Manuscript Assessments
Every writer deserves a thoughtful reader who knows when to sharpen and when to step back. As an author, I understand firsthand the power of (and the fear of receiving!) honest and respectful feedback.
With an Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing, I bring both theory and practice to the process.
I see editing as a partnership. My feedback balances clarity with encouragement, always honouring the writer’s voice while advocating for the reader’s experience.
“Little did I know when I sent my first draft to Kylie that I had so much to learn. Her feedback was encouraging, yet very constructive and honest. By taking her wise comments on board, my writing has come alive through dialogue and enhanced descriptives. Kylie taught me how to bring the reader on a journey with me.”
Natalie O’Dea, Manuscript Assessment & Mentor Client
“Thank you so much for your thoughtful, generous, and clear-eyed assessment. I really appreciate the care you brought to the manuscript, and the way you balanced encouragement with honest, industry-informed critique.”
Don Sanderson, Manuscript Assessment Client
“Kylie Orr is a thorough and thoughtful manuscript assessor. She gave honest yet encouraging feedback that not only improved my work but also helped me push through self-doubt. Kylie's clear, insightful notes helped me identify plot holes I hadn’t noticed, and she offered practical advice I could immediately apply. Working with Kylie has made me a stronger, more confident writer.
I highly recommend her if you're looking to improve your craft and want support from someone who truly understands the publishing industry and all its ups and downs.”
Katelin Farnsworth, shortlisted for the Penguin Literary Prize (2020 and 2022)
What can you expect?
A clear, practical report tailored to your manuscript and stage of development
Insight into story structure, character, pacing and reader engagement
Honest, constructive feedback from a working author who reads with care
Suggestions for next steps to help you move forward with confidence
A first-time author polishing your draft before submitting to agents or publishers
A writer preparing to self-publish and wanting a professional, external review
A published author seeking a fresh, objective take on your latest work
Anyone feeling stuck and needing clear, constructive notes to move forward
Who is it for?
Get clear, practical feedback
Editing is not one-size-fits-all. I read with care, ask the right questions, and respond to the story you’re telling.
If you’re ready for honest, constructive feedback from a working author with qualifications in editing, who understands the writing life, I’d love to read your work.
My preferred genres are:
Contemporary / commercial fiction
Women’s fiction
Suspense / thriller
Crime
If you’d rather dip your toe in, I also offer an Opening Chapters Review.
Pricing
full Manuscript assessments
If you are a member of the Australian Society of Authors, you can request me as an assessor and book direct with them for a discounted price.
If you want to book direct with me, I charge as follows:
Pricing (AUD):
Up to 50,000 words $1,450
50,000–60,000 words $1,550
60,000–70,000 words $1,700
70,000–80,000 words $1,850
80,000–90,000 words $2,000
90,000–100,000 words $2,150
100,000–110,000 words $2,300
Need something outside this range? Get in touch for a custom quote.
Ready for honest feedback that helps you move forward?
“Talking things through with you has really helped clarify a lot of questions I had about the manuscript and I feel really confident about going back and identifying areas to rework and strengthen. You are so easy to chat with about ideas and where improvements can be made.”
Anna K., Opening Chapters Review
not ready for a full manuscript appraisal?
You’ve written the opening pages. Now you need to know whether they’re doing the job.
The first chapters are where agents and readers decide whether to keep going. This review gives you focused feedback on your opening, helping you understand what’s working, what may be holding the manuscript back, and what to strengthen before moving forward.
Includes:
Review of your synopsis and up to 6,000 words of your manuscript
Detailed annotations throughout your opening chapters
A short report of the key editorial considerations
A 90-minute online consultation to discuss the feedback
Clear recommendations on next steps, including whether to revise, seek a full manuscript assessment, or begin querying
This is ideal for writers who want targeted feedback on their opening pages before committing to a full manuscript assessment, or who want an expert perspective on whether their writing is at a standard agents and publishers expect.
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your manuscript’s strengths, the areas that need attention, and the most valuable next steps for your writing journey.
The Opening Chapters Review is $750
Discount for the next step: If you book a Full Manuscript Assessment within 90 days of your Opening Chapters Review, you'll receive 20% off the full manuscript assessment fee.
About Kylie
Why choose me for your assessment?
I hold a Bachelor of Arts (English Major), an Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing and bring over twenty years of experience as a professional writer, published author and editor.
My features have appeared in The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and News Ltd, and my novels Someone Else’s Child (HarperCollins, 2022) and The Eleventh Floor (HarperCollins, 2024) have been recognised nationally. I have also written four children’s books, published by Lake Press.