My role as editorial consultant

I believe the main role of an editorial consultant is as follows:

• To identify new writers
• To work closely with them in order to get their work accepted by agents and publishers
• To improve the writing of already published authors.

Identifying new writers

What most unpublished writers lack is an objective but supportive critique of their work. It is difficult to stand back from a novel that you have worked on for some considerable time and say “I ought to improve my characters and plot”. My role is to judge whether what has been written has a good chance of being accepted out there in the market place or whether and where it needs improving.

Working closely with writers

The most important step for a writer is to find an agent. Today publishers no longer have a “slush pile” from which random novels are picked out. They now rely on agents to provide them with typescripts. I believe very strongly in working closely with writers, so that together we can discuss and work through any problems or suggestions. Because of my long experience, I can quickly produce helpful editorial comments and, because of my knowledge of  the publishing world, I can put you in touch with the right people.

Improving the work of published authors

There sometimes comes a blip in the life of a writer when their editor or agent decides not to take on their next book. Sales may have been bad, the last plot unconvincing, the ‘voice’ uncertain. I can help you by providing a fresh approach. As I have no baggage, I am able to make an unbiased assessment which, hopefully, will revitalise the writer’s work.