I had thought my debut novel to be complete many times. Each time I was wrong. Yet I could not put an ink-stained finger on the exact deficiencies. How fortunate was I to have sought advice from The Writing Consultancy. Keirsten passed my manuscript to Toby Venables. His comprehensive, insightful and cogent appraisal didn’t merely impress, it left me wondering how Toby had got into the heads of my characters as well as I had. And how had he unpicked my carefully crafted plotting like a tailor unpicks a dodgy seam? It seemed uncanny. But of course, it wasn’t uncanny. Rather it was a demonstration of considerable skill in the art of editing. I’ll be back. Michael J. Fleming – Dancing With a Weighted Cane
I have recently received back an appraisal of my manuscript, ‘Ripe Mangos Still Bruise’. The comments by Jon Curzon cut through all my protective instincts of my ‘masterpiece’. His points were so valid and when considered objectively, they were absolutely spot on. It has given me a new direction to go with the novel and I am so grateful for his time and obvious care to dig deep to understand all aspects of my threads and characters. His insights have been truly invaluable. Together with Keirsten I feel I have been in the hands of professionals who want to help and produce something better than I originally thought. Keirsten was so helpful and communicative and I felt she genuinely wanted to find the best route for me rather than seeing me as yet another tome coming in and passing on to any editor. This input is such an important phase and I was made to feel I had a book in the making, but with critical errors that need changing and refining. Thank you so much for your attention and support. Herbert Thackwell – Ripe Mangos Still Bruise
I am very grateful to the Writing Consultancy for taking a fine-tooth comb to my manuscript to make it the best it could be. As a debut writer, I really appreciated their friendly professionalism and their encouragement. I look forward to working with them again when I finish my second novel. Mary Grundberg – The Divine
I was very pleased with my manuscript before I got it line edited. The story was there, the characters, the dialogue, I was happy with the lot. But there was a nagging feeling that something wasn’t right, so I requested a line edit through The Writing Consultancy.
In comes Neil Broadfoot, highlighting the many places I’d switched tenses partway through a paragraph, pointing out where objects magically appeared in someone’s hand only for them to later be discovered somewhere else and emphasizing the importance of fleshing out the secondary characters.
The fresh pair of eyes and attention to detail Neil provided helped uplift The Archivist from a typical error-prone self-published novel to a novel in-line with traditionally published standards.
I will certainly be coming back to The Writing Consultancy in the future. VS Nelson – The Archivist
“I would like to pass on heartfelt thanks to Keirsten of The Writing Consultancy for her positive support in linking me with an editor (Neil Broadfoot). Neil’s robust and meticulous approach has, I believe, made a significant contribution to the offer of publication I have received for my book, Waiting for the All Clear. This is my first novel, I am in my mid-seventies, and I particularly appreciated Keirsten’s excellent communication and collaborative approach throughout the process. I would highly recommend The Writing Consultancy.” Laura Gray – Waiting for the All Clear
I was so glad I decided to invest in a full manuscript appraisal from Writing.co.uk. The feedback was thorough and spot on. I agreed with absolutely every comment by my appraiser Mark Leggatt. Sometimes when the comments required more work, there was a little resistance, but on reflection Mark was spot on each time. He also took the time to highlight all the bits about my writing that he loved so it was a perfect mix of encouragement and constructive feedback. My book is now ready to publish and is so much better than it would have been without Mark’s help.
Denise Baden, Habitat Man – Habitat Press
“I am a senior writing my first and only book. I discovered the world of publishing and was overwhelmed by choices and processes. I needed help, and after hours of browsing, decided on the The Writing Consultancy, based on my love of the UK and Cambridge, plus the name described exactly what I needed. First impressions count. My initial inquiry concerning editorial services was responded to immediately, in a personal and helpful manner, by Keirsten Clark. I wanted someone to assess my draft for its potential development. She proposed options and paired me with Jon Curzon who praised, cautioned, and recommended. His thorough and expert analysis provided confidence and direction for revisions. I am still working through the The Writing Consultancy with Neil Broadfoot as I progress, utilizing their additional expertise and knowing I will receive honest, helpful, and rapid feedback. “
Eric Reno – The Accidental Educator
“The Writing Consultancy in 2007 and more recently in 2022. I was kept fully informed of procedure and progress of my work and advice was forthcoming at any stage. The Writing Consultancy gave expert appraisal from a professional editor. There was recognition and explanation of any underlying issues within the text and it’s composition, and full insight into the written manuscript and requirements for progression.” Chris Dennett – June 2022
I have to say that I was quite shocked – I had been hoping that it would NOT say: ‘Well, that’s just the worst story I’ve ever read’, but to get a 22-page report on StoryLand was so unexpected.
