Agent Evaluation

Does your book project have a realistic shot at getting published? How close or far is your manuscript from being ready to send out? How can you boost your chances for publishing success?

You’ll get these questions answered with an evaluation from an experienced literary agent.

There are two options for Agent Evaluations:


Agent Evaluation: Full Manuscript

A literary agent evaluates your complete and polished book manuscript. You’ll receive honest but supportive advice on how to take your project closer to publication and/or what hurdles stand in your way.

To begin, fill out the form at the bottom of the page, attaching a query letter and the first ten pages of your manuscript so that we can make sure it’s ready for this process. Then a Gotham staff member will consult with you to determine your specific needs and quote you a price. Next, you’ll be matched with an appropriate agent.

Moving forward, the assigned agent will read your work, provide written comments, and talk to you via Zoom for one hour. You’ll receive clear and concrete suggestions for moving your manuscript forward.

(The agent will not be offering feedback on your query; the query is to help match you with the right agent.)

This is not an editing service nor a way to solicit an agent, but rather a means for getting professional advice.

Rate: $120 per hour

The number of hours is calculated like so:

  • One hour for every 15 pages read (1 page = 275 words) plus
  • One hour for written critique plus
  • One-hour consultation

For example, an 80,000-word novel (approximately 290 pages) would be: 19-hour read, plus one hour for written critique, plus one hour for a talk. Total: $2,520.

Plan to allow 4-6 weeks for your written critique and meeting.


Agent Evaluation: Quick Hit

A literary agent evaluates the first 15 pages of a completed book manuscript.

Based on those opening pages, you’ll receive honest but supportive advice on how to take your project closer to publication and/or what hurdles stand in your way.

To begin, fill out the form at the bottom of the page, attaching a query letter (if you have one) and the first 15 pages. Then a Gotham staff member will consult with you to determine your specific needs. Next, you’ll be matched with an appropriate agent.

Moving forward, the assigned agent will read your work and talk to you via Zoom for 15 minutes. You’ll receive the agent’s thoughts on the project’s viability based on those opening pages.

(The agent will not be offering feedback on your query; the query is to help match you with the right agent.)

This is not an editing service nor a way to solicit an agent, but rather a means for getting professional advice.

Tuition: $120

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You might also be interested in these services: Query Letter Coaching and Proofreading.

Here you can view all Gotham One-on-One services.

We don’t offer these courses privately: How to Get Published, Nonfiction Book Proposal, Hit Send: Publishing Short Nonfiction.

Note: Gotham reserves the right to decline any project that contains material we deem to be offensive.

 
 
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