Manuscript Assessments

Get the Publisher's Perspective

Includes a 30 minute Zoom meeting

Publisher, Publicist, Author & Podcaster

Dani Vee is host of the popular literary podcast Words & Nerds, and has had over a million downloads.

She is also a facilitator at literary festivals, and has judged manuscripts for picture book awards, and crime novels for the Ned Kelly Awards and the Ngaioi Marsh Awards.

At Larrikin House Dani is publisher, publicist and manages the production schedule for new releases. She is always looking for great, on brand manuscripts to publish.

Dani has published picture books My EXTRAordinary Mum and the My EPIC Dad! series, as well as a junior fiction title Riley’s FAILPROOF Guide to Breaking a School Record & My Pet Croc (coming soon). She has also had a crime fiction short story published in Dark Deeds 2.

Her specialty is creating humour, edge, quirk and perfect rhyme into your manuscripts.

Specific & Comprehensive Feedback

Like most publishers, we just don’t have the time or resources to send feedback on manuscripts. However, by going through the assessment process, you’ll be given very specific and comprehensive feedback on your story. 'This is always where the best stuff happens'. – according to James.

Once you have been through the checkout, please email your manuscript to
assessments@larrikinhouse.com and you will be allocated a date and time for your assessment.

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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Manuscript Assessment with Dani

Dani is publisher, publicist and production manager at Larrikin House.

Dani decides which manuscripts are on brand and make the cut for publication.

Dani has multiple picture books published, a junior fiction title and more on the way. She has also had a crime fiction story published in a crime fiction anthology.

Dani is host of the popular literary podcast Words and Nerds (ONE MILLION DOWNLOADS).

Dani's specialty is fun, quirk, humour and rhyme. She will show you how to 'up the ante' in your stories so kids love them.

Dani will email you to arrange a convenient time for your 30 minute Zoom.

Please email your manuscript to dani@larrikinhouse.com

(Limit 1000 words)