Thoughtful re-readings for stories that matter
A comprehensive and easily accessible assessment that gave me many ways to improve the book. Nick was just the right person to signpost edits and the potential use of the picture book. Fiona Linday, author of Leo’s Roaring Adventures
There comes a point when every manuscript needs another pair of eyes – not simply to praise it or pick holes in it, but to understand what it is trying to become.
NOP provides constructive, independent manuscript assessments for writers who want to know what is already working, what may need further attention and how their story might reach its intended readers more powerfully.
Led by Dr Nick Owen MBE and our Associate Editor, Alexander Moore, our approach combines editorial judgement with experience in publishing, storytelling, education, creative learning and work with children and young people.
What we look at
Every assessment is shaped around the manuscript, its intended readers and the author’s questions. It may consider:
- the central idea and promise of the story;
- structure, pace and narrative shape;
- character and emotional journey;
- voice, language and readability;
- read-aloud quality for children’s manuscripts;
- suitability for the intended age group or audience;
- distinctiveness and potential positioning;
- the relationship between words and possible illustrations;
- opportunities for audio, live activity, learning or companion resources;
- the most useful priorities for the next draft.
Our aim is not to rewrite the book in somebody else’s voice. It is to help the author see their own work more clearly and decide what it needs next.
We summarise our assessments through the following ‘field signs’:
| THE LION – something worth protecting and building on. | |
| THE GULL – pause here for further consideration, clarification or care. | |
| THE DOG – a practical revision that can be acted on in the next draft. | |
| THE SPARROW – listen closely for language, sentence-flow or read-aloud rhythm issues. | |
| THE CAT – understanding the text through particular perspectives. |
Thanks to Paul Warren as ever for our Field Sign Illustrations!
Stories for children and young people
NOP has particular experience in considering work intended for children, young people and readers whose experiences are not always well represented in publishing.
Where appropriate, an assessment can explore:
- whether the story remains genuinely child-centred;
- how difficult experiences and emotions are handled;
- suitability for care-experienced or potentially vulnerable children;
- opportunities for pleasure, humour, agency and hope;
- possible use within schools, creative mentoring or community settings;
- whether any educational or therapeutic claims require further specialist review.
A good children’s story should work as a story first. It should not require an adult to explain why a child ought to find it meaningful.
What you will receive
A focused manuscript assessment normally includes:
- a complete reading of the agreed manuscript;
- a confidential, professionally presented written report;
- recognition of the manuscript’s particular strengths;
- clear consideration of areas that may need further thought;
- practical, prioritised suggestions for the next draft;
- a short follow-up conversation where included in the agreed scope.
The report is designed to be candid, encouraging and useful. We will not declare that everything is marvellous when it isn’t—but neither will we flatten the life out of an unusual manuscript by trying to make it resemble everything else.
Fees
A focused assessment of a short children’s or picture-book manuscript begins at £150.
Longer manuscripts, detailed developmental editing, extensive market research, line-by-line commentary or the development of accompanying educational and mentoring resources will be quoted separately.
Because manuscripts vary enormously, we will ask to see the manuscript (or an appropriate sample) before confirming the scope, fee and timescale.
Assessment and publication
A manuscript assessment is a professional service in its own right. Purchasing an assessment does not guarantee publication by NOP, and authors do not have to purchase an assessment in order for their work to be considered for publication.
If a manuscript appears to have a genuine connection with NOP’s publishing ambitions, any subsequent conversation about publication will be separate from the assessment and subject to a separate agreement.
Copyright remains with the author. Manuscripts and assessment reports are treated as confidential.
Begin a conversation
If you have a manuscript taking shape—or one that has become so familiar that you can no longer see what is on the page—we would be pleased to hear about it.
Tell us briefly about the manuscript, its intended readers, its current stage of development and the questions you would particularly like an assessment to address.