The main issue to bear in mind is that an appraisal will contextualize your work within a professional framework, (that is within current publishing standards). Ideally, you need to feel ready for this and prepared for the challenge. Perhaps the best time to seek an appraisal is when you feel you have outgrown all the other available options and you don’t quite know how to push through to the next stage. If you are still in the early stages of your development as a writer, you may simply need the support and encouragement that a good creative writing group or class can offer you. We are always pleased to hear about the successes of former clients because it confirms our conviction that writers with talent and determination will break through.

We have a well-deserved reputation for excellence and integrity. We treat every writer who comes to us as an individual. All our appraisals are supervised. We only use experienced, mid career writers. We value them and pay them a decent fee. We also offer you unprecedented value for money, with the bulk of your fee directly invested in your manuscript. (Other consultancies spend up to two-thirds of your fee on expensive overheads.)

There may be a number of reasons for this. It is never easy receiving input for the first time. Allow a little time for the information to sink in. If you are still not happy, it is worth discussing your concerns with us. Contact us by phone or email so that we can directly address the problem. If you are still dissatisfied, we will refer you to a second writer-mentor for an independent response and a possible solution.

• How to Write A Damn Good Novel. James N Frey This is a good book to read if you want to develop an overview on plot and character development.
• How to Write A Novel. John Braine This is a very reassuring book for writers who feel unable to plan ahead, but nonetheless would like a little guidance.
• The Art of Writing Fiction. Andrew Cowan A creative writing programme packaged within a book. Gives a flavour of the academic context as well as plenty of useful exercises.

We respect your copyright and can confirm that the copyright remains with you the author. For your piece of mind we recommend that you add your copyright to the title page of your manuscript as follows: Your Name©2012