.  The suggestions he offered I have certainly taken on, and I now look at my manuscript in a different way. I am so glad I made the decision to apply for the assessment.’ – Patricia, 2023.

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Cancellation Policy

Your enrolment is non-refundable. If you should wish to withdraw from a manuscript assessment, you must inform Writing NSW at least fourteen days in advance of the assessment to receive a full credit. Withdrawals up to seven days prior to the assessment will be eligible for a 50% credit. Withdrawals in the week prior to the assessment are ineligible for credit.

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