Manuscript Assessments

Mini-assessment (picture book)

$165

The mini-assessment is not a report, just the manuscript (submitted by email in Yabby format, under 500 words) with suggested changes tracked, and some explanation. A mini-assessment cannot lead to a recommendatory letter, but is just a brief comment on how the work is shaping up, whether the idea will work.

Picture book text

$275

Most picture books have only a few hundred words. We will accept as picture books, manuscripts up to 800 words.

Picture book text and illustrations

$330

The picture book text and illustrations assessment is completed by one of the writing assessors. They will comment on the pictures as well – suitability, how well they complement the words, how well they demonstrate subplot, whether the characters are consistent. The writing assessor cannot comment on the technical proficiency of the artwork, or on design features, points of view etc. etc.

Picture book text and technical assessment of illustrations

$440

As above, however in addition, artist/illustrator Jo Thompson will assess picture book illustrations from a technical perspective. She will provide feedback on design, choice of medium and overall artistic impact.

Short chapter books to 7000 words

$330

Novels, up to 35 000 words

$480

Poetry 300-4000 words

$440

Longer novels

$60 + $15 per thousand words.

Mini-assessment of novel (synopsis plus first 5,000 words)

$330

All genres – subsequent drafts $55 discount from original price

We will work on three or four drafts. After the second draft, we will advise whether the manuscript is likely to reach publishable standard. When it has, you will have the right to say, in your cover letter to publishers:'Create a Kids' Book certifies that this work has reached a publishable standard'.If, after the second draft, we do not think this will happen, we are still willing to work on subsequent drafts, in the understanding that it may not be endorsed by Create a Kids' Book.

Recommendatory letters cost an additional second draft reading.

Exceptional manuscripts only, which have been several times through the assessment process, may receive an open letter of recommendation, to accompany the manuscript to the publishers, written by Virginia. A draft letter will be emailed to the author then four hard copies on lettterhead will be posted.

Non fiction, charged by the same word counts

Urgent manuscript assessments can be completed within a week, for a surcharge of $165

Individual consultancy           $165 an hour for a picture book consultation.

Novels emailed will carry a surcharge of $40 for printing a hard copy. Picture books and chapter books, no charge for printing.

Professional Manuscript Presentation

As the majority of publishers accept only hard copy submissions, it is important for writers to present their work in a professional manner. Create a Kids’ Book also requires proper presentation to allow for extensive editing on the text. We recommend:

• Use good quality A4 white bond paper heavy enough to withstand handling.

• On the top of each page, a header with author’s name, phone, email and book title as well as the page number. Use a smaller font, so that it all fits into one line, and the Header and Footer tool will make it grey rather than black, to be less obtrusive.

• Typeface should be 12 point (Times Roman) and the text should be 1.5 or double-spaced to allow for editing.

• Use one side of the paper only.

• A title page with the title and number of words plus the writer’s contact details is essential.

• Begin pagination on the first page of the story – not the title page.

• Make every effort to edit your own work before submission: correct spelling, grammar and punctuation please.

• Do not fasten or bind the MS in any way. Loose leaf only.

• Do not fold the MS. Use a sturdy business sized A4 envelope or a post pack and be sure to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the safe return of your MS.