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 2005 I was living in New York when I sent my manuscript to TLC. It was assessed by Daniel Jeffreys who, in his nine-page appraisal, opened my eyes. It was the first in depth creative writing advice I had ever received, but it was enough to make everything click in to place for me. The road to publication was long, as it so often is, and littered with heart-wrenching rejections, but eventually the manuscript was picked up by Transworld in 2007. RAVEN: Blood Eye made the bestseller lists in 2009. I’m now working on my 10th novel, having written about Vikings, the English Civil War, and having even co-written a novel with Wilbur Smith. It has been a wonderful journey. But Daniel’s appraisal still sits in the front of my writing folder, marking the start of it all. I am still so grateful to Daniel and TLC, and so glad that I took the plunge and sent my script in.”
Giles Kristian,
Raven: Blood Eye,
Transworld
“Winning the TLC Pen Factor Writing Competition [2014] gave me a tremendous boost, as I knew I was up against some very tough competition on the shortlist. The experience was a good one, and tremendously affirming. I had complete strangers come up to me afterwards and tell me how much they enjoyed the reading. The competition was worth entering just for that.”
Guinevere Glasfurd,
The Words In My Hand,
Two Roads
“If you are thinking of getting professional feedback from TLC, I would say, Go for it! Your writing deserves a good reader. Don’t be afraid of the dark – the Supernatural…’ The best advice I received from Daniel Jeffreys that helped shape the journey of Companions of Clay. The report was diplomatic and encouraging – something for which I am grateful for, given that the first fifty pages were feral to say the least. The novel went from being a meandering mess to an opening that was not only unafraid of the dark, but it embraced it.”
Safeena Chaudhry,
Companions of Clay,
Amazon
“As part of Writing West Midlands’ Room 204 scheme, was offered the opportunity to apply to TLC’s Free Read scheme. With detailed and constructive feedback and support from the poet Sibyl Ruth for TLC, I put together a few poems and sent them off to The Emma Press, after doing my research for a likely match for my work. I was delighted to be accepted for publication by them. TLC has been a huge part in my developing confidence as a writer. I am enormously grateful!”
Deborah Alma,
True Tales of the Countryside,
The Emma Press
“I have been involved with The Literary Consultancy now for eight years. I’ve used its manuscript assessment services, participated in its writing retreats and attended its conferences. Rebecca Swift and the entire organisation have been an invaluable source of mentoring and support, at each step of my writing journey.”
Daniel Pembrey,
The Harbour Master,
No Exit
‘When I submitted The Last Fiesta to TLC the editor made me see the book in a new light. He said I could either go away and leave it and it would be a reasonably good book, but he urged me to find the real book within my book. It took a lot of hard work, but I am so pleased I followed TLC’s excellent advice. Thank you so much for helping me discover the book I didn’t know was there!’
Andy Rumbold,
The Last Fiesta,
Red Door Publishing