Manuscript Assessments & Reader's Reports

Every good book begins with a strong manuscript.

Whether you’re preparing to submit your work for publication or simply wondering if your manuscript is ready for the next step, thoughtful editorial feedback can make all the difference.

At Little Creek Press, we believe authors deserve an informed, constructive assessment of their work. Our manuscript evaluation services are designed to help writers better understand their manuscripts, recognize their strengths, and identify opportunities for improvement.

We offer two levels of review, depending on where you are in your writing journey.

Basic Manuscript Assessment

A first step toward publishing with Little Creek Press.

Every manuscript submitted for publishing consideration undergoes an initial editorial assessment.

Our team reviews your submission to evaluate its concept, overall quality, potential readership, and alignment with Little Creek Press’s publishing interests.

Following this review, authors receive a brief written response with our assessment of the manuscript’s publishing potential and recommended next steps.

Basic Manuscript Assessment Fees

Up to 30,000 words: $60
30,001–60,000 words: $90
More than 60,000 words: $150

This assessment is intended as an initial publishing evaluation rather than a comprehensive editorial critique. Submission and payment do not guarantee acceptance for publication.

Comprehensive Reader's Report

A closer look at your manuscript, with meaningful feedback to help you move forward.

Sometimes a manuscript has promise but needs additional development. Other times, an author simply wants an experienced editorial perspective before deciding what to do next.

Our Comprehensive Reader’s Report offers a more in-depth evaluation of your manuscript, identifying what’s working, where improvements may be needed, and how you can strengthen the work.

Depending on your manuscript’s genre and content, the report may address:

Overall structure, organization, and pacing
Voice, writing style, and clarity
Character development, dialogue, and storytelling
Strength of the concept and intended audience
Areas that would benefit from further development
Practical recommendations for revision

You’ll receive a written editorial report designed to offer useful, honest, and constructive guidance.

Comprehensive Reader’s Report Fees

Up to 30,000 words: $250
30,001–60,000 words: $450
60,001–90,000 words: $650
More than 90,000 words: Custom quote, starting at $750

A Reader’s Report does not include manuscript revisions, line editing, copyediting, or proofreading.

Not Sure Which Service You Need?

If your goal is to submit your manuscript to Little Creek Press for publishing consideration, begin with our Basic Manuscript Assessment.

If you’re looking for more detailed feedback and guidance before submitting—or before undertaking another revision—our Comprehensive Reader’s Report may be the better choice.

For authors who need hands-on assistance with their manuscripts, we also offer developmental editing and professional writing support.

Your story matters. We’re here to help you make it the best it can be.

Our authors have been featured in:

“From the beginning concept of my series to the polished finished product, Little Creek Press has produced books that I am proud to present to the public. I trust their professionalism and knowledge of the publishing world to produce a book that is appealing to a broad range of readers. Working with them is such a satisfying experience.”

Sue BergAuthor of the Driftless Mystery series

I have used Little Creek Press for three different books, and they have done an awesome job in every aspect of the process, always delivering exceptional customer service!

John BurkeAuthor of Simple Solutions to Save America, Presidential Playbook 2020, and A Bold Plan for America

Whether you’re a new or seasoned author, I don’t think you’ll find a better partner, nor a better company to work with.

Terese AllenThe Dane County Farmers' Market Cookbook

From the moment of my first phone call with Little Creek Press, I knew I had arrived at the perfect place to fulfill my publishing needs.

Barb PratzelManna Café and Bakery Cookbook

In many ways LCP brought ease to what would normally be a stressful project—we were so blessed to have them supporting our dreams!

Kassandra ThompsonCo-author of The American Tailwind

Without Little Creek Press, I have no doubt that my story would have remained on a thumb drive, perhaps forever.

Brooke SaucierAuthor of The Isle of Stuck Faces

Little Creek Press' design of our book cover was “off-the-charts,” which I am sure has helped sell our book.

Jim, Jon, Katy, and KassandraCo-authors of The American Tailwind

Little Creek Press was transparent, responsive, and easy to work with, and I'm so pleased with how the book turned out. I'd work with LCP again in a heartbeat!

Lindsay Christians and Francesco ManganoAuthors of The Osteria Papavero Cookbook

How fortunate was I in discovering Little Creek Press—a rare gem in the independent publishing world! If you are searching for a top-notch publisher and envision a process and final result proudly showcasing your work, look no further!

Sumner MattesonAuthor of AFIELD, Portraits of Wisconsin Naturalists, Empowering Leopold’s Legacy, Volume One

I am a first-time author, and it was a pleasure working with Little Creek Press. They have years of experience, and I would definitely recommend them as a publisher.

John SharpAuthor of Along The Old Darlington Road

In my experience with Little Creek Press, I found that Kristin Mitchell fully understood the aspirations I had for my manuscript, and she worked collaboratively and professionally with me to produce a book that beautifully served those aspirations.

Michael HittleAn Accidental Jewel

The attention to quality and detail are outstanding. Whether you’re a veteran of the industry or publishing your first book, you cannot go wrong with Little Creek Press.

Michael MasseyAuthor of More: A Memoir

Writing a book can be emotionally taxing. Little Creek Press became the light at the end of my dark tunnel. They helped me breathe as they led me through the process of physically bringing my story to life.

Niki BerglerAuthor of She's Done Pretending

Their ability to listen, play, and not give up made the biggest difference for me and how absolutely thrilled I still am every time I admire my book. I highly recommend working with Little Creek Press for your publishing needs.

Sara AlvaradoDreaming in Spanish

When I approached a couple of well-known Wisconsin-based authors with my soon-to-be-completed manuscript, they recommended that I seek out Little Creek Press. I did, and it has been a dream come true.

Richard L. Cates JrAuthor of A Creek Runs Through This Driftless Land: A Farm Family's Journey Toward a Land Ethic

Her work is second to none, her professionalism is unmatched, and she's a human of the highest quality. With her, I can produce top-notch work and impact my community. I'm on team Little Creek Press all day. They are the only place I call home for my publishing needs and are a huge pillar of my writing family.

Sagashus T. LevingstonAuthor of Infamous Mothers