Manuscript and Structural Evaluations
Does any of this sound like you?
- “I’ve spent months refreshing Submittable only to get one (or five) form rejection letters.”
- “I’m not hearing back from the agents I’ve queried, and now I feel my project is doomed.”
- “Beta readers say something is wrong with my manuscript, but their feedback isn’t specific.”
- “I’m working on my book proposal and have questions or feel stuck.”
Getting the right feedback at the right time is crucial to a writer’s success. Sometimes what you need is someone to assess your first few pages. At other times, you need someone to evaluate your project’s structure and then help you refine it.
I’m an editor who thinks outside the box.
I have a background, not just in writing, but also in mindfulness and mental health. Sure, I know how to tell kickass stories. But I also know how people create and learn. And that whole ‘emotions getting in the way of writing’ thing? I’ve got you covered.
I’ve spent the last eight years helping people like you strengthen your skills and craft. My proven process includes:
- Establishing clear goals
- Delivering clear and actionable feedback
- Providing a manageable revision plan that takes your project to the next level
Work with me, and you’ll receive the kind of individualized attention that will help you shift, reshape, and ready your manuscript for publication.
Types of Evaluations
Structure Evaluations
Give me a chance to look under your manuscript’s hood with a beat sheet, synopsis, or chapter summary review.
25-Page Reviews
Discover whether something’s missing or if any writing issues are preventing agents and editors from saying yes.
Book Proposal Reviews
Find out if this critical marketing document is answering key questions agents look for, including why you, why this, and why now.
Testimonials
Mathina Calliope
“Lisa’s reading of my manuscript was thorough and her feedback incisive. Her superpower is that she brings two gifts and perspectives to the table: the psychological expertise to home in on what’s going on beneath the front story of a memoir, and the knowledge and understanding of how story works—and how to help writers shape their events into one.”
Writer, Editor, Teacher, and Coach
Nora Demleitner
“Lisa helped me write for a general audience and gently coached me to the finish line. She is an outstanding teacher, editor, guide, cheerleader, coach, and critic. She is a fountain of knowledge and insight. Her editorial suggestions were always spot on. Without her, much of my writing would sit in a computer file, untouched.”
President of St. John’s College, now represented by Andy Ross
Michele Capots
“Lisa gently guided me and asked questions that allowed me to dig deeper and fully express myself in my work. Her constant encouragement, support, and patience increased my confidence not just in my writing, but also in myself. She is one phenomenal editor and coach.”
Speaker, Coach, and Storyteller
Katie Rose Guest Pryal
“Lisa has read two manuscripts for me now, one a short piece of narrative nonfiction and one a full-length novel. Her feedback on both was excellent. She provided an overview document with detailed suggestions on the narrative arc, character development, and more. I would highly recommend Lisa even to the most experienced writer.”
Author, Speaker, and Educator