Types of Report and Services
Welcome to
Types of Reports & Services
The Mini Critique offers feedback on the opening chapters and synopsis to see whether you’re on the right track. It can also be used for short stories.
The Picture Book Report (for Kids'Corner only) looks at the fundamentals of how to structure and style a pacy story, where every word counts. We can assess up to three stories per report (under 1000 words each).
NB. Where multiple texts are assessed, please note that each text may not be commented upon separately in equal depth. Additional notes on picture book presentation will be provided. Please note that we do not submit picture books to agents and we do not assess rhyme.
The General Report provides an overview of a manuscript for authors who’ve been through the editorial process with us before, or who feel confident about self-editing techniques and terminology. This report is ideal for experienced writers seeking a second opinion of their work.
The In-Depth Report provides a comprehensive assessment of the manuscript, with specific line references.Professional writing terms and concepts are clearly explained, and authors are shown how these concepts apply to their own work. With an In-Depth Report annotation or margin notes on the manuscript may occur but these are not part of the report and are more for the editor’s reference: all essential information will be in the report. This report is ideal for manuscripts that need involved editing.
The Consultancy Report provides a manuscript with specialist attention and involves a detailed structural edit, mark-up where required (not copy-edit), and an email or phone conversation post-report. This report is ideal if you have agent or publisher interest, are on the cusp of being published, or looking for a more hands-on editorial approach.
The Non-fiction Proposal Report covers up to 50 double spaced pages of a manuscript and includes a letter to the agent/publisher, contents list with a brief description of each chapter, biography, and author introduction.
The Non-fiction Report is for assessment of the whole manuscript. This is essential for academic or specialist non-fiction.
The Are You Ready to Submit Report looks at your submission letter, synopsis and first three chapters – or up to 30 pages – to assess whether your package is ready to send to an agent or editor. The report also includes a 24-page guide on how to approach agents/editors.
If you are unsure which report you need, or have never had your work professionally assessed, we strongly recommend the In-Depth Report as a comprehensive introduction to the self-edit process.
Brainstorm Your Plot
Kathryn and Helen will assess your synopsis and first chapter – or up to 10 pages – and then in a one-on-one session we will discuss how to take your story forward. The service is designed to kick-start your writing and set you on the right path and involves a one hour meeting and a day of Cornerstones reviewing your material.
