Manuscript Assessments

Get the Publisher's Perspective

Includes a 30 minute Zoom meeting

Publisher, Publicist, Author & Podcaster

Dani Vee is a bestselling author, publisher and host of the Words and Nerds podcast, a literary podcast with over two million downloads.

Dani studied English literature and theatre at Macquarie University and was an English Head Teacher for 17 years.

You’ll find her speaking at literary festivals, or judging crime novels for the Ned Kelly Awards and the Ngaioi Marsh Awards.

Dani is passionate about writing and publishing stories that help kids see themselves in a positive light. She is an advocate for mental health, neurodivergence and feminism and is searching for commercial manuscripts that encourage kids to be proud of who they are through joyful and humorous stories.

She believes that writers should work on their craft and learn as much as they can about the industry.

Dani’s books include the bestselling neurodivergent series My SUPERCHARGED ADHD Brain and My SPINNING Anxious Brain. Other titles include Archie Can't Sit Still, My EXTRAordinary Mum, the My EPIC Dad! series, and junior fiction titles Riley’s FAILPROOF Guide to Breaking a School Record & My Pet Croc. She has also had a crime fiction short story published in Dark Deeds 2.

Specific & Comprehensive Feedback

Spend 30 minutes with a publisher discussing your story, receiving specific feedback on how to make your manuscript submission ready, trends in the publishing industry, and the stories we want to publish.

Dani will cover topics such as rhyme vs prose, structure, word count, creating engaging characters, writing great hooks, understanding how to write commercial stories and where to next.

Everyone who purchases a manuscript assessment receives a free pass to submit their manuscript outside submission dates.

Once you have been through the checkout, please email your manuscript to
assessments@larrikinhouse.com and Dani will allocate a date and time for your assessment via video conference (Limit 1000 words)

Sean E Avery

Author / Illustrator
I've been submitting manuscripts to publishers for the past nine years. It's a tough gig. It's a tough gig because you never really have any idea whether you're an inch, a mile or an entire solar system away from snagging a book deal. James is specific and professionally honest; a breath of fresh air to any aspiring author who is serious about honing their craft. I submitted a manuscript and within a week received the most detailed analysis of my work I've ever read. As an extra happy bonus, James was so impressed with my submission that he offered me a publishing contract for the story I sent in.
I couldn't recommend this service more highly.

Catherine Meatheringham

Children's Author / SCBWI
ACT Committee Member'My picture book manuscript assessment with James Layton was one of the most comprehensive assessments I've had. James helped me to see how to improve my story from a craft perceptive as well as its market placement and saleability. W.I.N.K.S has given me a rare insight into exactly what a publisher looks for when they read a manuscript. I'll be using W.I.N.K.S when I'm writing new stories to ensure I have ticked off all the elements needed to make my story shine – or wink!'

Carla Fitzgerald

Author'James' rubric has clearly been developed with an in-depth understanding of the commercial realities of the industry. In addition to helping you improve the specific manuscript, the assessment informs your future work. I frequently refer back to the rubric and believe it has made me a better writer. It is also an opportunity to have your work considered by a fantastic publisher, who may (as they did with me) work with you to get your manuscript to publishable standard. Apart from all that, James is honest, encouraging and great to deal with!'

Michéle Dodd

Author
'James, I’m very impressed with your assessment! You outlined some really big points that I need to consider. I can see how well researched and knowledgable you are and coming from a book selling/marketing background you have the credentials! You have given me a lot to think about. Thanks again for your time.'

Pat Grafton

Author
'Hi James I just wanted to write to say thank you for the feedback you sent me. While I was nervous about getting assessed in the first place, the whole process turned out to be a very positive one. Your rubric, detailed comments and scores are so helpful, and our zoom discussion was inspiring. Thank you once again for your assessment process - I highly recommend it!'

Jacinta Froud

Children's Author
I recently had a manuscript critique with James and found it both insightful and practical. James used a specially designed rubric to assess my manuscript against his W.I.N.K.S criteria. He gave me honest and positive feedback and an understanding of the publishing industry, particularly focussing on one of the most important aspects for publishers - marketability. James was personable and friendly, the session gave me the knowledge of where I could improve and the confidence to keep submitting.

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