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.
“The Free Read Scheme between the TLC and Nottinghamshire Literature Development Department introduced me to the value of professional critiques from the early days of my publication journey. In fact, I became something of a TLC junkie, popping back several times for expert feedback on my short stories and three different novels … I very much appreciate the honest appraisals that have pushed me to raise my game and write and rewrite until I had a novel of which I could be proud.”
Anne Goodwin,
Sugar and Snails,
Inspired Quill
“I came to TLC after winning the New Writing Ventures award for poetry in 2007. I’m extremely grateful for the mentorship as it has been instrumental in my working process from then to today. It taught me to be much harder on myself during the editing process, but ultimately it was a perfect combination of criticism and encouragement. On the back of the mentorship, I was awarded a residency at the Banff Centre in Canada. The journey from manuscript to published book was quite a lengthy and at times frustrating process, but what I’d learned on the mentorship was key in keeping my faith going. Eventually, a publisher – the new London-based outfit, Eyewear – came on the scene and pursued me for the manuscript, which was instantly accepted.”
Jemma Borg,
The Illuminated World,
Eyewear
“The Literary Consultancy has been an essential part of my journey to publication. They told me what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear, something others can be afraid to do! While I have critique partners, they see the book chapter by chapter, and a professional view of the whole thing reveals weaknesses that are missed by this approach. TLC also championed my work at a time when I was doubting myself, and gave me the encouragement to continue. I will be sending them my next manuscript for their feedback, as soon as it is ready.”
Kate Blair,
Transferral,
Dancing Cat Books
“TLC is a wonderful organisation. Anna South’s manuscript assessment was both insightful and useful, but that was just the beginning. Winning the TLC Pen Factor Competition opened many doors for me and the book. I’ve made dozens of great contacts at TLC events, and Rebecca Swift’s guidance and support has led to a cool digital and audio serialisation deal with The Pigeonhole. She was a major factor in The Bitter Trade becoming an airport bestseller.”
Piers Alexander,
The Bitter Trade,
The Pigeonhole
“Since the day I mailed my manuscript to TLC, they would not stop until I was accepted by a top literary agent. The result: my novel, The Black Coat, being published by Penguin Books in India in 2013 and Periscope in the UK in 2015 Thank you to my TLC reader, Kavita Bhanot, for her insightful report and to Rebecca Swift for her personal encouragement. TLC has been with me at every step since 2011.”
Neamat Imam,
The Black Coat,
Penguin India/Periscope
“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
