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Rachel Rowlands, Editor & Author

Manuscript assessment

A manuscript assessment provides you with:

  • Comprehensive editorial feedback, covering key elements of your narrative including the plot, structure, characterisation, world-building, and any other broader elements.
  • Targeted advice on major revisions you can map out a clear revision plan.
  • Knowledge of your target market and how your book fits in, with direction on how to meet those expectations.
  • Tailored resources so you can continue to work towards your writing and publishing goals.

is your manuscript ready for a professional assessment? »

what you get

Service includes…


I’ll read your manuscript and write a comprehensive editorial report (10–20 pages, depending on your manuscript’s length). This report will focus on a range of big-picture elements: the plot and structure, characterisation, your setting/world-building, the target market, and any other broader areas requiring attention. Some examples from your manuscript will be included so you can understand where the critique could be applied.

You’ll also receive a manuscript revision guide to help you plan your changes, and a customised resource sheet tailored to you.

I include an optional 30-minute follow-up call or live-text chat to discuss any questions you have. Editorial notes on a revision plan (up to 5,000 words) are also included.

When another service might be better than a manuscript assessment
not ready for a full assessment? try the…

Mini assessment


This is a short diagnostic report covering my initial editorial impressions of your manuscript, with targeted critique on 1–3 key areas for improvement. I’ll also provide you with feedback on the overall marketability of your manuscript. Advice on next steps is included as well – for example, whether the manuscript is ready for submission or publication, or if further rewrites would be useful.

What other writers are saying

  • She is simply amazing

    The manuscript assessment I received from Rachel was extraordinarily helpful. I was blown away by Rachel’s thoughtful and thorough work and there is no doubt that my novel will be incalculably stronger because of Rachel’s feedback. She is simply amazing. If you are a writer in search of professional editing services, you found them. End of search.
    The Ruiner by Wes Cook
    wes cook
    Supernatural thriller author
  • Fantastic

    I genuinely cannot express how grateful I am. Your notes are fantastic and have really helped me to see a clearer direction for the rewrite. They’ve really helped things click into place for me. It’s given me a new burst of excitement to start thinking of the revision and take this from a somewhat good idea to a great story. 
    Amelie Archer
    Romantasy author
  • Really helped me

    Thank you so much for your feedback – it’s really helped me cut away all the fat from the story and streamline it, and to really focus on the story that I want to tell and what I want readers to get out of it. I’d struggled to explain my book to others and I see now that this was because I was throwing too many plotlines and characters at the wall and seeing what would stick. I’ve re-written around 50,000 words from scratch and it already feels so much better and is more snappy than the earlier draft. I feel much more immersed as I feel I know the characters and the world better than before.
    Flames of Rebellion by Aaron S. Jones
    aaron s. jones
    Fantasy author
    Website
  • An injection of energy

    Rachel’s manuscript assessment taught me so much, and unlocked a completely new way of looking at and understanding what did and didn’t work in my manuscript. Her notes were incredibly thorough, thoughtful and detailed, returned in a well-structured document with constructive ideas for fixing the big issues. I felt such an injection of energy after working with her, it has been invaluable for me.
    Rachel Dauncey
    YA author
  • A valuable resource

    Rachel was a professional from start to finish. Her feedback was comprehensive, but also concise and direct. Her different service offerings make her a valuable resource for anyone working on a manuscript at any stage. Her professionalism, dedication to the craft of writing, and general literary acumen reflected great credit on her, and I would highly recommend her services.
    JEFF
    Fantasy author
  • Inspiring

    Your manuscript assessment was exactly what I was hoping for. You confirmed some thoughts I had, raised plenty of new ones and helped me see where things were working where otherwise I had doubts. My head was nodding throughout and I found your suggestions/explanations inspiring. I can’t wait to get to work. Thank you so much.
    Charlie kelly
    Romance author

Book your manuscript assessment

    I only work on human-authored books. Was generative AI used to draft, structure, create, or generate content for any part of your manuscript?*
    Yes, I used AINo, I didn't use AI

    Member of the Editorial Freelancers Association

    Happy first day of October! 🧡 Who else loves autum Happy first day of October! 🧡 Who else loves autumn/fall? 🍂 If you want something to read this cosy season while bundled up with a blanket and a hot chocolate (and your cat), I have a treat for you! The Cat Cafè Book Club is 99p on Kindle ALL month, and is also 99p on Apple Books until October 26! 🥰

#thecatcafèbookclub #thecatcafebookclub #rachelrowlands
    I've had a lot of new followers recently and often I've had a lot of new followers recently and often get similar questions about my books, so I thought I'd do a new FAQ to pin on my profile this time instead of in story highlights! 📌  Hopefully this answers some common questions you might have about my books!
    Absolutely overjoyed that my French publisher @edi Absolutely overjoyed that my French publisher @editionsnami sent me this beautiful marketing/PR box they put together for the French release of The Cat Café Book Club. 🥹❤️ I didn't expect to receive one of these, though I'd seen it going out to reviewers and bookstagram accounts! I'm so, so pleased to have it and all the lovely little trinkets they included in the box. It's hard to choose a favourite item!

My French editor wrote me the loveliest note about the books too. 😊 It has made my week. 

#thecatcafebookclub #thecatcafèbookclub #rachelrowlands
    Haru being majestic as we have morning coffee toge Haru being majestic as we have morning coffee together in the garden, which is one of my favourite routines. 🥰☕️ She was more interested in insects and birds though. 

This beautiful girl *might* be the reason Brenna has seven black cats in The Cat Cafè Book Club... 🩶

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