Lectures, Workshops, Critiques, Advice
I have lectured and led workshops in the USA, UK and elsewhere, including on Cunard cruise ships, on a wide range of writing topics, including:-
- The World of Romantic Fiction
- Getting and Developing Ideas
- Studying the Market
- Plots & Characters
- Dialogue
- Research
- Revision
- Writing Historicals
- If you are interested in a talk or workshop please e-mail me initially to discuss your needs. Please give suggested dates and venues, and indicate the type of audience - writers/non-writers, age, number expected.
Professional Critique Service
I also offer a professional critique service through the StorytrackS appraisal agency which I help to run. Either visit the StorytrackS site or e-mail me for current rates, with a brief summary of the project, article, short story, or novel - complete or a few chapters. Indicate the length and what sort of publication, publisher or reader it is aimed at.
You will receive a view on its suitability for your intended market, detailed reasons for this opinion, and suggestions for improving your typescript.
All typescripts should be presented in the normal format required by publishers, namely:-
- Text double-spaced
- Wide margins - at least 1.5 inches (3-4cm)
- No binding, just loose sheets held with an elastic band
- A synopsis of max 1000 words
- Total word count - not by computer - see below
- In a strong padded envelope
- With return postage
This detail is important - don't even think of sending typescripts to publishers or agents in any other form - they may not be read.
Reasons for these requirements are often not appreciated by authors.
- Wide margins are essential for editing changes and notes.
- Reading a heavy bound typescript is awkward - most readers pick up a few pages or a chapter at a time.
- A synopsis helps a publisher to decide if a script matches his market needs.
- And no one will pay for the return of unsolicited typescripts.
