Beth Miller

Writing and tea

 

"Owe her a lot"

"I wouldn’t have written a novel without Beth.


Her advice included everything from general points about what a successful novel requires, to specific feedback on my own work, which really was invaluable.


I still return to her words and wisdom whenever I’m stuck and it never fails to give me the boost I need. I owe her a lot and I am infinitely better off for it."


Amy Lavelle, author of the novel Definitely Fine, which will be published by Orion, August 2021

"Magical"


"Beth, this would NEVER have happened without your help. Your enthusiasm, wise words, kindness, knowledge  - all just magical, and an essential step in my journey.

Someone should write a chapter in the Red Book directing EVERY writer with a good idea your way."


Dr Lucy Pollock, author of  the non-fiction guide, The Book about Getting Older, published by Michael Joseph, January 2021

"Helped me find the confidence..."


"Beth helped me find the confidence

and clarity in my writing to spur

me on to complete my novel."


Martin Nathan, author of the

novel A Place of Safety,

published by Salt, June 2018

"One short meeting..."


"Beth was incredibly insightful as to what my proposal needed and hugely helpful in pointing me in the direction I needed to go to make it land with publishers.
I will be forever grateful for the way she encouraged and energised me in one short meeting."

Andy Last, author of Business on a Mission, published by Greenleaf Publishing, November 2016

"A game-changer..."

 I once paid (a lot of money) to have a 20 minute session with an agent at Bloomsbury Publishers. I got very brief feedback but nothing constructive, no hint as to what might help my submission.

Beth, on the other hand, was totally different, was totally on the ball. I got a full hour plus written feedback to take away. The feedback was what constructive criticism should be. It was honest, but it was also based on an empathy with what I was trying to achieve... She also gave me some advice, based again partly on her good, current knowledge of the market and what the gatekeepers are looking for but also on an understanding of what I was doing. One suggestion in particular was a game-changer.

I came away with a sense of realism but also some optimism in terms of what I might be able to do to improve my pitch. Highly recommended.
Beth is also an effective, down to earth communicator which is important.
Mick Scruton - writer and teacher


Book Coaching

I offer one-to-one sessions for people at all stages of their writing.

To find out what this means, how much it costs, and why you might find it helpful, click this big blue Book Coaching FAQs link.

If you've finished your book, and are getting ready to send it out, I offer a tailored service to help get your submission into the best possible shape.

To find out more, click this Submitting to Agents link.

"Razor sharp eye"

'Beth's help with my first novel was invaluable, and as I forge on with a second I am continually reminding myself of her various mantras to keep me writing and focused.

She helped with the bigger picture of story-telling, structure and characterisation but also with the nitty gritty of grammar and syntax. 

She is wise, kind and encouraging with a razor sharp eye for writing and I couldn't have done any of it without her!'


Sophie Anderson, author of the novel The Butterfly Garden, which will be published by Bookouture, June 2021

"Insight and encouragement"

"Right from the start I found Beth's warm, welcoming and inclusive personality just what I needed. When I faltered and the inevitable self-doubts began to get in the way she pushed me forwards offering sound, critical comment and advice.

 

My first novel has now been accepted for publication and I can honestly say I could not have done it with Beth’s incredible insight and encouragement."


Caraline Brown, author of the novel The Candelit Menagerie, published by Skyhorse, February 2021

"Gets results..."


"Writers who work with Beth get results. It’s thanks to Beth that my 30 years of promising to write this book and that book have turned into, erm, an actual published book. I went on a ‘formal’ Get Going course. She made me text her my word count daily during an extended write.

And she gave the best advice of all: “If you’re going to write, write!” There. The secret’s out."

Sam Knowles, author of Narrative by Numbers, published by Routledge,

March 2018

"Finished my novel in six weeks..."

I spent 15 years writing my novel, but after speaking to Beth I wrote the final 20,000 words in six weeks.
Steve Amos - writer

"Warm, intuitive, humorous approach..."

Beth's unique mix of writing and counselling experience was exactly what I needed when I got stumped on my second novel. She gave practical advice and helped me to take a step back and work out what it was that was causing me to fail. If you're suffering with your writing – whether due to time constraints or plot/characterisation problems or even (especially!) if you're facing the dreaded block, then you should consider mentoring sessions with Beth. The time I spent with her was invaluable and I have her to thank for kick-starting me again after a period of many painful years. Her warm, intuitive and humorous approach really was a blessing.
Debra Laine - writer and proof-reader

"Beady eye..."

I send my manuscript to you when I can't think
straight any more and can't bear to look at it.
I am amazed at how, in two hours, you can hone in
on the unnecessary verbiage, repetitious use of words, spare commas all over the place and point out
inconsistencies that relate to different sections of the book. I feel safe knowing your beady eye is closely monitoring my work.
Diana Hadlow - writer