Get clarity and confidence in your nonfiction manuscript

Manuscript evaluations for writers with a message—and a mission

Hi! I’m Michael, a freelance book editor with 20 years of experience in writing and editing. If you’ve ever stared at your manuscript wondering whether it’s powerful or just confusing—whether it flows or meanders—you’re not alone. Writing nonfiction is personal, complex, and sometimes overwhelming.

That’s where I come in.

My manuscript evaluation gives you honest, constructive feedback designed to sharpen your ideas, clarify your structure, and strengthen your voice—without turning your book into something it’s not. Whether you’re writing memoir, self-help, narrative nonfiction, or something in between, I’ll help you see your work with fresh eyes and guide you toward a stronger, more focused next draft.

  • Topics I love:

    • Personal development

    • Memoir and life storytelling

    • Finance and small business

    • Health and wellness

    • Science and astronomy

    • Career advice and professional development

    • Marketing, branding, and entrepreneurship

    • Thought leadership and big ideas

    Whether you’re writing a deeply personal story, a book to grow your brand, or a guide to help others, I can help you bring structure, clarity, and focus to your work—without losing your voice.

    Other experience:

    I've worked as a content strategist, editor, and SEO consultant for businesses and startups since 2013, helping teams refine their messaging, grow their audiences, and build credibility through high-quality content. I’ve also managed freelance writing teams, provided editorial coaching, and helped shape hundreds of pieces of content for digital platforms.

    My editorial feedback is grounded in clarity, strategy, and a deep respect for the power of nonfiction storytelling—whether it’s meant to educate, inspire, or persuade.

    Fun stuff:

    I also love cats, Cuban coffee, and cool t-shirts, and helping writers finally say what they really want to say.

Manuscript Evaluation

($0.030 per word)

(Minimum word count: 20,000 words)

Looking for meaningful feedback on your nonfiction manuscript but not ready for a full developmental edit? A manuscript evaluation offers comprehensive notes on structure, flow, clarity, and audience engagement—without the cost of a full edit.

Perfect for non-fiction writers who:

  • Are passionate about their subject but unsure if it’s coming through clearly

  • Have revised their manuscript but want an expert’s perspective before moving forward

  • Want to ensure their ideas are engaging, well-structured, and accessible to readers

  • Need honest, thoughtful feedback that’s encouraging—not overwhelming

  • Appreciate an editor who understands both logic and storytelling

Why Work With Me?

I’m here to help you clarify your ideas, strengthen your message, and find forward momentum—without drowning you in jargon or taking over your voice.

Writers appreciate my ability to ask the right questions, provide constructive insights, and deliver feedback that motivates them to keep going.

Writing a book is a journey. Let’s make sure yours doesn’t end in frustration.

What You’ll Get

  • In-line comments throughout your manuscript covering structure, clarity, tone, flow, pacing, and reader engagement.

  • A 3–5 page editorial letter that addresses key questions like:

    • Does your message come through clearly and consistently?

    • Are your ideas structured in a logical, compelling way?

    • Where might readers get confused, bored, or overwhelmed?

    • Is your tone appropriate for your target audience?

  • A 45-minute post-evaluation Zoom call where we’ll discuss my feedback, brainstorm solutions, and outline a strategy for your next revision. Bring your questions, your ideas, and your beverage of choice.

The Details

  • Advance Bookings: Reserve your 2025 spot now—future-you will thank you when my rates go up.

  • Genres Accepted: Memoir, narrative nonfiction, how-to, self-help, personal development, business, and other nonfiction categories. Not sure? Just ask!

  • Payment: 50% deposit at booking, remainder due when you submit your manuscript. I accept most online payments (PayPal, Venmo, etc.).

  • Cancellations & Rescheduling: Must be made at least 30 days in advance—because life happens, but I still need to plan ahead.

  • Turnaround Time: Varies by project length. No rush services—I believe good editing, like good writing, takes time.

  • Short Projects: Manuscripts under 50,000 words may receive a slightly shorter editorial letter, but with the same level of insight.

Got questions? Shoot me an email—I’d love to hear about your project!

Curious if we’re a good fit?

Book a free 30-minute call using the button below—no pressure, just a friendly chat about your project and how I can help.

FAQs

  • I work with memoir, self-help, personal development, professional nonfiction, and narrative nonfiction. If your manuscript is meant to inform, inspire, or share a story with purpose, you’re in the right place. I generally don’t work with religious nonfiction, but books on spirituality are great. if you’re unsure, just reach out!

  • Not quite. A manuscript evaluation gives you a high-level critique of your manuscript’s structure, clarity, tone, and flow. You’ll get in-line comments and a detailed editorial letter—but I won’t be making edits directly in your text. It’s a great step if you want big-picture guidance without committing to a full developmental edit just yet.

  • That’s okay! As long as you have a complete draft, I can help. My evaluation is most useful when you’ve done at least one round of revisions yourself—but it doesn’t have to be perfect. That’s what I’m here for.

  • Nope. My job is to help amplify your voice, not replace it. I’ll make suggestions to improve clarity, structure, and reader engagement, but your unique voice and goals always come first.

  • Once I send your in-line comments and editorial letter, we’ll schedule a 45-minute Zoom call to talk through everything. You can ask questions, bounce ideas around, and leave with a clear, confident plan for your next draft.

  • Nope—but that’s by design. This evaluation focuses on the big-picture story: structure, tone, clarity, flow, and how well your ideas land with readers. Line editing and copyediting come later, once the core content is solid.

  • You’re always welcome to email me with quick follow-ups. If you’d like more in-depth support, we can talk about booking a follow-up session or additional services down the line.