Working on a manuscript is almost like revealing a part of yourself to the world. It has stayed within your private space for quite some time and allowing it to see the light of day is a daunting experience. Because I understand the sensitive and vulnerable nature of sharing your work, I offer a Literary Consultancy service before self-publishing or submitting to agents or publishers. With a range of services from manuscript assessments to guidance with your submission package, I help bridge the gap between authors, agents, and publishers.
What is Literary Consultancy?
The honest and critical feedback offered through literary consultancy is an important part of any authors writing journey. The publishing industry is a continually complex market meaning my role as a literary consultant is to ensure your manuscript is the best possible version of itself before you submit your work.
What is Involved in Literary Consultancy?
Literary consultancy offers a number of services, most notably manuscript evaluations. Guiding an author with honest, detailed, and valuable feedback in either written or session format - a reader's report or one off Zoom session - I thoroughly assess an authors work providing support with self-editing, developmental and structural advice, ultimately leading to the best possible version of your manuscript.
I have a deep commitment to you as your consultant to support and guide you in perfecting your manuscript before submission or self-publishing. My primary concern is to encourage and empower you as a writer, to ensure you trust and honour your voice, and have the confidence to follow through with your work. In this manner, I offer advice on not only your manuscript or work to date, but also on the publishing industry and supports available. I am honest at all times as to whether your book is ready for the shelves.
I offer a number of options when it comes to consultancy packages as I provide in-depth feedback on your work. You can choose either a full reader's report with margin notes, or a 1.5 hour Zoom session inclusive of written bullet point feedback and margin notes.
Please note that this is not a full editing service, although I can quote you for full editing.
What is a Reader's Report?
A Reader's Report is an in-depth written manuscript evaluation focusing on various aspects of your manuscript. The report comes with constructive feedback on the strengths of your work and where it may require improvement before publishing. Along with the report, the manuscript will include margin notes.
What does the report include:
- Feedback on the structure of the manuscript
- Feedback on the subject matter with a focus on the current publishing climate
- Feedback on the content and quality of writing
- Understanding where the book fits within the current market
- Strategies to improve the manuscript and the writing if necessary
- An outline of the works strengths and weaknesses
- Additional notes on content, style, voice, structure and market-positioning
- Issues raised by the author will also be addressed
Alternative to the Reader's Report
A Reader's Report is a valuable document, however as an alternative, author's may choose to have a full discussion about their manuscript during a 1.5 Hour Zoom session in place of the report. This online session includes a written bullet point feedback and margin notes. This consultancy session is in place of the Manuscript Evaluation Reader's Report.
I want to get a manuscript evaluation. What do I do now?
Please get in touch before submitting a manuscript in order to book in a date for reading and completion of the report.
When a spot has been secured, I will contact you to find out your particular requirements.
Please send your manuscript in double-spaced 12pt font (ideally Times New Roman).
Payment is made in advance of the work done.
Standard turnaround time for a manuscript evaluation with Reader's Report is 3 - 4 weeks depending on availability.
When submitting, it helps if you include a short synopsis including your personal background.
Any questions or concerns you have about the work can be included to ensure they are focused on in the report.
Literary consultancy does not guarantee publishing success.
Please get in touch if:
- If you need a quote for a different length manuscript
- If you would like to see a sample of a Reader’s Report
- If you need a combined literary consultancy and coaching package
Publisher and Agent Submission Advice
I need guidance on submitting my manuscript. Can you help?
Absolutely! I offer support and advice when compiling your submission for agents and publishers. Aptly named The Submission Package, I offer a review of your submission and I work closely with you on your covering letter, your book synopsis and guidance on your sample three chapters. My support will ensure your work is in perfect shape and ready to be viewed by agents and publishers. Of course, there is no guarantees in the publishing world, and working with me on your submission does not automatically guarantee success but it will provide you with the confidence and knowledge that your work is in excellent shape and ready for review. .
The Submission Package
1:1 60 Minute Consultation
With the Submission Package I take your hand and guide you in working your submission before submitting to agents and publishers so that it grabs and engages them from the very beginning. Within the submission package we cover the following elements of your submission during a 1:1 60 minute online consultation including understanding the publishing industry:
Cover Letter
Biography
Synopsis
Target Audience
Where Your Book Fits
Comparable Titles
Table of Contents with Chapter Summaries
Assessment of Sample Chapters(up to 10,000 words) Follow up emails for one week post session
1:1 Bespoke Coaching Session
Bring your writing alive with a Bespoke 1:1 Consultation. A 1:1 consultation is a sacred space as author and mentor work together to refine your writing and actively work through any writing blocks. Throughout our session we look at any of your queries or blocks including your "why", getting to know your audience, uncovering where your book fits within the market, boosting your writing drive, giving stagnant writing an uplifting shock, understanding the publishing industry, and I will aim to answer during our coaching session any questions you have about writing and the publishing industry. Lot's to work through in one hour :)
A bespoke session can cover any aspect of your writing journey including but, of course, not limited to:
Kickstarting Your Writing
Polishing Your Idea
Brainstorming Your Chapters
Cutting Through Blocks
Understanding Your Audience
Creating a Writing Habit
Planning Your Book
Challenging Your Writing
Researching Ideas
Driving the Plot / Narrative
Submission Queries
Publishing Advice
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