Although the two services are related, they’re designed for different stages of the writing process – and understanding that difference can help you choose the one that supports your goals best.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of what each service offers, when they’re most useful, and how they fit into the bigger editorial journey.
Professional Read
A Professional Read is the lightest, speediest way to get expert oversight on an early-stage manuscript. It offers high-level impressions rather than detailed analysis, giving you a professional reaction similar to what an agent, submissions editor or genre-savvy reader might experience.
If you’re unsure whether your idea has legs, whether the book’s opening works, or whether the early shape of the story is landing as intended, a Professional Read provides clarity without the weight (or cost) of a full assessment.
What you’ll receive
- A short written summary of my overall impression
- Notes on what’s working, what’s promising and what might need attention
- Early-stage guidance on pacing, engagement and clarity
- A sense of how the book sits within the crime, suspense and thriller market
It doesn’t diagnose every issue or get into the fine detail – instead, it gives you a professional 'pulse check' before you move too far forward.
Ideal for:
- Very early drafts
- Writers who want to know if a project is worth developing
- Authors seeking quick, directional feedback before committing to major revision
- Those who want an expert’s first reaction rather than a fully dissected breakdown
A Professional Read helps you make informed decisions early, before you invest months in revisions that may not be moving the manuscript where it needs to go.
Reader’s Report
A Reader’s Report is one step deeper than a Professional Read. It still avoids line edits and margin comments, but it provides a more thorough look at how the manuscript is functioning at a story level.
Think of it as a midpoint between a quick diagnostic and a full Editorial Assessment. The report explores the major narrative elements – plot, character, pacing and central conflict – but in a more structured and detailed way than a Professional Read.
What you’ll receive
- A written report (typically 3–5 pages) outlining strengths and weaknesses
- Clear commentary on the overall structure of the story
- Notes on character arcs, motivation, tension and narrative drive
- Observations on pacing, clarity and genre expectations
- Suggestions on where to focus in your next revision
This is still bird’s-eye feedback, but it digs deeper, offering more detail and direction than a Professional Read.
Ideal for:
- Early-to-mid-stage drafts
- Writers who want a clear understanding of what’s working and what isn’t
- Authors preparing for a more intensive edit but not quite ready for it
- Those who want structured guidance without the depth (or cost) of a full Editorial Assessment
A Reader’s Report gives you the perspective you need to begin shaping the manuscript with intention, without jumping straight to a heavier edit.
How much does it cost? How long does it take? Do you have availability?
Each one of my quotations is bespoke, as I tailor each package to each author’s needs. So if you’re interested, do get in touch either via the contact form or email info@rebeccamillareditorial.com for a no-obligation quotation. I’d love to hear more about your project and discuss how we can work together.
And if I want something a bit more detailed...?
If you’re still unsure which service would suit your manuscript best, I’m always happy to help you choose. Every project is at a different stage, and the right feedback at the right time can make all the difference.
But if you’re looking for something more in-depth than what the Reader's Report or Professional Read offer – something that digs into structure, tension, character, genre alignment and narrative architecture – you may find my Editorial Assessment or Developmental Edit services are just want you need.
