Assessments you can trust
Getting your manuscript read and assessed
is the first step to successful publishing.
Many publishers no longer accept unsolicited manuscripts,
and those which do are often only able to give cursory attention
to hundreds - and in some case thousands - of unsolicited
manuscripts they receive each year.
Established in 1996, the Manuscript Appraisal Agency (M.A.A.)
provides a professional manuscript assessment service for both
first-time and experienced authors. Our assessors have had many years
of publishing experience in Australia and internationally, in mainstream
and specialty markets, and in writing for both adults and children.
M.A.A. provides assessment services for Book Manuscripts
CHILDREN'S BOOKS - All types assessed
Picture Books, Illustrated Novels, Novels for all age groups,
Fiction and Non-Fiction, Series Concepts and Themes
Submitting a manuscript for appraisal
2. Print a copy of the Declaration Form, complete the information and sign your consent.
3. Review the Schedule of Fees and prepare a cheque or money order for the appropriate amount, to be made payable to Manuscript Appraisal Agency.
4. Post your manuscript, completed declaration form and payment to M.A.A.. Remember, do not send the original, send only a copy of your manuscript.
5. M.A.A. also accepts electronic submissions. You may email an electronic copy of your manuscript. Please refer to Electronic Submissions.
RESISTING THE ENEMY
Published by Brolga Publishing. Distributed by Pan Macmillan
The first appraisal was a real shock! I naïvely believed my book was about as perfect as I could get it. I expected a few criticisms, but not four pages worth! The appraiser enjoyed reading the manuscript, but went on to detail all the things that were wrong with it - which were many, I can tell you! The comprehensive report covered all aspects: structure, character, plot, writing style. When I eventually picked myself up off the floor, I realised the advice I was getting was pure gold. I completely rewrote the book and submitted it again.
The second appraiser's assessment was much more positive. The advice included some brilliant suggestions concerning structure and plot line. He also suggested some parts as prime candidates for the surgeon's knife. By this time I had become reconciled to the need to slash and burn - always hard for an author to do!
I cannot thank Brian Cook's wonderful team of assessors enough. They showed me how to progress my manuscript and turn it into a publishable work. Special thanks to Brian for his invaluable advice and encouragement. The fact that I am now a published author is due in no small measure to him.
Lorraine Campbell, 2009