About manuscript assessment and Manuscripts Online

Why post manuscript excerpts on the website?
To recognise an author's achievement and promote their work; to give authors web presence; to motivate writers to reach their best level, which only comes through knowing your work will be seen by the public; and finally, to provide entertainment.

Who decides whether a manuscript excerpt will be posted on the site?
The administrator in consultation with the assessor(s).

Why would one want to read manuscript excerpts instead of some other material 'published' online?
Often high-quality work is submitted for assessment, and there is no reason why the public shouldn't see it. Manuscripts Online is very selective about what it posts; its selection criteria may be more demanding than those of online journals and other online publishing venues. Also, material posted on the site has a certain intensity that arises from the selective process it has come through and the format in which it appears: stated aims of the author, comments from the assessor(s) and the administrator, and the implied question to the audience: What do you think?

Why utilise the internet for manuscript assessment?
Because it's better than traditional means. The internet allows for better, faster communication. It provides far more opportunities than before. It allows us to take the cumbersome process of traditional manuscript assessment and make it more efficient. Assessors can both receive and assess a manuscript in electronic form far more effectively than in traditional hard copy. The internet, electronic submission of manuscripts, and using electronic files for assessment allows us to change the nature of manuscript assessment itself. It empowers all those involved.

What is the advantage of getting my manuscript assessed by an agency rather than an individual?
An agency will provide anonymous assessments, guaranteeing objectivity. It will have much greater capacity to match your manuscript with an assessor with experience in your field. It will provide the infrastructure to deliver the service in the most professional way. Manuscripts Online adds the further benefit of having two people (the assessor and the administrator) engage with the work and with each other about the work, thereby lifting the professional treatment of the work.

Does the administrator of Manuscripts Online also read my manuscript?
Yes, either in part or whole depending on length and stage of development. The administrator must know the manuscript well enough to be able to match it with an appropriate assessor and discuss it with the author and the assessor.

Will my 'interaction' with the assessor be on the phone, over email, or via regular post?
Depends on the wishes of both the assessor and the author. Ultimately the agency will decide after discussing it with the author and the assessor.

Can I come back for a second round of assessing?
Yes. If assessors agree, authors are invited to rework their manuscript or part of it (depending on manuscript length) for a partial assessment in light of the assessor's comments. Manuscripts Online will commission the assessor for a short period, say two to three hours, to determine how well advice has been implemented.

If I've had my manuscript assessed by Manuscripts Online and want to resubmit the whole manuscript again for a second, complete assessment, will it be cheaper than for the first submission?
Yes (the fee is to be negotiated on an individual basis).

About technical matters

What file format should I make my manuscript?
Either a regular Microsoft Word file or Microsoft Word file saved in RTF (rich text format). RTF is preferred since it is more stable across platforms.

How do I save my manuscript as a Microsoft Word file in RTF (rich text format)?
In the 'File' menu of Word, select 'Save As', and in the 'Format' dialogue box that appears, scroll down to 'Rich Text Format'.

What is the best way to submit my manuscript?
Authors can submit their manuscripts either as hard copy or electronic copy. Electronic copy (i.e. email attachment, CD, floppy disk) has a number of benefits over hard copy: minimal or no postage expense; faster and more flexible delivery of service; and potentially a more comprehensive service as assessors will be able to access and use the document far more efficiently than a traditional hard copy.

Is it better to send electronic copy via disk or email?
It is up to the author. Email will be quicker and more convenient for authors with a suitable internet connection.

If an excerpt of my manuscript is chosen for posting on the website, what is to protect it from being plagiarised?
The law of copyright. Authors do not have to register to have their work copyrighted; it is automatic. Copyright law is the same whether a text is published in hard copy or on the web. The copyright symbol will be displayed on the posted excerpt after the author's name to alert readers the material is copyrighted. To download free information sheets about copyright and publishing on the internet, visit www.copyright.org.au.