Case Study - Manuscript Evaluation
This case study will provide valuable insights into how a 'Manuscript Evaluation' can enhance your book writing process, focusing on structure, storyline, and content.
Every story is worth telling; the key often lies in figuring out the 'how.' A manuscript evaluation is the perfect starting point to set you on the path to a successful book writing journey.
My client Janice and her never ending story…
My client Janice came to me with a big goal. She wanted to write her memoir.
In fact, she had been writing her memoir, for over 20 years.
Janice had experienced an actioned packed life. She grew up as the child of immigrant parents in New York in the 1950s and 60s. She set off across the country to attend university, studying dance and acting. After graduating she kept heading west and landed in Hollywood in the mid-70s where she met (and dated) movie stars, and film producers.
Janice was flamboyant, she always said yes and her willingness to embrace life to the fullest meant she had a story bursting with fun, and funny, adventures. Her life actually read like a Hollywood script.
… dilemma
However, she was struggling with the writing, and the re-writing. Her manuscript was a rambling tale with no underlying theme. Janice was trying to include so many events that there was no clear structure, and there was little appeal to anyone outside her group of friends.
How I helped Janice to find the true purpose of her story
When Janice and I first sat down, I asked her to explain to me why she needed to tell this story. Her first answer was that she simply felt she had a life worth recording, but as we delved a little deeper, it became apparent that her message to the world was to grab life with both hands, and she wanted to encourage her readers to live a big life. She was asking people to set aside their fears and make the most of their chances, and to live without regret.
Knowing this, we set to work on identifying 4 key decision points that affected the trajectory of Janice’s life.
We talked about:
the choices she made
why she made them
what opportunities and experiences opened up to her as a result.
Importantly, we were also able to pinpoint how she had grown and changed as a result of the choices.
We now had the theme of her story.
An outlook to future success
We also narrowed down the time frame of this memoir - there is no rule that says you can only write one – to Janice’s early 20s, an informative and exciting time in her life, but also an outrageous time in Hollywood (just as Jackie Collins described).
We then had a natural starting point, Janice’s move from University to LA, and we also had a clear ending which wrapped up this stage of her life and projected Janice into another realm entirely. Which, of course, leaves her readers wanting more, and means Janice can keep writing, and can keep telling the story of her raucous life.
Manuscript Evaluation looks different for every story
For this particular Manuscript Evaluation project, we collaboratively defined her purpose for writing the book and the theme of her story. Additionally, we established a time frame that would allow her to expand one book into a series if she desired to do so in the future.
Every writer has unique needs for support on their book writing journey. Where do you find yourself getting stuck?
My very first question to any writer is – why must you tell this story?
Really focussing on the deep answer to this question can help you uncover your theme, and your point, and can help get you back on track when you get lost.
Happy writing,
Hayley
Unlock the Art of Character Craft:
Get Your Free Guide Today!
Unlock the secrets to crafting unforgettable characters with our free guide, 'Creating Compelling Characters.'
Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or just starting out, this guide dives deep into the art of character development, helping you understand how internal drives shape their journey through external challenges. Learn proven techniques to make your characters relatable and their choices meaningful.
Sign up for our newsletter today and receive your complimentary guide to start crafting characters that resonate with your readers.