MANUSCRIPT ASSESSMENTS
The Fifth Corner offers manuscript assessments for writers of fiction across genres, from short stories and novel excerpts to complete novels and novellas.
Each assessment considers the work on its own terms, with close attention to the writing, its strengths, and the areas that need further development. You will receive detailed written feedback, supported by examples from the manuscript and suggestions for revision.
Short Story & Novel Excerpt Assessment
$250 CAD · Up to 10,000 words
For one complete short story or an excerpt from a longer work.
You will receive a written assessment of approximately 1,000–1,500 words, together with selected comments in your manuscript. The feedback considers voice, character, structure, pacing, and dialogue, with specific suggestions for revision.
For novel excerpts, you may include a synopsis of up to 500 words to provide context. The assessment covers the pages submitted.
One follow-up email is included for up to three questions about your assessment, within 30 days of delivery.
Novel & Novella Assessment
& Short Story Collections
$550 CAD · Up to 100,000 words
For one complete novel or novella.
You will receive a full reading and an editorial report of approximately 2,000–3,500 words, addressing the manuscript’s strengths, areas for development, and priorities for revision. Observations are supported by examples from the work.
The report considers structure, character development, point of view, pacing, and the ending, alongside other elements relevant to your manuscript. Feedback is provided in the report rather than through annotations throughout the manuscript.
One follow-up email is included for up to three questions about your assessment, within 30 days of delivery.
For longer manuscripts, please enquire before booking. Complete works of 10,000 words or fewer qualify for the shorter assessment.
Scope of the Assessment
An assessment provides a close reading and practical guidance for revision. It does not include line editing, copyediting, proofreading, rewriting, or a second reading of a revised draft. All decisions about revision remain with the writer.
Editorial Independence
Manuscript assessments are separate from the submissions and selection processes of The Fifth Corner journal and The Fifth Corner Press. Purchasing an assessment does not submit your work for publication or confer preferential consideration for publication or prizes.
Writers remain welcome to submit through our regular submission channels, under the same guidelines as other applicants.
Authors accepted for publication are never required to purchase an assessment. Editing undertaken for publication is provided at our expense.
Your Manuscript
Copyright remains with you. Sending work for assessment gives us permission to read it and prepare your feedback; it does not grant publication rights.
Your manuscript is treated as confidential and shared only with the reader and staff responsible for your assessment. We will not publish or use excerpts for promotional purposes without your permission.
Please provide your manuscript as a Word document (.docx), with double spacing, page numbers, and a readable font. For novel excerpts, you may include a synopsis of up to 500 words.
You are welcome to include up to three questions you would like the assessment to address.
Delivery
Short story and novel excerpt assessments are delivered within 3–4 weeks. Novel and novella assessments are delivered within 6–8 weeks. These periods begin once payment and your complete manuscript have been received.
Your written assessment will be sent to the email address provided at booking. If we anticipate a delay, we will contact you before the agreed delivery date.
Please submit the version you wish to have assessed. If you need to replace your file, contact us before the reading begins.
Book an Assessment
Choose your assessment below and upload your manuscript. You may include up to three questions you would like our editors to consider.
For manuscripts exceeding 100,000 words, or questions about which assessment to choose, please contact submissions@thefifthcorner.ca before booking.