Manuscript Services
You've written the story. Now find out whether the opening works.
John Acree offers professional manuscript evaluations for writers who want an experienced outside perspective before taking the next step toward revision, submission, or publication.
Manuscript Services
John is the author of more than a dozen books and has decades of professional writing experience. His background includes newspaper journalism, service as a managing editor, approximately 15 years writing about the Cincinnati Bengals for Cincy Jungle, and extensive experience developing, revising, and publishing long-form fiction and nonfiction.
The objective is simple: help you make your manuscript stronger without turning it into someone else’s book.
First Chapter Evaluation
$49
Up to 5,000 words
Your opening chapter has an enormous job. It must introduce your story, establish your voice, engage the reader, and create a reason to keep turning pages.
I will read your first chapter and provide a written professional evaluation addressing such areas as:
- Opening effectiveness and reader engagement
- Character introduction and development
- Voice and point of view
- Dialogue
- Pacing and clarity
- Areas that may confuse or lose the reader
- What is working particularly well
- Specific opportunities for improvement
Turnaround: 5 business days
This is an evaluation rather than a complete line or copy edit.
Manuscript Opening Assessment
$99
Up to 15,000 words
For writers who want a deeper assessment of the opening portion of their manuscript.
I will evaluate the opening up to 15,000 words, looking not only at individual scenes and chapters but also at how the larger story is developing.
The assessment may address:
- Story structure and momentum
- Character development
- Narrative voice
- Dialogue
- Pacing
- Scene effectiveness
- Continuity and clarity
- Reader engagement
- Strengths worth preserving
- Areas that deserve further development or revision
You will receive a written editorial assessment designed to give you a practical roadmap for your next revision.
Turnaround: 7 business days
Author Consultation Package
$149
Up to 15,000 words plus a 45-minute consultation
This package includes the complete Manuscript Opening Assessment described above, followed by a private 45-minute video consultation with John Acree.
The conversation gives us an opportunity to discuss the manuscript, explore the recommendations in the assessment, answer your questions, and talk about possible next steps for the book.
Turnaround for written assessment: 7 business days
The consultation will be scheduled after the assessment has been delivered.
Manuscript Services
About John Acree
John Acree is the author of more than a dozen books and has spent much of his professional life working with words.
He earned a B.A. in Journalism from The Ohio State University and began his career as a newspaper sportswriter. He later served as managing editor of the Crete News and spent approximately 15 years covering the Cincinnati Bengals for Cincy Jungle.
He also holds a J.D. from Washington & Lee University School of Law and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Theology from Amherst Theological Institute.
As an author, John has worked across multiple genres and understands the challenges involved in taking a book from an initial idea through drafting, revision, editing, and publication.
The editor’s job is not to make your book sound like the editor wrote it. The job is to help you make your book the strongest version of the book you intended to write.
How It Works
01.
Select a Package
Choose the service above that best fits your manuscript needs.
02.
Complete Payment
Checkout securely via standard payment options.
03.
Submit Your Manuscript
After payment, you will receive instant instructions for submitting your file electronically (.docx preferred).
Confidentiality
Your manuscript remains your work. Materials submitted for evaluation will be treated as confidential and will not be published, distributed, or used for any other purpose.
Disclaimer
Manuscript services are intended to provide professional editorial feedback. Purchasing an evaluation does not guarantee publication, representation, sales, or acceptance by an agent or publisher.