FAQs

Is your service confidential?
Totally. Our reviewers and admin staff undertake to keep your work private. Neither your work nor any of your details are shared with any third party. After we have sent you your review(s), your manuscript file is deleted, or your manuscript returned. Copyright at all times remains with you, the writer.

Do you write comments on the manuscript? or make alterations?
No. Within the review service, we make no annotation or alteration to your manuscript whatsoever. That’s why, if you prefer to send it as a PDF file (read-only) rather than a Word document, it’s fine by us.

If I make any changes you might suggest, will this improve my chances of acceptance with an agent or publisher?
Almost definitely. It always helps to have other, informed opinion on your writing and often an objective eye can pick up flaws you’re unable to spot for yourself. People who are used to reading and reviewing fiction can see areas where you can improve and highlight these.

Do you review any kind of novel?
Almost. Contemporary, crime, fantasy, humour, romance, chick-lit are all fine. We cannot review: – Harlequin Mills & Boon or other fiction written to strict guidelines; – erotica; – any non-fiction, including biographies. Please do not send manuscripts for review which fall into these categories.

Do you review short stories or poetry?
Yes, although different terms apply. Go to the dedicated page for more details.

Do you review plays?
Yes, we accept scripts for stage or radio. Please go to the Plays page for more details.

How do I submit my writing for review?
In a nutshell, you email us your work for review, together with a completed Submission Form. We then email you an invoice which allows you to pay electronically by credit or debit card or by PayPal. Or you can pay by cheque through the post. Full details are in How to Submit.

If I get a good review, will I definitely be published?
No, sorry. No one can guarantee that. But knowing that objective reviewers have valued your work will give you confidence when you approach publishers and agents.

Can you recommend my work to a literary agent or publisher?
No, afraid not. We have no formal links with publishers of fiction or agents – although it won’t do you any harm to say you’ve had your writing independently reviewed, as it shows you’re committed to your writing.

Can I stipulate which reviewer reads my work?
In a word, no, as reviews are written anonymously. However, we do our best to match up the kind of novel you’ve written with reviewers who particularly read that genre. There’s a space on the Submission Form for you to indicate which genre your novel falls into, if any.

May I send my writing to you in the post?
We charge extra if you wish to send your typed manuscript by post, and the reviewing service will necessarily take longer. If you opt for this service, please, keep a copy! We cannot guarantee your manuscript’s safe return although of course we do our best. Follow this link for full details.

What if my first three chapters are longer than the word-count you specify?
You can ask us to review pieces of work over 15,000 words. Our price depends on the length of the piece you would like us to read. Please email us with your word count, telling us how many reviews you would like, and we will quote.
Please note we only read the first 15,000 words of any document submitted to us for review at the standard rate.

My first five chapters still come to fewer than 15,000 words. Can I send them all?
Yes. The 15,000 word count is the crucial thing.

Will the price be cheaper if I send fewer than three chapters, or substantially fewer than 15,000 words?
No, sorry.

Do you offer an editing service?
We offer a full, professional proof-reading service and a basic editing service. We iron out spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and simple flaws like word repetition, incorrect word use and tautology. We also advise on where you need to edit your work and why.

If we think your writing would benefit from this, we will advise you when we send your review(s), together with a quotation – the price varies according to the work required. There is no obligation of course.

Do you offer a proofreading service?
Yes – see above. It is an extra service to the reviews. We advise if your work could benefit from it – but you’re under no obligation.

Can I have my work proof-read and edited without the appraisals?
Yes of course you can. Please email us for a quote, citing word count and whether your writing is Novel, Play, Poetry or Short Story.

Can I speak to my reviewer(s)?
No, sorry, this is not a part of our service. It’s important our reviewers judge your writing exclusively on its own merit, just as a publisher or agent would.

My manuscript is handwritten. Can I still send it for review?
I’m afraid not. Agents and publishers strongly discourage handwritten scripts and we must do the same. However, we do offer a typing service, costing £11 per 1000 words. Email us for further details. We recommend you get your manuscript typed before sending it to an agent or publisher – it will stand a much better chance of success.

I am not writing in the UK. Can I still submit my work for review?
Yes. Providing the work is in English, that’s fine. If you need work translating, we recommend you approach the Society of Authors for referrals. Your payment will automatically be made in £sterling.

My question isn’t answered here. What do I do?
Email us!