The Literary Consultancy Reviews 16

This was the tailored approach I needed.
They gave me time, space and guidance to ensure I was submitting the best of myself at every turn. I always felt like my voice was validated. The process has given me the motivation to go further than ever. The kindness and generosity of time and effort has encouraged me no-end.

I received a manuscript assessment from TLC as part of the Free Reads scheme. What I received back was brilliant. The assessment gave me some excellent insights into how agents receive and read through unsolicited manuscripts, and helped me to redraft my cover letter and synopsis to a much higher standard. Tom, my reader, an experienced literary agent, even drafted parts of my cover letter himself.

I've put together a plan of action on the back of this assessment and now have a much clearer idea of how to make my novel more publishable. Thank you!

I always rely on a professional, constructive and honest appraisal of my work before moving forward to publication. I wasn't disappointed by James Aitcheson's thoughtful and detailed consideration of my novel, Bubbling Well Road, which gave me praise, encouragement and constructive advice moving forwards. I agreed with all the points he raised and also appreciated his help with comp titles - something I find quite difficult to pin down. I will certainly name check both TLC and James Aitcheson in my book's acknowledgements come publication. Thank you!

I have used this service a couple of times and intend to use them for a third, because I feel that the feedback and the professionalism is top notch. The growth that I have experienced as a writer would not have happened had it not been for this honest and respectful service. If you're planning to get your work published or just to get some insight, I would defintely recommend this service over and over again!

I sent my 100k word first draft to TLC late 2025 and they quickly found me a great match (John Baker at Bell, Lomax,Moreton) to read my work and to send me a report on it. About 6 weeks later I received 7 pages of detailed analysis, full of insights and lots of helpful ideas and suggestions about how to take the draft forward. John also included useful tips about how to connect successfully with the publishing industry in general and my novel's genre in particular. So, I was very happy with the feedback and reassured that this was money well spent. Tony Purves

The manuscript assessment of my YA novel, recently carried out by Emma Pass for the TLC, is really helpful and encouraging; just what I need to help me to further improve my work. Her positive comments have boosted my confidence in myself as a writer and made me eager to carry on. At the same time, I appreciate her detailed and straight forward criticism, where it is needed. The way that she has suggested an improvement and then followed this up by pointing out an example of where I have already used this technique, makes it very clear how to carry out her suggestions. Before sending in my manuscript, I felt something was lacking but I wasn't sure exactly what it was. Now I can see a way forward, thanks to Emma's assessment.

I've been a member of Being A Writer for a couple of years and have found member events on craft and the industry very informative and inspiring. Last year, I took part in the self-editing fiction course which gave me the tools to shape the chaotic first draft of a novel into something much more structured. I subsequently used TLC's manuscript assessment service to get feedback on my second draft and received a very detailed report with excellent suggestions on how to move forward. I can highly recommend TLC services!

TLC provides superb editorial guidance. My manuscript assessment (by Anna South) could not have been clearer, more focused or instructive. I'm still re-writing my novel and confident that I will get it published with TLC's help!

They are always so helpful in getting me the right editor for my novel - and the editors have been brilliant each time I've used their services. My novels are a whole lot better entirely due to them, thank you

Are TLC still there? I have rung many times in the last two weeks, and left messages, both on the main number and the extension I was given as well as emailing them - at least 8 voice messages and five emails. I was in correspondence early November and then it just stopped. I can find no news as to what's going on. Just mystified.
**Update: 15th April** - as comment from TLC below, I have been contacted by one of the directors and they have been most helpful in supporting my writing group. To be honest they couldn't have been more helpful and brought enthusiasm and constructive advice, going way beyond what was required or necessary. Had it not been for my initial experience, this would become a confident 5 star review - but I still struggled to get here, so I am reluctant to completely change my rating

Absolutely brilliant. The edit was a lot of money but well worth it. Emma was very thorough, constructive and encouraging.
It made me realise the novel I was working on was not marketable. I am now concentrating on something a publisher might actually be interested in.

I have done a lot even in the short period I have joined this active and uplifting community of writers. I am so glad I joined. With them I am encourged to write and also learning a lot from the events like the conscious writer month happening now!
Thanks a lot

Absolutely love these guys - friendly, supportive and encouraging every step of the way. Their site is packed with information and resources and they will champion you and get you where you want to be!
Writing is lonely and hard work at time but joining in with their events makes you feel part of a great community!

It's not an exaggeration to say that TLC do lifechanging work for writers. I've been a member of their Being a Writer programme for a couple of years now, and nothing else has ever impacted how I approach writing (and creating more generally) in such a meaningful way. They combine their industry expertise and nuanced understanding of craft with a fantastic ethos that centres well-being and accessibility. Their membership programme is a truly wonderful community of writers and creatives that it's a genuine joy to be a part of. I hold every other literary organisation with which I'm involved to the standard set by The Literary Consultancy.

The Literary Consultancy is perfect support for writers and authors at all stages of their writing journey. I have been a member of Being A Writer since 2021, and I participated in the Amplify program in 2022. When writing stalls, I find myself among supportive friends who get it and help me back to writing. The courses and events included with membership are excellent. Many provide industry knowledge alongside craft knowledge, while others offer useful tools to help me navigate being a creative person. Highly recommend The Literary Consultancy to all writers

TLC is an incredibly supportive organisation and I'm so glad I became a member.
I have benefited from the online sessions, the mentoring program and sharing with other writers amongst other things.
I would highly recommend it to writers whether at the beginning of their careers or partway in.