As well as writing, I’m now opening up to provide appraisal and mentoring services for fiction writers who might need it.

The services being offered are:

• Short story appraisal – a report on a short story of any length, which highlights what is working well and what might need further attention in a particular piece (including issues with characterisation, voice, dialogue, etc.).
• Manuscript appraisal – a report on a collection of short stories or a novel, which highlights what is working as well as any issues with plot(s), characterisation, voice, dialogue, tone, etc. For short story collections, I can also advise on coherence and how the book works as a whole, as well as give input on how to order your collection.
• Mentoring – if you would like to be mentored and guided as you produce a collection of stories or a novel, then I can read and give feedback on work-in-progress at agreed intervals, including a follow-up meeting online to discuss feedback/talk about ways forward.

If you are interested in any of these services, please get in touch with me through the contact form on this website initially. Any feedback does not, of course, guarantee you will be signed by an agent or be published, but it will certainly make your submissions stronger. And if I feel I can advise where it might be good for you to submit your work then I will.

I really love helping writers be the best they can be, so please do get in touch if you feel I can help.

Further to this, please get in touch if you are a university, festival or other organisation and would like me to lead writing sessions or take part in other events. I have led community workshops previously and also have a number of years’ experience teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students in universities – I am also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and am passionate about student-centred learning. (I may be available at short-notice for Associate Tutor/Lecturer work in universities in the event of illness, etc.)

I look forward to hearing from you!