Testimonials
“KYD‘s Manuscript Assessment Service was an excellent opportunity to broaden and improve my work. A highly professional and sensitive way to engage in manuscript feedback which also encourages positive momentum, a chance to see the work anew and open up new possibilities.”
“My KYD manuscript assessment was extremely useful, especially as a push towards submission with my agent. Kate Goldsworthy was a friendly, professional and conscientious editor, with excellent creative ideas and advice.”
“This is an incredible opportunity, take it! I particularly recommend the KYD Manuscript Assessment Service for writers with a well-advanced draft and complete story who need an experienced and compassionate eye to take it to the next level.”
“As much as attempting my first novel length story has been exhilarating, it has also brought on moments of confusion and despair. This manuscript assessment helped me a great deal when I felt like I had read my story to death and could not see it anymore. The feedback was detailed and easy to follow, and my editor was direct but also encouraging. After the assessment I felt confident to redraft from a fresh perspective.”
“I found the inspiration to continue because of the professionalism of this service. Constructive, detailed criticism was a godsend as I had been feeling isolated and frankly a bit lost in my 90,000 words.”
“Both during and post-graduation from an MFA program in Creative Nonfiction, I struggled with my memoir manuscript. What I needed was honest, unbiased and constructive feedback. Working with Rebecca and the manuscript review process gave me the critical view into my own work that I needed: her feedback on style, structure and voice was more valuable than I could have imagined. When I returned my manuscript, it was with a clear understanding of the narrative and story – what I’d take forward into the next draft and that which must be left behind. I plan to (hopefully) work with Rebecca again when my next draft is completed, long before I submit or pitch to publishers.”
“Working with Rebecca Starford was invaluable. Her practical advice and support guided the reshaping of my manuscript which has since been shortlisted for the Queensland Writers Centre ADAPTABLE program.”
“I sent an early draft of my novel to KYD’s assessment service and received excellent feedback from Kate Goldsworthy in less than a month, which I thought was impressively quick given the thoroughness of the analysis. Kate’s criticisms were firm but highly instructive – writers need to have a thick skin and there’s no point in paying money for a pat on the back. My only regret is not having had the manuscript assessed sooner – it probably would’ve saved me a rewrite and given me some much-needed perspective while I was still in the plotting phase. I felt extraordinarily privileged to have received advice from someone with such an excellent track record, and highly recommend the service to first-time writers who are struggling with their projects.”
“The process of submitting my manuscript of itself sharpened my thinking. The assessment provided new perspectives, pointed out gaps which will now be filled and (the purpose of the exercise) increased the certainty of publication.”
“Kate’s assessment of my manuscript was very valuable. The chats before and after Kate read my manuscript worked brilliantly to help me think deeply about what it was I wanted to achieve in writing this book and check that we were both clear about the manuscript assessment’s purpose and focus. Kate asked some tough questions and communicated with kindness and humour. After reading Kate’s written assessment I felt energised to move onto the next draft and rework my manuscript. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I came out of the assessment with a clearer idea of what I am wanting to achieve and many tools and suggestions to help guide me. I highly recommend a manuscript assessment.”
To learn more about our Manuscript Assessment Service, view prices or book your assessment, please visit our shop.
To learn more about our Manuscript Assessment Service editors, click here.
