What we do
The Manuscript Appraisal Agency (MAA) is here to help authors get the best out of their fiction or non-fiction manuscripts so that they are ready for the publishing industry; whether that be for traditional publishing or self-publishing. We do this by providing comprehensive editorial options including appraisals (manuscript assessment), editing and mentoring, as well as providing publishing support and guidance. We’ve been in the publishing business for a long time and keep our finger on the pulse in terms of what publishers, agents and readers want and need out of your narrative.
We’re also the chosen editorial support team for many publishers and agents, to help take their projects from infancy through to a published book.
Publishers and agents are no longer looking for potential, they want manuscripts that are structurally ready for publishing. The MAA helps you prepare your narrative for the competitive world of publishing.
Very few authors work in isolation. The MAA team has been partnering with writers for over two decades to achieve the best outcomes for their work. Our intention is to help you to see your work from a publisher’s perspective. We offer objective feedback on how your work might be received by a publisher based on market appeal, narrative interest, and writing competency.
How can we help
Whether you are trying to develop your writing style, tackle a plot line, or simply get a reaction to your work, our development services are a good place to start. We offer honest, objective and constructive feedback to help you in your manuscript development and publishing journey. If we genuinely feel that your narrative is ready for publishers then we will be sure to let you know and help guide you to the next phase in your journey, just as we’ve helped others before you to reach their publishing dreams.
Appraisals
A manuscript appraisal (also known as a manuscript assessment) offers a broad overall assessment of your manuscript, outlining strengths and weaknesses – provided in the form of a report. Specific problem areas may be flagged and general suggestions for improvement may be made, but a critique won’t provide line editing or scene-by-scene advice for revision. Appraisals are tailored to your manuscript and will look at areas such as narrative development, plot, voice, tone, writing style, characterisation etc. It will provide an overview of where your manuscript’s strengths lie and where work is required to prepare it for publishing.
Mentorships
Sometimes we need a little more help and support than what the appraisal offers but we’re not quite ready for editing … this is where author mentoring comes in. Mentorships offer you an opportunity to work directly with Kit Carstairs, MAA Director, in order to develop your manuscript, work on your writing technique, enjoy the support of an advocate generally while you sculpt your narrative. It is like having a good friend… who will give you the truth (the whole truth) and will push you in the direction you need to be pushed. We welcome authors at all stages of their writing career, however mentoring opportunities are limited to Kit’s availability.
Editing
Book editing refers to the process of reviewing and revising a manuscript or written work with the intention of improving its overall quality and preparing it for publication. It involves various levels of editing, including developmental/structural editing, copy editing/line editing, and proofreading, depending on the specific needs of the book.
The purpose of book editing is to enhance the readability, clarity, and overall quality of the book, ensuring that it meets the standards of the intended audience and provides a satisfying reading experience.
Publishing
Publishing is a discombobulating space for many authors. We’re here to help take the guess work out of it and make it a little less overwhelming. If you feel you need a little guidance in this area, then we’d love to book in a chat with you. These chats can cover various aspects of the publishing process (both traditional and self-publishing) and give you a chance to ask some of those burning questions you might have.
We’re also very aware of how important your synopsis and cover letter are for your submission to publishing houses, we’re here to help you with these all-important documents.
MANUSCRIPTS WE WORK WITH
We accept the following types of manuscripts for appraisal, mentoring and editing…
Children’s picture books
Children’s chapter books (fiction and non-fiction)
Middle grade (fiction and non-fiction)
Fiction for all age groups and in all genres
(including: literary, YA, sci-fi, thrillers, fantasy, crime,
historical, romance, chick lit, the list is endless…)
Non-fiction generally (this includes self-help, instructional, memoir etc)
Series concepts and themes
Poetry
