The Manuscript Review
GET CLARITY AND AN ACTION PLAN
It’s nearly impossible to see the big picture when you’ve been neck-deep in your writing for weeks, months, or even years. And few things feel more dejecting than to be handed a laundry list of issues without any solutions. I’d never do that to you.
The Manuscript Review is an in-depth assessment of your book. I'll read through your manuscript cover-to-cover and give you feedback on everything from narrative, structure, consistency, color—and anything else that needs attention. You'll receive a written assessment that's equal parts field guide and roadmap, a mix of explanation and workable advice.
I won’t just point out what’s not working; I'll help you devise exactly how to fix it.
We'll then meet to talk everything through so you walk away with clarity and action plan.
You'll get comprehensive feedback on your manuscript:
STRUCTURE + ORGANIZATION
Get everything where it needs to go first by making the structural moves (organizing at the book level) and then organizational moves (organizing within the chapter).
CONTENT + CLARITY
AKA what you’re saying and how you’re saying it. Flesh out the important topics, clarify your message, and hold your reader’s attention.
AUTHORITY
Does your audience know why they should listen to you? (Do you?) Make your writing direct and straightforward. Strengthen your argument. Ensure that your readers trust you and your message.
TONE + PACE + CONSISTENCY
Does your writing veer from dry as a bone to more spirited than a tent revival? Do you offer a grab bag of action items in Chapter 3 and a whole lotta nada in Chapter 4? Does your book drag at the end? Take the necessary steps to make sure your readers stick around.
Yep, I want this →
“Ann is a master at getting you to see how much potential you have and how much better your work could be.”
It makes you feel great about making changes, like you're really excited to level up and make progress not just with your current project, but as a writer.
— Justin Gosnell
WRITTEN ASSESSMENT OF YOUR MANUSCRIPT
60-MINUTE DISCUSSION CALL
CALL RECORDING + ALL NOTES
30 DAYS OF DIGITAL SUPPORT
The Manuscript Review can be useful at any stage of the writing process.
Especially at the beginning stages when you're looking for directional guidance and in the almost-final stages when you just want one final opinion.
Let's talk process
How the Manuscript Review Works
Command+Z's clientele spans industries; whatever your wheelhouse, I'll offer you guidance and actionable advice to elevate your book to its highest potential. While our process will be tailored to you and your book, here’s what you can expect from our time together.
Project
Kickoff
We’ll start with a project kick-off session. We’ll talk about your goals and ideas, and any specific areas where you want me to give extra attention. I’ll also ask you questions to better understand your business. Once I’ve got a solid grasp of your work, it’s time to read.
Deep Dive
I’ll do two editorial passes of your manuscript. The first will be as a reader; I’ll experience your writing just like your reader would and flag anywhere I feel confused, bored, or let down. (Hey, it happens!) Then I’ll begin again, this time as your editor.I’ll dig into every nook and cranny of your manuscript, noting the opportunities to improve your book and suggestions for how to do so in a thorough written assessment.
Discussion
Once I return your assessment to you, I’ll give you a few days to review my suggestions. Then you and I will then hash it all out in a 60-minute strategy session.
We’ll cram as much as possible into our time together to make sure you leave with advice you can use. And you’ll get a recording of our session—no frantic note-taking required.
Support
After our call, you’ll get 30 days of email support. Got follow-up questions? Want me to look over a reworked chapter? Ask away!
Three Steps to Booked
Contact
The first thing to do is reach out to me by filling out the contact form and telling me a bit more about you and your book.
Connect
Next, we'll connect via email or Zoom, and talk about you, your manuscript, and whether the Developmental Edit is the best fit for your needs.
Collaborate
Choose your start date, pay the initial deposit to lock it down, and send me everything you've got. Then it's off to the races.
“Working with Ann helped me overcome resistance and turn the misery into magic.”
If you want to get clear on the most pressing changes you can make for the biggest impact on your manuscript, Ann is the person you need to call.
— Jonas Altman
