Frequently Asked Questions

In Britain and elsewhere, there is a well-established tradition of first-time writers seeking help from established authors.

We aim to offer the best quality advice available anywhere - but you need to have a realistic idea of what can be accomplished and you will need to come equipped with the essential ingredients of passion, talent and hard work.

This page should answer most of your questions. For info on how to send us your work, then please see our Fees and Submissions page.

See also: Fiction Home | Free Advice | Sample Reports

What to expect from using our services

Will you turn my book into a bestseller?
Probably not. Editorial advice can only guide the author's existing talent. An outside eye offers objectivity. An expert eye helps you see your book the way that an agent or publisher will. As authors ourselves, our advice is always constructive. We're not here to criticize; we're here to help you fix whatever needs fixing.

How does working with The Writers' Workshopcompare with an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) degree or a Creative Writing MA?
There are pros and cons. These graduate programmes are time-consuming, expensive, and do not guarantee publication. On the other hand, you will get a qualification, a systematic introduction to the craft of writing, and you will probably have fun.

Our own approach aims to fit in with regular life: no need to give up your job, move house, or become a different person. Also, we dedicate ourselves to one thing only: reading your work and helping you with it. If you have no problems with your plotting, then sitting through MFA courses on plot may be a waste of time for you. We focus on what you need to know & nothing else.

I've found cheaper services available on the internet. How come?
We aim to be the best, not the cheapest. In our experience bad editorial advice is worse than useless - that's why we insist that all our editors are proven authors themselves. If a consultant doesn't have a track record that we believe in, we don't use them. We review each & every report that goes out to clients. We only retain consultants who deliver the best.

Can I ask you frankly - is this a service aimed at losers?
Yes, you can ask. And no, it isn't! We have helped thousands of writers. Some of those writers have been stunningly good - genuine class acts. On the whole, those writers have gone on to get excellent agents and excellent book deals. Writers need editors. Professional authors have that help free via their publisher and/or agent. First-timers lack that help and need it most. We're here to fill the gap

How the process works

I'm keen to go ahead. How does the process work?
It's easy. Basically, you just pop your work in an envelope, along with a cheque for the right fee, and send it off to us. Full instructions on our Fees & Submission page.

Can I choose my editor?
No, we do. We know our team a lot better than you do, and are better placed to determine who will be most helpful to you. If you have a strong preference, then let us know. We'll do what we can to accommodate you.

Then my editor gets to work, right? How long will I need to wait?
Allow 4 weeks to get feedback via email, though we're often faster than that. Very occasionally, we may need more than 4 weeks. If so, we'll let you know as soon as possible. For full-length manuscripts, reports are a minimum of 3000 words long.

OK, I get my report. Then what?
Take some time. Getting feedback is always an emotional process. That's true if you're a professional author with a long publication record. It's all the more true of first time writers. Take a few days to ponder your consultant's comments, then get in touch with them to talk things over.

How long have I got on that phone call?
There's no preset limit. It continues as long as is helpful.

Then what?
It's up to you. By this point, you will almost certainly have a clear idea of your next steps & you'll feel positive and encouraged about taking them.

If you do feel that you need ongoing help, then we're here to provide it. Just work out with your consultant what would work best for you, and we'll happily work something out. Many excellent writers benefit from iterative advice & feedback, so don't feel embarrassed to use it.

Other FAQs

How should I protect my copyright?
We will keep your work confidential. You don't need to do anything further, but if you want to please see our information on copyright.

I've written the whole book - but can I submit a synopsis and the first few chapters only for a reduced fee?
Yes, but we do advise against this. Plot is an essential element of fiction, and our feedback on plot is often the most valuable thing we have to give. Short extracts just don’t let us do this properly. If this were our manuscript, we’d want it read in full and discussed in full.

Do I need an agent? Why can't I go direct to a publisher?
In most cases, writers do need agents - publishers often won't take you seriously unless your MS comes via an agent. (The exceptions: Picture books are often agented, but it's not essential. Also specialist non-fiction - Koi Carp Fishing in Northern Thailand, say - may as well go straight to specialist publishers.)

What do you think about self-publishing?
There are legitimate self-publishers and there can be good reasons for self-publishing. Alas, the industry is strewn with bandits making implausible claims about what they can do for you. Take care - and check out our Guide to Publishing.

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