What is particularly important is that Sandra provides clear illustrations of what techniques to adopt and where the script could be improved. Although, after my first reading of her Report, I felt daunted at the prospect of carrying out a complete re-write, having read it several times, the message has got though and I now have a much clearer idea of what to do, and I am looking forward to the challenge with some excitement.
Sandra not only pointed out how I would be able to make the ‘industry standards’ to get past the agents’ and publishers’ hurdles, she also make it clear what she liked, which was quite a bit of it, and such a fillip. Sandra went to such lengths to explain everything, and to illustrate her points, and it has been so helpful and encouraging. Please could you pass on to Sandra my heartfelt thanks and gratitude. Richard Ball
I have now read through all of Toby’s comments and suggestions and I would like to express my profound thanks to him for his insightful thoughts. It offers me clarity that I was unable to see before. I appreciate the amount of work that he has put into my manuscript and I value all of his suggestions and have begun to act upon them. For me, the line edit was a really worthwhile exercise and something that I truly appreciate. I am particularly appreciating his pointing out my POV ‘issues’ which I had not grasped before. That is an area I really must work on. My sincere thanks to Toby for all of his hard work on my behalf. Michael Long – Shadows on the Queen
I’ve gone through my appraisal and I have to say that I’m so glad I did this. Please thank Toby for me as he’s done an excellent job – pointing out issues that I was aware of and lots I wasn’t. Some of the things he put up for discussion have me so excited to explore that I’m working on it already. All his points were clear and I understood what he was going on about so no questions. Really, I just wanted to say thank you and that I’m very pleased with the outcome – even though it does it mean lots more re-writing! Helen Uzzell – Walking Between Worlds
I wouldn’t dream of considering my novel finished without first submitting it to writing.co.uk for an editorial consultation. Their notes and editorial suggestions were invaluable. They simply made my book better.
Michael Elias, You Can Go Home Now – HarperCollins US
My thanks to Toby. This is a superb and thorough review that has provided exactly what I needed to develop the novel.
Matthew Lillis, A Republic, Scarlet
Working with Keirsten and her team has been a totally positive and helpful experience. Keirsten gave due consideration to the genre and nature of my work and suggested an editor for the appraisal who she felt would be especially suited. I took her advice and within a few weeks received a forensically detailed and constructive analysis of our 95,000 word project from an editor who clearly understood the material and suggested some superb tweaks and refinements.
The accumulated feedback, analysis and support has been far in excess of anything I’d expected and I now think of the Writing.co.uk appraisal, and their associated services, as an essential part of my ongoing and future projects.
J.D. Maine, Hades Gate – Indie Author
The search for a quality, well priced, experienced and trust worthy editor for your book is probably one of the hardest things you’ll undertake when writing. That’s why I was so happy to find Writing.co.uk. I used them years ago and then again for my most recent book. These are the only editors you will need as they offer a wide range of services. I have dabbled with others before and they just don’t come close to the quality you get from The Writing Consultancy
My editor, Keirsten, was an absolute delight to work with and made the editing process something I looked forward to. Her work is the highest quality. I can’t wait to continue to use them in the future!
Abby Broomfield, Summer at Bramblewood Farm – Indie Author
I recently published my book Harbour Cities Midland. It has been an educational journey. Please thank Mark Leggatt for his very valuable input. Without his guiding hand, it would never have become what it is.
I am writing the sequel now and will definitely come back to your company for assistance.
Sylvia Lowik – Harbour Cities Midland
I’ve now taken time to go through Mark’s comments and advice and I just wanted to feedback how helpful his views have been. I’ve really appreciate his input. I feel he’s given the manuscript good thought and let me know where I need to tighten the plot and remove errors or overplaying a point, etc.
Just wanted to pass that on as I’ve use manuscript services in the past and I’m happy with this service.
Diane Ferguson, Beta – Indie Author
The feedback is impressively detailed and really helpful. Lots to work on, but that is what I wanted. A really excellent job. Definitely a service I will use again.
Andy Mack, The Berlin Defence – Elk and Ruby
The Writing Consultancy provided me with an excellent service for my debut book Heart Stone. They responded swiftly to my query with clear information regarding pricing and timing for my manuscript to be looked at. My editor, Jon Curzon, went through my work with a fine toothcomb pointing things out that I never would have considered as well as correcting my many school boy errors. He also came up with helpful suggestions on where I could improve the story and areas that required clarification. The friendly but professional manner of everyone at The Writing Consultancy means that they will be my first choice for future books.
