"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
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.
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.
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.
"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, whose novel The Candelit Menagerie will be published by Skyhorse in January 2021
Sam Knowles, author of Narrative by Numbers, published by Routledge,
March 2018
Andy Last, author of Business on a Mission, published by Greenleaf Publishing, November 2016
I spent 15 years writing my novel, but after speaking to Beth I wrote the final 20,000 words in six weeks.
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.