Manuscript Annotation
Detailed critique and revision guidance via editorial memorandum and margin comments in manuscript text
Manuscript annotation is a hybrid service consisting of an overview memo for big-picture analysis, running editorial commentary in the margins to guide revision, and a follow-up Q&A session with your editor. Annotation is a versatile tool that can be used for initial critique, for developmental editing and revision guidance, or to push a near-final draft to the finish line.
The overview memo will generally provide detailed diagnostic feedback on how the story or narrative is working as a whole, with attention to plot, pacing, characterization, dialogue, and writing style (for fiction); and organization, structure, effectiveness, and clarity (for nonfiction). Your editor will look carefully at what works, what needs work, and any principles or techniques that could improve the experience of your book for readers and maximize the work’s chance at successful publication.
The detailed annotative commentary inserted in the margins of the manuscript itself typically addresses a wide range of topics and objectives based on the needs of the manuscript in question.
This commentary may include (but not be limited to):
- specific ideas to strengthen plot, subplot, characterization, or scene
- notes drawing your attention to specific recurring instances of issues summarized in the overview
- questions about your intent in a given passage or an explanation of why the way you’ve worded something many be confusing
- indications of repetitive, redundant, or tangential text that you should consider cutting
- suggestions, wherever needed, to:
- clarify meaning
- improve description or make it more vivid
- reign in overwriting or unnecessary detail
- answer a question
- strengthen the impact of a passage
- revise a passage with a specific goal in mind
- consider different wording
- make dialogue more interesting
- make a character more memorable and distinctive
- be more (or less) or explicit about something
- fix dialogue that sounds contrived or out of character voice
- address any other matters in need of attention or further consideration as you revise
The end result can be thought of as a very comprehensive and detailed roadmap through the revision process, with focus on both matters affecting the whole book and highly specific matters of execution.
Please note that this service is most appropriate for later drafts or works that are already reasonably sound in structure. If you’re looking for feedback on a very rough early draft or a work that you suspect needs rethinking on some level, a manuscript evaluation is usually a better choice.
If you’re unsure if annotation is right for you, we’d be happy to advise. Just contact Ross Browne in the Tucson office.
Favorite genres include historical fiction, women's fiction, literary fiction, memoir, and topical nonfiction
Favorite genres include women’s fiction, fantasy, romance, YA/MG fiction, and narrative nonfiction
Favorite genres include literary fiction, romance, short stories, essays, and stories involving animals or magic realism
Favorite genres include contemporary women's fiction, romance, literary fiction, mainstream fiction, and historical fiction
Favorite genres include memoir, literary fiction, thrillers, and books involving ecology, nature, animals, and the environment
Pricing for manuscripts over 50,000 words ranges from $0.014 – $.018 (1.4 – 1.8 cents) per word.
Rates for annotation of shorter manuscripts are available by contacting the Tucson office.
Turnaround time for manuscript evaluations is typically 4-5 weeks.
Click here to see a manuscript annotation sample.
To request a quote, make a submission, or request more information
Please visit our online welcome center, email us at admin@editorialdepartment.com, or call us at (520) 546-9992.
What happens next?
All inquiries to The Editorial Department will be personally fielded by author services director Ross Browne, who will do the following:
- confirm receipt of your materials
- gather any further information needed
- do a no-cost/no-obligation preliminary review, to get a feel for which editor(s) and service(s) best fit your project’s needs
- provide a written quote with price and turnaround time for any recommended services
- answer any questions about recommended options or possible alternatives
- schedule your project with the assigned editor, if you decide to move forward
- explain and finalize the appropriate billing arrangements
- provide a firm delivery date and keep you updated on our progress, as appropriate
- deliver your feedback or editing to you once it’s ready
- arrange for follow up with your editor by phone or email, once you have reviewed your feedback and/or editing
- advise on next steps, and schedule reviews of new drafts if requested
Privacy & Confidentiality
We have utmost respect for our clients’ privacy concerns and will never sell, share, or disseminate your contact information. We will treat all materials supplied to us as confidential.
Formal nondisclosure agreements are not required but are available on request. More info is available here.
“In publishing, a novel by an unknown writer is a difficult thing to sell. The only thing more difficult is a novel by a writer who had some slight success and then, through failure to produce, has become a has-been.” Elizabeth Nowell, Literary Agent