Success Stories

The Literary Consultancy is very proud of the talented writers it has helped over the years. 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 book club favourites, have their books recommended by Oprah, made into films starring Hollywood actors, and gain media coverage across the UK and internationally. 

“My novel would never have taken off and got launched in such great shape, without TLC and the editorial input from the  amazing Rebecca Baker and Claire McGowan respectively. Claire did a fast and very incisive MS assessment which enabled me to really improve the novel and pull the many, and often complicated plots strands tightly together – there was also some judicious cutting which proved highly beneficial. Rebecca was a total delight to work with throughout as she did the tough job of copy and proof editing and is a wonderful supportive resource during the long , often lonely road to publication. Rebecca was there with me through thick and thin and really helped  hone and craft the MS in the process. Thank you TLC, I couldn’t have done it without you and your highly professional and always responsive team!”
JJ Hughes , 
Spirit of Prophecy, 
Amazon
“The manuscript assessment through TLC was the best investment I could have made, and was worth every penny. My reader, Sanjida O’Connell, gave such an insightful report, offering advice on aspects such as characters, dialogue, setting and plot to mention but a few. Her comments made me look at my own work in a different, more objective way, and I’ve been able to use a lot of that advice to improve other work since. I genuinely believe the help from her and TLC played a crucial part in being picked up by an Agent, and subsequently landing a two book deal, so couldn’t recommend them highly enough.”
Robert Scragg, 
What Falls Between the Cracks, 
Allison & Busby
“I knew in my guts from my earliest successes as a punky poet that disability and art that sprung from the experience of living within a world of obstacles, fear and sometimes hate – yet was rich, contrary, unique and ultimately celebratory. After many years fighting against the dark oppressive ceiling it was TLC who became the light at the end of a very long and bumpy tunnel.  My reader’s report was the door flung wide – to trust my own voice and strength as a writer. When TLC opened the opportunity to link with Unbound it felt like a match made in heaven. My memoir First in the World Somewhere was published in September 2017 and launched at the Royal Festival Hall. Receiving my first healthy royalty payment six weeks after the launch has to count as one of the best days ever.”
Penny Pepper, 
First In The World Somewhere, 
Unbound
“A Murderous Approach is my third independently published novel, and the third time I have received a critical manuscript assessment from TLC. I wrote my first book five years ago and look back on my decision to submit my work to TLC as the best investment I’ve made in my writing career. I chose TLC because I wanted a service I could rely on. Finding an editor as a self-published author can be a bit of a minefield as it’s difficult to verify a freelancer’s qualifications and experience. Working with the literary consultancy gave me the confidence that my money was well spent, as they were able to choose the best person for my manuscript from their team of qualified experts. My TLC reader, Jane Adams, has offered excellent insights and advice on my series so far, and I intend to ask for her guidance on many more  manuscripts to come.”
Darryl Donaghue, 
A Murderous Approach , 
Amazon
“The reports I had from TLC were my teachers and companions. What you crave with a novel is an objective, thoughtful, sensitive overview. I received that from TLC twice over.”
Alice Burnett, 
Ideal Love, 
Legend Press
“Working with the Harper Collins HQ Digital team on the Book of Fire is a dream come true, and wouldn’t be happening without the belief of key individuals who’ve helped shape my adventure so far. The TLC team, and Aki Schilz in particular, have been incredibly supportive; providing critical advice, blogging opportunities and all-round valuable confidence, a real lifeline to aspiring writers such as myself. Book of Fire is a YA dystopian thriller with a medieval mystery at its heart, and I can’t wait to get started on the next exciting instalment.”
Michelle Kenney, 
Book of Fire, 
HQ