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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.
“I got to go to a TLC Writer’s Day where I found the support of other attendees and the talks really helpful. I used the Being a Writer programme and other TLC workshops to keep me writing in lockdown and help me fine tune the book. Throughout the whole process, Aki and Joe’s advice and Nelima’s communication has been invaluable.”
Jools Abrams, 
The Girl in the Mirror, 
Troubador
“TLC helped me get my Manuscript Agent ready. They guided me to the ideal Mentor, who gave me a practical, detailed, insightful report, and I got my agent immediately. I have recommended this service to so many fellow writers, all of whom have had very positive experiences. I attended TLC’s first ever Conference “Self Publishing in the Digital Age” which was outstanding, an incredible insight into the Modern Publishing World, and an excellent learning experience for any new writer. I have also attended several TLC Writers Workshops and always found them to be lively, informative and inspiring. TLC is a wonderful resource for all writers, no matter what stage of their writing career they are at.”
Helen Seymour, 
Beautiful Noise, 
Pencil
“I’m always so glad to work with you all at TLC, and am grateful for the support you’ve offered over the years. The TLC manuscript assessment I had in 2018 was invaluable in shaping this collection, as it helped me consider the stories I wanted to tell – and how I wanted to tell them. The novel itself found a new life… as the second short story in this collection.”
Gemma Seltzer, 
Ways of Living, 
Influx Press
“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. I first submitted a crime novel for its assessment around 15 years ago. TLC’s report showed a level of insight, understanding and careful reading way beyond what I was expecting. When working on my next novel it was comforting to know that TLC would be there to provide such expert advice and encouragement. I wanted HOWUL to be special, different, unusual, new. TLC’s brilliant reader completely understood what I was trying to do with it and came up with suggestions for improvements that made perfect sense. He put them in a way that inspired and motivated me. The result was a novel that not only ended up being much better but also landed a publisher. Thank you, TLC!”
David Shannon, 
HOWUL, 
Elsewhen Press
“Writing, for me, has been a very private endeavour; perhaps even secretive. Consequently, for too long I lacked a trusted reader, and the relational experience of writing and reading. Two things changed that: joining a small writing group and sending my first novel to TLC. Until then I had suffered a not uncommon sense that despite writing, I wasn’t a writer; that somehow, I lacked legitimacy. My TLC reader, Alex, responded with professional warmth, enthusiasm and detailed, critical feedback. Her suggestions and responses (including writing exercises to get under the skin of less developed characters) were invaluable. It was a no-brainer to send TLC my second manuscript and once again I received detailed, critical and constructive feedback. The bottom line is that this service empowered the writer in me.”
Mish Cromer, 
Alabama Chrome, 
Cinnamon Press
“In 2012 I sent the first draft of From Now On Everything Will Be Different for assessment to The Literary Consultancy, and received a sharp, honest critique that made me see my work more objectively. My reader challenged and motivated me to lift my writing to the next level of accomplishment. Every day after I’d read the report, I sat on my desk with a burning sense of purpose. When I revisited the manuscript, I translated it into Indonesian, revising it along the way, and then retranslated it back into English. It was published by Obor (2014), and in English by Vagabond (2015). Thank you, TLC, for the feedback and encouragement.”
Eliza Vitri Handayani, 
From Now On Everything Will Be Different, 
Vagabond Press