“Jerry Payne is simply the best person to help you. Remember that your book is forever, and you have only one chance to do it right.” –Raymond Kawamata, author of “Too Big to Lose”
Maybe you’ve already written your memoir. Congratulations!
But now that it’s done, you’re starting to wonder about it.
Is it really any good? Will the reader get what I’ve written? Is it structured properly? Is it too long? Is it too short? Does it drag in places? What about the style? The voice? Did I rely too much on AI — does the manuscript still sound natural, personal, and genuinely like me?
Can my manuscript be made better?
I can answer all those questions and more. In my ghostwriting career (over 50 books), I’ve written memoirs, business books, novels, and just about every kind of book imaginable. Fiction and nonfiction. Serious and humorous. I know what makes a good book.
Before you publish, or even hire an editor!: Why not do some diagnostics first? A professional evaluation helps determine the most effective path forward before you invest any more time, energy, and money.
“Jerry knows how to transform a manuscript into a page-turning, knock-your-socks-off book. I couldn’t have done it without him.” –Robert Krause, author of “Turtling: Following My Passion“
My manuscript evaluations are detailed written assessments and include in-manuscript comments and recommendations.
Plus, I include a one-hour Zoom conference after I deliver your evaluation in case you want to discuss any part of it or need further clarifications.
Your evaluation will include assessments on and suggestions for:
- Structure
- Narrative arc
- Pacing
- Tone
- Voice
- Coherence
- Content
- Character development
- Clarity and readability
In short, I tell you how to make your manuscript the best it can be. You’ll end up with a clear understanding of your manuscript’s strengths, weaknesses, and the specific revisions most likely to improve it.
INCLUDED!: Free access to the portion of my memoir-writing course that deals with “Publishing Your Book.” Four modules of the course that include information on traditional publishing, self-publishing, distribution, and marketing. PDF course materials are included, as well. Everything you’ll need to know once your manuscript is ready for publication (a $295 value).
My manuscript evaluation service is ideal for:
- Authors with a completed manuscript
- Writers considering self-publishing
- Authors preparing to query agents
- Memoirists who want professional feedback
- Writers concerned that AI may have flattened their voice
Most manuscript evaluations typically range from $800 to $1,600, depending on manuscript length. (I generally charge $0.02 per word.) The fee includes the written evaluation, in-manuscript comments, one-hour Zoom consultation, and access to the relevant modules of my course that’ll help give you direction after your manuscript is ready for publication.
Want to get started? The first step is simple. Email me with your manuscript (or a sample thereof) and I’ll reply with a proposal and a timeline: jerry@YourConfidentialGhostwriter.com. Or email me with questions. Want to discuss things first? No problem. And no charge! Just give me a call at 864.498.5540 (M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time).
Want to know more about me? Feel free to have a look around the rest of this site. You’ll find that I’m an old hand at this. In addition to my ghostwriting business, I’ve written books on writing, and I teach an online memoir course. I can help.
Your best friend and your mother both loved your manuscript. But now it’s time for an unbiased, honest, professional opinion. I look forward to reading your work!
“Jerry was instrumental. Because of his ideas, the finished product was better than anything I could have imagined.” –Larry Barnhill, author of “Control. Move. Dominate: The True Story of the Morning Glory Boys“