D. J. Edwards author of Heart Stone – Indie Author
I just want to say a really big thank you to the team. I have just published my first novel and, as you can imagine, was really nervous of putting my work out to an editor for the first time. The team has made the whole experience an excellent one. The editor put forth a really thorough manuscript assessment making fantastic points on what to watch for and what to improve and I really feel my book is now all the stronger for his guidance. It has been published for only four days and has already received 5 star reviews. Special thanks to Keirsten who has been encouraging and endlessly supportive. I will definitely be submitting the rest of my series to the The Writing Consultancy.
L.E. Holmes, The Ancestors Saga Book 1: The Forbidden – Indie Author
I hadn’t originally intended using a professional editor as, after numerous re-writes and the assistance of a number of literate friends, I felt that the manuscript had been exhaustively edited and there was really no need. However, as the day approached to sign off the final manuscript, I had a niggling worry that no one who had helped me was a professional, however bright and conscientious they were. In the end, purely for peace of mind, I engaged The Writing Consultancy to do a final copy-edit. When I saw the results I was very glad I did. Aside from ironing out some infelicities of sentence construction and inconsistencies in punctuation, the editor spotted a few absolute howlers that had been missed multiple times by multiple eyes. The result was a manuscript in which I could be confident and this was where the real value was for me. Highly recommended.
Russell Meagher, One Great Thing – Indie Author
Every author needs to have their work edited by a professional. The Writing Consultancy teamed me up with an excellent editor who did an amazing job. She gave me feedback, support and guidance throughout the writing process. Without that help my manuscript wouldn’t have been up to the standard now demanded by agents and publishers.
Dean Palmer, The Queen and Mrs Thatcher – The History Press
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
I truly appreciate all the effort Antonia has put in and the guidance she has bestowed. I totally get and agree with Antonia’s assessment and, more than anything, with her fresh eyes I now have a clearer perspective of the manuscript and toryline as it stands now and how it needs to change… it’s so good to see it through other’s eyes. I have already begun a plan in which to work on the points raised to improve the manuscript.
C Carney, Willow and the Crown of Thoughts – Indie Author
I’ve been using this service for about five years now. They have always arranged for me to work with the same editor in order to sustain the levels of continuity and understanding I required. I can’t express enough how much this process has helped me grow and develop as a writer. You could spend thousands on academic courses and not learn half as much about writing and the English language as you would working with the professional editors provided here. Worth every penny!
Tim Malpass, Cherry Licks and The Fallen Gods Saga – Indie Author
I used the editing service for my novel Made Of Glass. The manuscript was returned within the stated time limit and the attention to detail on the suggested amendments was fantastic. The editor has helped me to produce a book that looks professional. I would certainly recommend them if you are looking for a quality service. Kim Padgett-Clark, Made of Glass – Indie Author
I have been going over the edit you have sent me and wanted to thank you and your team for such a fantastic job. I am so grateful for the hard work that the editor applied to my manuscript and how effective he has been in identifying the problems that I had overlooked, especially regarding my bad habits of adding too much repetition and too many redundant sentences.
As I read through the edit I felt as though my eyes have been opened to so much that I had not noticed through my own re-readings. My work has been massively improved.
Once again, thank you so much, it has been such a pleasure working with you.
R. Maisey – Echos of Fendamoor
I am ever in your debt. Your writing team have helped me to grow as a writer and I owe you all so much. Thank you! Special thanks to Lorna! I feel that we connected very well. I love that she gets my writing and I'm thrilled at how invested in my characters she became - I hope that they stay with her forever, as they will me.
