Renée Otmar provides manuscript assessments for academics, professional writers and novice/emerging writers who need an objective, professional opinion on their manuscript’s readiness for publication.

A manuscript assessment provides an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript, its readability and suitability for its target readership, and major themes and messages. In a work of fiction this might include discussion of narrative flow and pacing, dialogue, plot and character development, while the focus for non-fiction works might be on the structure and organisation of the manuscript, use of research and different ways to present complex information. The assessment considers the author’s writing style and engagement with the subject matter.

A manuscript assessment may highlight specific areas for improvement, or may recommend structural editing or copyediting to prepare the manuscript for submission or publication, but it does not provide these services.

Crossover works

A manuscript assessment can also be provided for authors who wish to convert their academic/professional works to suit new target markets (known as ‘crossover’ works). Crossover markets include general trade (adult fiction, non-fiction and reference), professional, education, young adult and children’s publishing. Renée  also works with life writers to produce auto/biographies, memoirs, tributes, anniversary and service/organisational histories.

Poetry, Short story and Fantasy genres

If you need a manuscript assessment for your poetry, short story or fantasy manuscript, contact the Australian Society of Authors or the Victorian Writers’ Centre, both of which offer excellent services.

Fee estimate

The base fee is $660 for a manuscript of up to 20,000 words, plus an additional $110 for every extra 10,000 words (or part thereof). In return, you will receive a report of about 1000–3000 words, including comments on any areas you have asked us to focus on, and suggestions for improvement. The emphasis will be on providing solutions that you can implement yourself as you revise the manuscript – this will help you save time and money at the developmental/structural editing and copyediting stages.