“I have been blown away with the care and concern with which my TLC report has been written. I always got the sense that my Reader was on my side and taking my writing seriously.”
Keith Ajegbo
“A manuscript assessment by The Literary Consultancy is like having a Masterclass in writing, but with your own novel.”
Bee Johnstone
"The support I have received from The Literary Consultancy has made a huge difference to my progress as a novelist. Without it, I doubt I would ever have been published. Thank you, TLC!"
David France
“It’s a real balancing act being encouraging and positively critical at the same time. The service from TLC is both excellent value for money and essential in keeping us writers going.”
Judi Newns
“My report was so painstaking, so perceptive, and so very, very generous that I feel thoroughly heartened to carry on and attempt a second draft. I don’t regret a single penny, and I’d do it again like a shot.”
Jenny Kitchell
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Transformative and personalised editorial services for writers
The Literary Consultancy is the UK’s longest-established editorial consultancy, pioneering manuscript assessment, and advocating for industry-level editing for all writers. We have helped thousands of writers to develop their work, with hundreds going on to find readerships and accolades: major book deals, theatre tours, poetry prizes, digital serialisation, and more.
At TLC, we meet writers on the page. We look forward to seeing you there.
Where are you on your writing journey?
Click on the stage below that best describes where you are to see our recommendations:
Exploring ideas/planning
Writing a book
Finishing a book
Finished a book
Exploring ideas/planning
- You are in the early stages of a writing project
- You have a plan, an outline, or perhaps simply a notebook full of ideas. You might have a few scenes written, or you might just be trying things out. You may be a complete beginner, or a seasoned writer starting something new
- We can offer support and inspiration suited to you at this early stage of the process. You may wish to have a look at our Writers’ Corner which has lots of resources, tips, and practical support including our craft and creativity mini guides, or to come to one of our literary events or workshops
TLC RECOMMENDS…
Writers Corner
Useful Links
FAQs
Events Online
Writer’s Surgeries
Writing a book
- You are working on your first draft, starting to piece the narrative elements together for your novel, non-fiction book, poetry, short story collection, or script
- You have a work in progress, and a good sense of your own creative vision, but you feel you need help to keep the momentum going, or a steer in the right direction, as well as general support to develop the writing further
- We can help you get a sense of the work and its narrative (craft) elements. You might want to start with a short extract read. If you feel you would like some more intensive one-to-one support, you may wish to consider our 12-month mentoring programme, Chapter and Verse
TLC RECOMMENDS…
Mentoring
Manuscript assessment
Events
Online Writer’s Surgeries
Finishing a book
- You are almost at the finishing line with a writing project, but you are working closely to it and can’t quite see the wood for the trees
- You have been self-editing as you go, perhaps attended some workshops, and feel generally like you’re on track
- We can match you with a reader in your genre and format to cast an expert eye over the work and make sure it’s all hanging together, and is appropriate to your target readership
TLC RECOMMENDS…
Manuscript assessment
Mentoring
Industry FAQs
Finished a book
- You are finished! You have a draft, perhaps a first, perhaps a fifth or even a tenth. It might not be perfect, but it’s done
- You have been working on this for a while but feel you need a professional opinion on the writing. You might have an idea about whether you are at this stage looking to submit to a literary agent, a small press, or to self-publish, or you may be open to exploring your options
- We can match you with an editor with the right expertise for you at this stage of your writing journey. That might be an industry specialist who can give honest feedback through the lens of the commercial viability of the project, or a sympathetic but thorough reader who can help you iron out the final kinks
TLC RECOMMENDS…
Manuscript assessment
Submission package assessment
Copy-editing and proofreading
Useful Links