The transition from unpublished to commercially published author is a huge and exciting one. But many aspiring authors waste years of their lives because they do not know the publishing world, do not understand how it works, and do not appreciate that publishing is a business that needs to make a profit if it is to survive.

Can StorytrackS guarantee that we will find you a publisher?
No - nobody can. But if you have talent, we can introduce you to agents and/or editors. We can tell you about new opportunities and openings for your work. We have provided this level of service for many published authors. We now offer it to you.

Does a new author need to be bankable or promotable in some way?
Of course it helps to be twenty-five years old, beautiful, blonde and a presenter on breakfast television or a well-known soap star. But it's not essential! Publishers are always on the lookout for new talent, so if you can write like an angel, the fact that you don't look like one and are not already famous will not matter at all.

Does reading books on writing technique really help to make anyone a better writer?
It may be a fact that authors are born, not made. But writers of fiction need to learn how to construct a story and to present their work in the most appropriate and accessible way. Reading books on writing technique, and taking practical advice from experts such as the authors on the StorytrackS team, could save you lots of wasted time.

What kinds of novels does StorytrackS advise on?
We aim to provide a comprehensive service but, when you submit anything to us, please try to classify your work as nearly as possible to one of these genres. Understanding genre is an important part of the marketing process. If your novel conforms to a known category which has not been listed (such as Chick Lit or Aga Saga), do feel free to use that term.

Literary
Romance
Category Romance
Women's Fiction
Saga
Historical Fiction
Historical Crime
Contemporary Crime
Comedy
Erotic
Police Procedural
Horror
Science Fiction
Fantasy
Thriller
Children's
Teen Fiction
Short Story
Magazine Article

Please note that StorytrackS does not advise on poetry.

Why is StorytrackS the best source of evaluation for your work?
The StorytrackS team is made up of authors who have been through the whole publishing process. We have all experienced rejection (so we understand how disheartening this can be), but we are also commercially published - not just once, but many times. We can therefore provide you with a professional assessment of your work, and we can also give you sound market advice. We will suggest how work that is not yet publishable can be brought up to publication standard. We will show promising work to literary agents or editors at publishing houses. We want you to do well!

But don't editors and agents read everything they are sent anyway?
The short answer is no - they couldn't possibly do this. They are likely to dip into unsolicited typescripts, reading a few pages and/or the synopsis. Unless this material grabs and holds their attention, they are likely to return it with a polite rejection letter. We can help you make these vital first pages irresistible!

My friends and relations really enjoy my writing - don't their opinions count for anything?
As readers, their feedback is certainly valuable. But are they published authors themselves, and do they know what is currently being bought by publishers? How honest will be they be with you - will they risk losing your friendship for the sake of a book? StorytrackS will be honest with you about your strengths and weaknesses. It is in our interests to help you to succeed.

How do I submit work to StorytrackS?
Read carefully the details in Submissions and use the submission form linked to that page. Then please forward your typescript to us.