Available either in NYC or long distance.
Agent/Editor Evaluation
A top literary agent or editor evaluates a complete and polished book manuscript* to assess its marketability. You’ll receive honest but supportive advice on how to take your project closer to publication and/or what hurdles stand in your way.
To begin, you send in a synopsis (of no more than 500 words) and the first ten pages of your manuscript so that we can make sure it’s ready for an agent or editor’s undivided attention.
Then a Gotham staff member will consult with you and make a match with the right agent/editor. You’ll receive a quote based on the length of your project.
Moving forward, the assigned agent/editor will read your work, provide written comments, and consult with you for one hour—either in person, over the phone, or via videoconference. You’ll receive clear and concrete suggestions for moving your manuscript further down the path to publication.
This is not an editing service nor a way to solicit an agent or editor, but rather a means for getting professional advice. In fact, an agent who works with you on this service can’t represent you on this particular project.
If you’re looking for a deep dive into story edits, try Book Doctoring.
If you’re looking for copy-editing, try Proofreading.
If you’re looking for feedback on your query, try Query Letter Coaching.
A price quote will be provided before any work is done. Payment in full is due in advance. Please allow 4-6 weeks for your written report.
Rates
The rate for the agent/editor evaluation is $95 per hour. The amount of hours is calculated like so:
Agent/Editor Evaluation (novels, memoirs)
1 hour for every 15 pages read (1 page = 275 words) plus
1 hour for written critique plus
1-hour consultation, either over the phone phone or via Zoom.
For example, an 80,000-word novel (approximately 290 pages) would be: 19-hour read, plus 1-hour for written critique, plus 1-hour consultation. Total: $1,995.
*Gotham reserves the right to decline to work on any project that contains offensive material.