It is important to tighten the premise of your story into a single sentence, often called the pitch or the hook. This is one of the most important tools when it comes to securing an agent, and so we always begin here. We will you give you top tips to improve your pitch so that it’s compelling and designed to exciting literary agents. We also look at your ambition, and at how your work meets the requirements of your genre, offering ideas on how your novel or memoir might be positioned and its potential within the current market.

You will receive a thorough written report that evaluates every aspect of your manuscript, from the writing and the structure to the setting and the characters. We look at both the big picture (such as plot beats, character arcs and central questions) as well as the small picture (such as sub-plots and pacing), offering advice and practical steps so that you can continue to improve your manuscript.

We’ll look at the big picture of your book and examine it as an editor would in a publishing house.

We include a marked-up manuscript that focuses on the detail, considering what each line, paragraph and scene add to your story, your characters and your overall plot. We highlight the best sentences and flag areas for improvement, so that you can make sure your story really shines.

You will be invited to book a 45-minute debrief with your editor to discuss their feedback on your story. This is an opportunity for you to ask further questions and to consider your best path to publishing. This video is recorded for you to keep and will be included as part of your report.

You will receive a comprehensive action plan with guidance on how to implement our feedback. You will also become a member of The Novelry, enabling you to book any further paid feedback sessions with our editors. Membership gives you access to over 40 writing classes a month including guest events with authors, literary agents and publishing professionals, plus over 100 recorded masterclasses and our writing community. You will be eligible for our bespoke submission service – in which we submit your novel or memoir to our trusted literary agencies – and we will work with you from here on towards literary agency representation and publishing.

No. We cannot promise submission. We have an outstanding reputation with literary agencies thanks to the high standards of our submissions. But don’t worry, we will make sure you are well placed to make the changes you need to make. We want you to be one of our success stories, and we’re rooting for you!

No. If and when we submit your work on your behalf to literary agents, it will be with your prior agreement and approval. Most literary consultancies take a 10% commission on your publishing contract, but we would not dream of it. Please check the small print at other companies.

For novels or memoirs over 100,000 words, email us and we’ll charge pro-rata fairly and proportionately.

Our Editorial Director will review the work and assign the best editor appropriate to the genre you’re writing. If you have a preference, please let us know in your cover note. Unlike most other manuscript assessment services available we do not use freelance editors. You’ll get to meet and discuss your work with one of our professional publishing editors.

When you have had a chance to explore and apply the notes, your year’s membership included with the service will allow you to book any further Paid Feedback sessions with the editorial team, as well as offering access to our resources.

We cannot guarantee submission, nor can we guarantee representation. But we will do everything we can to get you there!