How
does WriteAway differ from writing schools?
An
easy one, first. We assume our members already have a facility with
words. There are many excellent writing schools - of long-standing
- who can mould the novice writer into shape with disciplined tutorials
proven over decades. WriteAway helps able writers adapt and channel
their output so that it will appeal to traditional publishers or
can be self-published professionally.
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Does
that mean WriteAway editors won't suggest improvements?
Not
so easy! Aspiring writers' work frequently contains 'beginners'
bloomers' that should be pruned before drafts reach publishers.
Adjectives and adverbs, for example, abound in novices' work, and
there are many other early writing hurdles we can help you identify
and leap.
Our
editors will show you how to self-edit by taking extracts of your
writing and highlighting areas that may need attention. Good editors
never show you how to write, or suggest what should be written;
that's always your job. They comment on what's on the page, and
offer a view of how readers may react when reading your work. Invariably,
drafts that have been constructively edited make a bigger impact.
Editors
can be hired to edit a paragraph, page, chapter or a whole book;
it's your call.
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What
qualifications do WriteAway Assessment Panel members have?
The
'been there and done it' variety. Panel member brings individual
expertise to your assessments. They have operated on both sides
of the fence: some as published writers, others as publishing executives
handling scores of submissions daily. All assessors put their name
to reports issued on WriteAway's behalf. Their advice is independent,
constructive and confidential. They want you to succeed, to get
it right.
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Can
WriteAway help members self-publish?
Yes.
But, we will only offer advice on the most economic route to take.
When members decide to pay to see their work in print, in other
words, to bypass the traditional publishers who never seek payment
from their authors, they are entering dangerous waters. Vanity publishers,
the sharks in question, spend fortunes seducing unwary writers into
parting with their money.
WriteAway
will help you budget to bring your book to market at minimum cost.
Remember, if a traditional publisher didn't feel they could sell
sufficient copies of your work to make it a commercial proposition,
the odds are high that going solo will not make matters easier.
The DIY route can be a sensible one, but place no reliance on potential
sales estimates. Budget for a minimum print run, and regard sales
as a pure bonus.
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How
much does it cost to obtain a report from a WriteAway Assessor?
Our
standard reports range from £35 to £95. For non-fiction,
where guidance has to be tailored to the subject matter, a rate
is negotiated in line with the work anticipated. The reports provide
members with the information they need to adapt their work so that
it has maximum impact. They are not designed to extract further
fees. Indeed, if you are not entirely happy with a report we will
commission a second, at our expense. Mistakes do happen, but not
too often!
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What
is the difference between coaching and assessments?
Assessments
are a standard package that reviews specific areas of your work.
Coaching enables WriteAway advisors to work with you as you tackle
specific tasks
***
WriteAway
Assessments
It's
one thing to read how to prepare and submissions for agents and
publishers. There's plenty of advice around, for those prepared
to look. And most publishers and agents spell out their precise
preferences. It is, however, another matter when it comes to writing
your book, tidying up your effort, then composing and submitting
the writing package itself to an agent or publisher. The doubts
arise: the extracts acquire a fuzziness from one day to the next;
aspects of the synopsis and proposal letter strike the wrong tone;
the title provokes concerns as to its suitability – everything requires
a cool head and a steely resolve. An independent WriteAway editor
can help you tune your submissions to the needs of the contemporary
publishing market.
Our
writers, editors and publishers have been through these hoops many
times. These professionals have no axes to grind, no hidden agendas
to seduce you to part with further fees in return for rich publishing
contracts. Quite the reverse. Their job is to point out how your
package for publishers and agents reads – at first glance. And a
cursory glance is all most aspiring writers can expect when submitting
work to third parties.
Play
the game by publishers 'rules' and you can expect your extracts
to be considered. Pay insufficient attention to your initial approach
and the chances are your work will be discarded without being read.
After the work you've put in, that's a dreadful shame. You owe it
to yourself to test drive your approach.
Join
WriteAway, and we will help ensure your submissions to agents and
publishers are both professional and make maximum impact. It's often
the subtle changes that make the difference between success and
unfathomable rejection.
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