Once the rejection slips start to arrive
it is not uncommon for many writers to ponder whether
they have something truly valuable to offer and worth
persisting with or are simply wasting their time. Such
is the competitive nature of the current market for
fiction that the paths of fortitude and folly can be
difficult to distinguish and publishers and agents will
rarely take the time to share a full and honest appraisal
of your work.
A growing number of organisations offer such an evaluation
on a commercial basis. Most are professional organisations
comprising writers, former agents or editors who will
give an honest and independent appraisal of the merits
of what you send them and of its commercial viability.
Fees vary both between providers and according to the
volume of what you send them. There are usually different
rates for a synopsis, for a selected number of chapters
or for a full manuscript and premium rates for those
seeking a fast turnaround.
Some will give your work a more thorough study and
more detailed feedback than others. We would particularly
recommend The Literary Consultancy and The Writers’ Workshop. Their
websites are: www.literaryconsultancy.co.uk and www.writersworkshop.co.uk.
Some Useful Web Contacts for Writers
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