Beth Miller

Writing and tea




Testimonials:


"Insight and encouragement"

"Right from the start I found her 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, whose novel The Candelit Menagerie will be published by Skyhorse in August 2020

"Hugely helpful..."

"Beth worked with me on honing my book proposal in preparation for going out on submission. She was insightful, perceptive and hugely helpful, offering a
new perspective on my book and lots of useful advice.
She has just the right combination of kindness and honesty, and working with her was a real pleasure.
Can't recommend Beth enough if you need some help with a writing project."

Lulah Ellender, author of the memoir Elisabeth's Lists, published by Granta, March 2018

"Invaluable..."

"Pitching a manuscript is kind of like playing bowls, except you’re blindfolded, and can only infer that you’ve missed when you don’t hear otherwise within six to eight weeks. And even then, you don’t know how much you’ve missed by. 

I played this demoralizing game for a while before contacting Beth. Her knowledge of the industry, and the large number of minor things which you have to get right to stay out of the slush pile, was invaluable. After one coaching session, I was able to send out a significantly improved pitch, with increased confidence – and, this time around, an excellent outcome. My book is being published by Biteback. Thank you, Beth!"


Steve Ramsey, author of Something Has Gone Wrong, published by Biteback, January 2018

"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

If you book an initial coaching session in January 2020, you'll get it for a bargain price! Click the FAQ link (right) for details.
I offer one-to-one sessions for people at all stages of their writing.

To find out what this means, how much it costs, why you might find it helpful, and the special January offer, click the FAQs link below.

Your submission to agents/publishers

If your book is ready to plunge into the exciting but shark-infested waters of agents and publishers, you might want an objective eye on your submission package before you cast it adrift. Don't be like those poor crazy people whose query letters to agents get roasted on SlushPile Hell.


I can advise on your letter, synopsis and opening paragraph. This useful service costs £100 (up to a maximum of 1500 words).

"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

"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

"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

"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