​The Author Level Test is an in-depth evaluation that assesses 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.
 
The purchase of an Author Level Test also pays for a 1-hr assessment timeslot.
1. Download Your Fillable Test  -  2. Complete  -  3. Upload back to us
 
The 5 Hills Stories Die On:
Idea / Hook — Do your ideas grab and hold?
Audience & Purpose — Do you write for someone who will care?
Structure / Plot — Does your writing escalate, turn, and resolve?
Character & Emotion — Are characters real, alive, and memorable?
Language / Execution — Does your writing carry the story?
 
Our AUTHOR LEVEL TEST finds you where you are and DELIVERS a personalized map to and through your NEXT LEVEL AUTHOR journey.
We are interested in both discovering and creating great authors!
Over 38 years this test has guided hundreds of authors to leveling up.
 
🎯 This is for:
Serious unpublished writers
Early to Mid-career authors
Writers stuck between “people say it’s good” and “nothing is landing.”
🚫 Not for:
Hobbyists seeking validation
Writers unwilling to accept critical analysis for revisions
People who want shortcuts to profit with no sustainable skillset
 
How does the test evaluate my writing level?
Your test is evaluated by an experienced Editor using our standardized rubric, while allowing for feral brilliance, uneven polish, and emotional risk.
 
The rubric is divided into 24 skills across 5 key areas:
Experience
Conventions
Characterization
Structure
Author Style
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 120
 
Scoring Method
24 Key Skills × 5 Points = 120 Total
Each skill scored as:
0 – Not present
1 – Poor / unclear
2 – Emerging
3 – Competent
4 – Strong
5 – Exceptional (+ Chills)
“+ Chills” is defined as sustained emotional, sensory, or intellectual resonance that lingers beyond the page.
 
Author Levels (120-Point Scale)
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.
 
What feedback will I receive about my book proposal?
After the evaluation is complete, you will receive an email telling you:
Our opinion of your story idea pitch and the story itself
What level you tested on and why
Your greatest strengths
Your three weakest areas and recommendations for improvement
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
 
Discover where you are and how we can take you from there to your published
NEXT LEVEL AUTHOR journey.