One-to-One Novel Mentoring

Whether you're developing an idea, wrestling with a difficult draft, or preparing a finished manuscript for submission, I offer individual, developmental support tailored to the stage your novel has reached.

All services are offered online or in person in the Stroud area.

Novel Diagnostic

A focused 90-minute session to work out what your novel needs next.

Ideal if you're stuck, uncertain about the direction of a project, or want an experienced reader's perspective before committing to a larger programme of work.

  • Up to 5,000 words read in advance

  • A 90-minute one-to-one consultation

  • Discussion of the novel's strengths and the areas that may need development

  • Clear, practical recommendations for the next stage of the work

  • A short written summary afterwards

£175

Novel Development Mentoring

Ongoing one-to-one support as you write, develop or substantially revise your novel.

We establish clear objectives for the period ahead and work towards them together, whether you're developing an early idea, trying to finish a first draft, or tackling a major revision.

  • One 75-minute session each month

  • Up to 5,000 words of manuscript reading and developmental feedback per month

  • Agreed writing or revision objectives between sessions

  • Support with structure, character, voice, pacing, point of view and other aspects of the novel

  • Regular review of progress and objectives as the manuscript develops

Most writers work together for 3, 6 or 12 months, depending on the stage of the novel and what they want to achieve.

£250 per month
Three-month minimum commitment.

Manuscript to Submission

Intensive support for writers with a completed or nearly completed novel who want to get it into the strongest possible shape for submission.

This is a developmental process rather than a promise of publication: the aim is to help you identify and address the manuscript's major weaknesses, understand how best to position it, and prepare a confident submission.

  • Detailed developmental assessment of the manuscript

  • One-to-one consultations to discuss the major areas for revision

  • Support through a substantial revision

  • Advice on synopsis, pitch and submission materials

  • Guidance on identifying appropriate agents and researching their lists

  • A final assessment of the manuscript's readiness for submission

From £1,750

The exact fee depends on the length and complexity of the manuscript and the amount of developmental work required.

Standalone Manuscript Assessment

A detailed independent assessment of your manuscript, without ongoing mentoring.

Ideal if you've completed a novel and want an experienced reader to give you an honest, constructive assessment before deciding what to do next.

  • Full manuscript read

  • Detailed written editorial assessment

  • Discussion of structure, character, voice, pacing, point of view and overall coherence

  • Identification of the manuscript's principal strengths and weaknesses

  • Practical recommendations for revision and next steps

From £750

The fee depends on manuscript length and complexity. This service is developmental rather than line editing or proofreading.