Success Stories
The Literary Consultancy is very proud of the talented writers it has helped over the years. Whilst TLC did not set up as a talent scouting operation, but rather to provide informed editorial advice to people writing at all levels, we are well-positioned to keep a steady eye on real writing talent, whilst writing markets fluctuate. We have been instrumental in helping many writers find their place with publishers and publish independently to great success, and this list represents just a small selection of those who’ve gone on to get book deals, top bestseller lists, become bookclub favourites, have their books recommended by Oprah, made into films starring Hollywood actors, and gain media coverage across the UK and internationally. We’re incredibly proud, and very lucky to feature their kind words about TLC here.
“In 2014 I was fortunate enough to benefit from the TLC Free Read scheme – it couldn’t have come at a better time. My reader, Doug Johnstone, offered me the fresh perspective and insight I needed to lick my novel into the best possible shape. Doug [Johnstone]’s support and encouragement helped boost my self-belief, both that I could actually write, and that Real Monsters was a story that demanded to be told. Real Monsters has since been acquired and published by Legend Press.”
Liam Brown,
Real Monsters,
Legend Press
“Karl French advised us on chapters from our true-crime story Out Of The Box. His insightful input and encouragement in the early stages of our project was invaluable. The book has now been signed with a US publisher.”
Julie McSorley and Marcus McSorley,
Out of the Box: The Highs and Lows of a Champion Smuggler,
Roaring Forties Press
“I consider my TLC mentor [Tim Clare]’s advice absolutely key in my success in getting The Zoo picked up by an agent and published. He provided advice that went beyond the surface and picked up the fundamental issues that were holding my writing back. His explanations of where I was going wrong and, most importantly, what I could do to put it right were insightful and precise. I genuinely believe that without TLC and my mentor I would not be in a situation where the publication of my debut is just around the corner.”
Jamie Mollart,
The Zoo,
Sandstone Press
“In 2009 I won a mentoring award from TLC. My mentor was Tessa West. She read the whole novel in several large chunks and gave me very useful and thoughtful feedback. At the end of the process (2011) the book was read by another reader at TLC. I was very grateful for the support and encouragement I received at TLC, and really enjoyed the Industry Day I attended there. When We Were Sisters was published by Ebury Press in August 2014. The paperback is due out in Feburary 2015.”
Beth Miller,
When We Were Sisters,
Ebury Press
“In 2010 I decided to consult TLC and received a commentary from John Harrison. In August 2012 I returned to [the book] with fresh enthusiasm and a new idea for a structure. At this point, John’s constructive criticism became invaluable and I was ready to accept the implications of redrafting. The result? A contract for the publication of Doubling Back – Ten Paths Trodden in Memory from Freight Books.”
Linda Cracknell,
Doubling Back,
Freight Books
“My TLC reader, Jill Foulston, encouraged a change of tone – to a more playful style – so that the book would be popular with a wider female audience. The Date Night Manifesto it is now a source of relationship advice and a fun read too. Pre-publication, the Date Night Manifesto is proving in-demand with the media and features in The Bookseller as their pick for January 2015 books.”
Sophia Ledingham,
The Date Night Manifesto,
Troubadour
