Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about all of my services: book coaching, writing mentoring, and manuscript editing. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please feel free to get in touch directly and I’ll be happy to help.
What is the Starter Package and what does it include?
Investing in your writing can be daunting, so I offer an introductory package where I can read an extract of a novel or novella, a full short story, or a synopsis of your novel (all up to 5,000 words), write you a short report, and then we meet virtually to discuss your work. This gives you professional feedback on your writing for a smaller initial cost. If you feel you want more mentoring after that, we can move on to other packages. You do not have to begin with the Starter Package though: you can decide how much help you need and create your own bespoke package from the start.
What is the Agent/Publisher Submission Package and who is it for?
Sending your work to agents or publishers is a time-consuming process and can be an anxious time, waiting for feedback. If you feel you want some guidance before submission, or even once you have had some rejections and are not sure how to proceed, this package could work well for you. I will read your whole submission (usually the opening 10,000 words, your query letter, and synopsis), then write you a detailed report with advice on what is working well and what could be changed in order to grab an agent or publisher’s attention. This is based on my professional experience and opinion. If you want an additional video call to discuss the report, let me know and I’ll offer a quote.
What is the difference between an editorial assessment and developmental editing?
An editorial assessment is for when you have finished your novel but it is likely to be your first or second draft and you want outside input. You are still open to rewrites and modifying the structure. Think of it as a diagnostic tool and a roadmap for the next revision. It is a survey of where your novel is so far.
Developmental editing is for later in the process, when you have taken the manuscript as far as you can on your own and want deeper analysis, as well as specified suggestions in the margin to pinpoint exactly where work needs to be focused. It is a structural redesign of where your final draft needs to be.
Not sure which you need? Get in touch and I will advise you based on where you are in the process.
How does the Bespoke Package work?
Mentoring means something different to every writer. You might want to meet virtually for one hour once a month for six months and have me read extracts too. You might want a one-off two-hour video meeting to discuss the structure of your novel. You might want me to read your 35,000-word novella and have a one-hour video meeting to discuss it. For the bespoke package, tell me what mixture of services you want, we’ll agree the length of extracts and in advance, and I’ll give you a quote. The longer or more extensive the package, the more likely I am to offer a decent discount, so get in touch for a quote.
What kinds of things will we discuss in the video sessions?
We can discuss whatever it is about your writing that you feel you want help with, for example: planning a novel, researching for a novel, drafting and re-drafting, extracts of your writing, how to prepare a submission package for an agent or publisher, what to expect from the publishing process, and more. We can agree before the session what you want to cover.
What sorts of things do you cover in your written reports?
When I am reading your work I will be looking at whatever you have asked me to focus on, as well as my own thoughts on the readability of your work and how it works as a whole. If you intend to submit for publication, I will also be considering what agents and publishers might be looking for in the current publishing world and how well I think your work might fit with that. I will be offering you my opinion and my advice based on my experience. It is up to you whether you agree or not.
I have written a full novel and need you to read the whole thing. Which service should I choose?
If you have a complete novel manuscript and want a full read with editorial feedback, please visit my Manuscript Editing page. I offer both an editorial assessment (a detailed report on the whole novel) and developmental editing (inline amendments and margin comments plus an editorial letter), depending on where you are in the process.
What genres do you work with?
I am happy to work with most fiction genres. My personal writing experience covers historical, saga, romance, comedy, contemporary women’s fiction, and upmarket fiction. However, I have always read very widely and am happy to work with writers in literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, romantasy, thriller, crime, domestic noir, and more. The one area I do not work in is ultra-violence within any genre, particularly horror. If you are unsure whether your genre is a good fit, please get in touch and ask.
How do your fees compare to other book coaches and writing mentors?
My fees are based on the average cost of hiring a book coach. You may find cheaper coaches out there, but they may not have my level of publishing experience or teaching qualifications. Please see my About page for full details of my background.
Do I have to commit to a long programme or can I book just one session?
You can book a single session or a single package with no obligation to continue. Many clients do choose to work with me on an ongoing basis, but there is no minimum commitment. If you want more support after an initial package, we can discuss options at that point.
My novel is longer or shorter than 90,000 words. How will the fee be calculated?
I will send you a tailored quote however long your novel is. The fees shown on my Manuscript Editing page are the average cost for a 90,000-word novel. The final fee will depend on the length of your manuscript and the amount of work I estimate it will require. Please get in touch to tell me what you want and I will come back to you with a quote.
Will you need to see a sample of my writing before we agree to work together?
Yes. For all editorial work, before we agree to work together I will need to see five pages of your writing, usually the opening, sent as an A4 Word document. This is to ensure I am the right fit for your writing needs and gives me a realistic sense of the manuscript before I commit to a quote.
How long will it take to receive my report?
Turnaround time depends on the length of the manuscript and my current workload. I will discuss timings with you before we agree to work together so you know exactly what to expect. I aim to deliver reports as promptly as possible while giving your manuscript the time and attention it deserves.
Do you have Terms and Conditions that apply to all services?
Yes. The full Terms and Conditions are available on this website. By proceeding with any purchase of any service on this site, you are declaring that you agree to them in full. You can read them here & from the link at the foot of every page on this site.
How do I get in touch to discuss a service or ask a question?
The best way to get in touch is via the contact form on the Contact page. Tell me a little about what you are looking for and I will come back to you as quickly as I can to discuss next steps.
Do you work with writers and students outside the UK?
Yes. All of my services are delivered online, so I work with clients worldwide. We can arrange video meetings to suit your time zone, plus I work daytimes, evenings and weekends. Fees are quoted in pounds sterling and payment is made in advance.
Do you offer advice on formatting, uploading, or distributing my book?
No. My expertise is in developmental editing and manuscript assessment. I do not offer advice on the logistics of self-publishing, including formatting, cover design, platform strategy, or distribution. What I can do is help you make sure your manuscript is the best it can be before you move to those steps.
Do you work with authors who publish regularly? Can I come back to you for each new book?
Absolutely, and I actively welcome it. Working with the same editor across a series or across multiple books has real advantages: I will understand your voice, your genre conventions, and your strengths and weaknesses as a writer, which means my feedback becomes more targeted with each book. Repeat clients can also discuss discounted rates for longer-term arrangements. Please get in touch to talk about this.
Do you edit manuscripts in series? Do you need to read previous books?
If your manuscript is part of a series, it is helpful to know that, and I may ask some questions about the broader story arc. For developmental editing of a series book, I may ask to read a brief summary of earlier instalments if I have not worked on them. We will agree what is needed before we start.