K. D. Faerydae, The Liberty Realm Series – Indie Author
The Writing Consultancy did a great job editing my first book. High quality edit, with relevant points and very helpful for me as an author to finalise the book to be published. Definitely will work with them for my following books! You can trust you are in professional hands with The Writing Consultancy. I really enjoyed working with them both from professionalism and support stand point. On time and great delivery of the editing work. My book is loved by so many people thanks to them. Darya Haitoglou, Enrich Your Relationships - Indie Author
Had a knee-trembling experience last week when I received an offer from a publisher for Crowning Deception (previously entitled Crystal Crowns). Having submitted the first three chapters + synopsis on 25th May I was surprised to receive an email only five days later requesting the full typescript. On 16th June I received the letter saying they would 'very much like to publish' my work. Sweet words indeed. The advance payment is modest as is to be expected in the present state of the market but it does not detract from the pleasure of having achieved a long-held ambition.</p> <p>I received permission from the editor at Writing to quote some of her remarks in my initial covering letter. This was the first occasion I had done so and they may well have caught the commissioning publisher's eye. I have completed two other factional novels which have also been assessed by The Writing Consultancy. I am hoping for similar success with these. As you can imagine, I am very grateful to the writing.co.uk team and Lorna for all their work on my behalf. Clifford Peacock, Crowning Deception - Robert Hale
I have just finished going through the proofread and edited version of my book. I cannot tell you how pleased I am with the result. If I have learnt two things from this exercise it is that I will always get someone to edit any future books that I write and that your company will be my automatic first choice for such work. I will be happy to recommend your services to other writers for both service and value. David Bromley, Start a Home Based Business Today - The Book Publishing Academy
This looks extremely helpful and professional. It will take a while to absorb all the suggestions, but at first glance they look just and accurate. Many thanks to the editor for her close reading and compelling analysis. Much appreciated. And I have recommended your services to my agent. It's exactly the kind of constructive criticism I need to refine the draft before submission. Chris G., Seducing Ingrid Bergman - Penguin
I can't emphasise enough how invaluable the editorial help I received from The Writing Consultancy was in the development of my novel. I would highly recommend them as one of the most thorough consultancies in the market. Mo Foster, A Blues for Shindig - PaperBooks
I have now had my book "And Miles To Go Before I Sleep" 'A British Vet In Africa', published by Merlin Unwin. Many thanks for all your help and encouragement.Hugh Cran, And Miles to Go Before I Sleep - Merlin Unwin
As a first time writer, I was quite nervous and apprehensive about sending my work to be edited professionally. However, The Writing Consultancy provided a professional service that was both friendly and fast. The manuscript was edited in a user-friendly way that made it easy to go through and understand the changes made. It also provided me with valuable insight regarding technical aspects of writing. I highly recommend The Writing Consultancy to any writer needing editing services.
Talim Arab, The Square-Shaped Tear
Bearing in mind I'm a funeral director in the 'day job', I think it would be fair to say that in the five days since receiving my manuscript appraisal report I have probably passed through what's referred to as the seven stages of grief: 1) Shock & denial; 2) Pain & guilt; 3) Anger & bargaining; 4) Depression, reflection & loneliness; 5) The upward turn; 6) Reconstruction & working through....and finally, 7) Acceptance & hope!
All joking apart, I've found it a very positive and worthwhile experience and I certainly feel I've had value for money. One thing I would say to anyone else waiting for their appraisal is that for the slightly tongue-in-cheek reasons above, it genuinely does pay to read the report, put it down and reflect on it and then come back to it and read it again, because each time I've done that myself over the last five days I've found something new in what Dan has said. I do genuinely feel encouraged, inspired and left with a clear idea of the work I need to do. James Baker, The Unmourned – Mill Place Publishing
I found the services of The Writing Consultancy easy to use. Offering my book for assessment couldn’t have been easier and what could be more perfect for the job, than to have a lecturer in history and creative writing do the assessment. The assessment was easy to follow and gave me some great ideas to expand and embellish the novel. If I can market the novel and proceed with the next two books then I will certainly be using the service again.
In my experience the editing has been extremely helpful. The editor focused on ways to reduce grammatical errors and on improving word choice, readability, clarity and any ambiguity or structural inconsistencies within the text. Reasons for changes are explained in a logical, objective, clear and succinct way. The author always retains control of the text; at the end of the day, the author can always choose which changes to accept or reject. The edits are designed to help remove any confusion the reader may have, and in my opinion definitely add value. I strongly recommend using The Writing Consultancy.
Peter Ness, Dimensions – Indie Author
The feedback from The Writing Consultancy on my manuscript was both sensitive and constructive. It covered all aspects, from characterisation, structure, use of language and editing. It even gave me some positive feedback which, as an inexperienced writer, is always welcome. My book, having undergone a make-over as a result, has now gone to press and I have even started my next book, which will definitely be subject to the same professional scrutiny when the time comes.
Tashika Cecchetti, Paddling in the Sunset – Indie Author
I cannot recommend The Writing Consultancy enough for the aspiring writer. Not only do they have great knowledge and expertise in their field, but they also have something invaluable; they are into it, they care about their craft and take an interest. They gave me help and support long after their appraisal of my debut novel was completed. In an era where many work with at least one eye on the clock, this is refreshing. Any author will surely experience a feeling they are flying blind – writing a novel is a shot in the dark after all. Sometimes, a small push in the right direction can help you see the wood for the trees and make all the difference. My report was detailed and insightful and presented in an effective, easy to understand format. It was a great experience to have my work critiqued by a professional – after all; this is something a writer has to become accustomed to if they are to make that all-important step up to becoming published. So yes, I cannot recommend these guys enough.
Steve Bartington, Essex Man Blues – Indie Author