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Pitch us a story, Author!
We'll show you where you are on your author journey and help you map your next level.
Have you been rejected?
Or afraid you would be?
Discover where you are and how we can take you from there to your published
NEXT LEVEL AUTHOR journey.
The Author Level Test is an in-depth evaluation designed to assess writers' skills, thoroughly analyzing their proficiency, creativity, and adherence to writing conventions. This service is ideal for individuals seeking to gauge their writing capabilities or for organizations aiming to identify the most qualified authors for their projects.
Your writing is assessed using a
24 KEY SKILL, 120 point Rubric
View Rubric
Your test reveals where you are in your author journey.
Level 1 = 0 - 39 Emerging (coaching needed)
Level 2 = 40 - 69 ASPIRING (average to good)
Level 3 = 70 - 79 SKILLFUL (excellent potential)
Level 4 = 80 - 99 ACCOMPLISHED (Excellent)
Level 5 = 100 - 120 ACCOMPLISHED (Exceptional skills)
We'll show you how to go from here to your next best level.
The purchase of an Author Level Test also pays for a 1-hr. assessment timeslot.
1. Download Your Fillable Test - 2. Reserve Your Spot - 3. Upload back to us
How does the test evaluate my writing level?
Your test is evaluated by an experienced editor using our standardized rubric.
The rubric is divided into 25 skills across 5 key areas:
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Experience
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Conventions
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Characterization
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Structure
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Author Style
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 120
We are interested in both discovering and creating great authors!
Does a paid proposal speed up the review process?
Yes. Usually by 3-6 months.
Paid proposals are typically evaluated within two weeks by Agent Editors who edit for a living. This is their job. Paying for the appointment assures you of getting your work in front of experienced eyes with offer authority.
Unpaid submissions are considered unsolicited pitches and are added to our SLUSH FILES. After spending weeks to months in the SLUSH FILES, Jr. Editors sort them into a queue. Typically, after three to six months, they will be evaluated during a 2-hr per week pro-bono scouting session of Sr. Editors.
What feedback will I receive about my book proposal?
After the evaluation is complete, you will receive an email telling you:
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Our opinion of your story idea & pitch
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What level you tested on and why
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Your greatest strengths
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Your three weakest areas and recommendations for improvement
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Potentially an offer for an editorial contract for level 1, 2, 3, or 4 authors or an offer to publish your work for level 4 & 5 authors
Author Levels (120-Point Scale)
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Level 1 | Emerging (0–39)
Coaching required. Fundamentals incomplete or unclear. -
Level 2 | Aspiring (40–69)
Average to good. Skills present but inconsistent. -
Level 3 | Skillful (70–79)
Excellent potential. Craft is visible and developing. -
Level 4 | Accomplished (80–99)
Excellent execution. Publication-ready with light guidance. -
Level 5 | Accomplished+ (100–120)
Exceptional skill. Emotionally resonant, technically confident, artistically distinct.
Scoring Method
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24 Key Skills × 5 Points = 120 Total
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Each skill scored as:
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0 – Not present
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1 – Poor / unclear
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2 – Emerging
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3 – Competent
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4 – Strong
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5 – Exceptional (+ Chills)
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“+ Chills” is defined as sustained emotional, sensory, or intellectual resonance that lingers beyond the page.
Skill Categories & Criteria
I. Experience & Intent
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Personal Experience Integration
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Professional Experience / Practice
II. Idea Development
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Idea clarity
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Relevance of detail
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Depth of development
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Intrigue & originality
III. Conventions & Mechanics
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Punctuation accuracy
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Spelling accuracy
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Grammar & sentence structure
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Technical fluency
IV. Structure & Story Architecture
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Plot clarity
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Setting development
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Point of view control
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Dialogue–narration balance
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Foreshadowing & setup
V. Characterization
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Vitals - Physical & social grounding (name, age, culture, context)
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Motivation - Desire, priorities, obsessions
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Accomplishments & Capacity - Skills, weaknesses, achievements, ambitions
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Psychology - Inner life (trauma, fears, attitudes)
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Presence - Overall character embodiment
VI. Organization & Coherence
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Logical sequencing & transitions
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Consistent focus & unity
VII. Language Usage & Voice
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Word choice, imagery, sensory detail
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Voice & sense of audience
Assessment Q&As
Q. What are the benefits of working with an author contract after my proposal review?
A. We are in the business of both discovering and creating great authors! Doing a great job of helping you reach your potential as an author benefits us all. Our Path to Publish process creates a publishing package as you create your book: Bio, Cover, and Description. You'll be all set to launch your masterpiece after the final edit at no additional cost.
Q. If I score in the 'In Need of Coaching' range, how will it be different than the other levels?
A. Our five book development contracts are tailored to the needs of authors on their current level. Level 1 adds an additional team member - a Ghost Writer who models writing techniques and introduces concepts as needed to reach the NEXT LEVEL.
Q. How long does it take to move from 'Aspiring' or 'Skillful' to an 'Accomplished' level?
A. Most Next Level Author Contract authors improve by one level in one year. Occasionally, one will improve by two levels.
Q. Can I resubmit my proposal after receiving feedback if I want to improve my score?
A. No. The test aims to establish a baseline for your unaided skill. Correcting the weak areas and resubmitting would falsely represent your current writing acumen. Understanding the errors needing work is essential to attain NEXT LEVEL AUTHOR.
