Writers Surgery

Professional development for writers

Adventures in Fiction offers structured one-to-one forty-minute consultations. This is an opportunity to discuss your novel with an experienced professional novelist.

The aim is to provide a framework, to identify what you are aiming for and to offer a strategy for moving forward. These sessions are especially useful for writers in the beginning stages of developing a novel and those preparing for submission and publication.

Marion Urch specializes in the production of an effective submission package, in particular, what makes a good synopsis. She works across genre with specialisms in commercial and literary fiction, including women’s fiction and psychological thrillers.

Writers Surgery is an excellent introduction to working with us. (We offer an 15% discount on appraisals and mentoring packages and £100.00 discount on Writers Toolkit and Apprenticeships booked within three months of your consultation.)   

Format

We will look at your synopsis, first page* (and optional cover letter) in advance and prepare a framework document. Writers Surgery is designed to identify and focus on key issues and to allow you to directly address any questions or dilemmas you may have. Topics may include genre, the essential elements of successful fiction, the quality of the writing and the best way to approach agents. The more prepared you are, the more you will benefit. At the end of the session, we will send you the framework document as well as any notations on your pages.

(*Honing a first page is an excellent way of concentrating the mind and focusing on the best possible opening to your novel. Aim for first page perfection if you possibly can, though, in practice, we will accept up to 1,500 words.)

Venue

Writers Surgeries take place online via Zoom, FaceTime or by phone.

Payment Methods

Booking fee: £150.00*

Specifications

We recommend that all writers present their work professionally from the outset. Synopsis: 12 pt. Aim for space and a half. First page: 12 pt. Double-spaced. Use standard margins. Include your name and contact information on both pages. Try to include the genre you are aiming for. (It is also a good idea to think about novels within the same category. You can include this information in your cover letter.) Include your copyright as follows: © Your Name 2013.

How to submit

Send us your first page and synopsis along with a cover email stating your general availability and any particular concerns you would like to focus on. We will get back to you with three time/date options. (Time slots are usually offered within a two-to-four week time frame from date of submission.) If we cannot agree dates (usually within a three month time frame) we will refund your fee.

Bookings

Step 1. Pay the booking fee of £150.00 here.

Step 2. Confirm payment here
Include confirmation (date of payment) with your cover email.
+ Attach your first page and synopsis (preferably as word documents.)

For any further queries contact us.

This is an excellent opportunity to discuss your work with a knowledgeable, sympathetic and experienced novelist.