Frequently Asked Questions

Why work with an editor?

No one is obliged to work with an editor. If you feel your work is strong enough to sell as it stands, then check out our advice pages for info on how to contact an agent directly.

But remember that professional authors have the advantage of having their agent and publisher’s editor to advise them. First time writers don’t have these advantages and taking external editorial advice can hugely improve your chances. We estimate that our clients’ success rate is about twenty times better than the rate of first time writers generally (in terms of securing an agent or publisher).

So what are my odds of success?

It’s not about odds, it’s about quality. If your book is strong enough, it’ll sell. If not, it won’t. The Writers’ Workshop can help you improve your manuscript. We can also, if your MS is strong enough, help place your work with agents. But it’s the first bit that’s important. Get that part right, and the second bit is easy. Click here for more on our success stories.

Your editors are authors, not publishers. Why?

Editors at publishing houses do much less editorial work than they used to – and it’s rare that a publisher acquires a book that still needs considerable work. That means that publishing editors just aren’t used to all that much root-and-branch editorial work, and are often at sea when it comes to work by first-timers.

Authors, on the other hand, are seasoned practitioners. They don’t just understand what’s wrong, they understand how to fix it – because they’ve learned the hard way, by having to grapple with their own work. That’s why all our editors are seasoned, published authors – all of whom have published work with major houses, and many of whom have gone on to win or been shortlisted for major prizes. We won’t accept anything less.

Will you be brutally honest with me?

Oh, yes. Our standards are probably the toughest of any editorial consultancy – and the reason is simply that we apply the standards that agents and publishers apply themselves. If your work is good enough to sell, we’ll help you do that. If not, we’ll tell you why. If that means being tough with you, then we’ll be tough. If you want someone to be nice to you, get a massage.

Do I get to choose my editor?

No. If there’s a name on our list that jumps out at you, then let us know, but remember that we know our editors far better than you can. One of our core skills is matching your manuscript to the best possible editor of that manuscript. On the whole, you’re best advised to leave the choice to us.

What if I want follow-up mentoring?

99% of our clients find that a good editorial report gives them all they need to make progress – but if you want mentoring, we can provide it. Just let us know you might want it when you send us your manuscript.

I’m not sure what’s the best next step for me to take. Can I call you to discuss it?

Of course. We’re always happy for you to contact us. We’re committed to offering direct, truthful, informed advice – not just about our services, but about the industry generally. No one knows it better than we do.

Please tell me that you’re going to fix my book without me having to lift a finger.

Of course. No problem. Just as soon as we’ve cured malaria and eliminated world poverty.

The truth is that writing books is hard. The clients of ours who have done best are (a) talented, (b) dedicated, and (c) willing to make major changes to their manuscript if/when required. If you won’t contemplate altering your work under any circumstances, you won’t benefit from editorial advice. You’re also, sorry to say, unlikely to get published.

I have a host of other questions, but I couldn’t honestly pretend that they were frequently asked.

Then contact us. We’ll be happy to help.