Sending your work out to literary agents and/or publishers can be a truly scary business.
Ditto self-publishing.
But through my editorial feedback reports and copy editing service, I can help you get your writing up to publishable standard.
And advise you on how to pitch to agents or self-publish your work professionally.
Chances are, you probably have a few doubts and fears when it comes to your writing.
Here are just some of the fears I was plagued with when I wrote my first novel:
- What if my characters aren’t believable?
- What if they’re the kind of characters only their author could love?!
- Is the description vivid enough – without slowing the pace?
- Is the pace ‘PACEY’ enough?!
- And how about my author’s ‘voice’?
- What the hell IS an author’s voice?
- Does the plot work?
- Are there enough twists?
- How many rejection letters featuring the line: ‘we just didn’t love it enough’ is it humanly possible to take?
‘I’m so glad I found Siobhan! She did a great job of editing my book, and her work surpassed my expectations. I asked her for a practical edit that would help me get my manuscript in good shape for publication, and she was happy to tailor her editing process to suit my needs. Her comments and suggestions were astute and very thorough, and enabled me to make considerable improvements to the book. The points where she noted that I needed to build on the emotion between the characters were particularly valuable for me, and an area where previous editors haven’t been so strong. Although her job is to point out weaknesses, she also added plenty of positive comments that were very encouraging and inspired me to further develop the stronger parts of the text. She was generous with her time and support in follow-up emails and readily answered my additional queries. And, she got my manuscript back to me even faster than I expected. All-in-all, she was fantastic to work with and I’d recommend her without hesitation.’ Alexandra Delancey
‘First a huge thank you! Your edit of my novel was a major task which you’ve done way beyond my expectations. Brilliant! And secondly thank you for your enthusiasm which is so encouraging. You overall analysis fits my thinking on every issue – you’ve outlined so clearly what needs to work better – some of which I had thought about but not had the courage to attempt, or the confidence to wield the knife! Your comments are not only insightful but have entertained me too! I loved that you used examples from your own experience which will certainly help me get started.’ Maggie Edwards
‘A couple of months ago I finished a novel I have been working on for more than seven years. It was a huge achievement, but I didn’t feel quite ready to send it out to agents and publishers. I knew it needed an impartial, professional eye to look at it. So I asked author and editor Siobhan Curham to read the MS. Her comments on the text were so helpful – I now know where I can make the cuts I need to get it down to size. And she picked up on two issues with the plot which have been troubling me – and other, earlier readers – and came up with fantastic solutions. Nothing major, just slight tweaks that will add greater depth and suspense to the story. As an author herself, Siobhan understands the creative process and knows how to give feedback sensitively. But she is also very sharp in terms of what works and what doesn’t work for the reader. I cannot recommend her highly enough. Asking her to edit my novel was one of the best investments I have ever made. What she did for me and for my book was worth every penny!’ Anna Blackwell
‘I knew I wanted Siobhan’s help in editing my book as soon as I met her – she is positive and fun and full of love for the writing process. It was the best decision I made. Siobhan’s feedback is insightful and constructive and has helped me strengthen the plot of my book, polish up scenes and alter the structure to provide more tension. If you’re thinking about using Siobhan’s services, I urge you to go for it. Your book will be better for it!’ Emma Harwood
‘Siobhan Curham is a plot alchemist! Her honest, insightful and supportive feedback has shown me how I might transform my thin story into a coherent, fully developed plot. She is completely on your side and wants you to succeed. I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time that I can stop revising the same few paragraphs repeatedly and start writing again. I have no hesitation in recommending Siobhan.’ Lisa Berry
‘I came to Siobhan for editorial guidance in writing my first Middle Grade book. She is extremely knowledgeable and, more importantly, generous with that knowledge, meaning I left our session feeling enthused and inspired. For the service she offers her prices are incredibly reasonable, so make sure you enlist her help before she puts her rates up.’ Philip Makatrewicz
“I recommend Siobhan Curham as a wonderfully amazing editor. She is brilliant, and her insight is truly astonishing. Siobhan is also supportive, understanding, and totally inspiring. I approached her when my motivation and confidence had reached rock bottom, but she managed to pull me up and get me going again. Her helpful advice has been above, and beyond my expectations, she is excellent value for money.” Steph Upton
‘Siobhan has provided a top service, offering pearls of wisdom, an expert eye for detail and suggesting changes that a publisher would offer. No stone was left unturned.’ Chris Munroe
‘Siobhan is professional but clearly passionate about what she does. Her editorial feedback was insightful and took my writing to a new level, which is invaluable. I also took away knowledge from our coaching session that will help me when approaching agents and experiencing the publishing process for the first time. All in all, I came away with a clearer mind about writing in general, and a much better manuscript!’ Emily Toulson
I am indebted to Siobhan for the great job she’s done editing my book. I am immensely grateful for her encouragement and helpful suggestions, which have spurred me on to tweak and improve the writing. I am so excited to be working with such a wonderful Editor. Thank you Siobhan.’ Maeve Pachter
What can I offer you?
It had taken a lot for me to write my first novel.
I’d had to overcome a major crisis of confidence and extremely difficult personal circumstances.
So, I considered it a minor miracle when I did end up getting both a literary agent and book deal.
Fast forward 20 years and I’ve now had 27 books published. My novel Dear Dylan won the Young Minds Book Award and my latest novel, Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow has been shortlisted for the James Reckitt Hull Book Award and nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2019.
I also worked for seven years as an editorial consultant in the children’s and young adult publishing industry, commissioning writers and helping them get their books market-ready, working with some of the biggest publishing houses in the UK.
As an experienced writer AND editor in fiction and non-fiction I believe I can offer you invaluable insights and support from both sides of the publishing industry.
‘Siobhan has totally transformed my confused collection of ideas about my story into a coherent and compelling plot! She has shown genuine enthusiasm for my project and has helped me to believe I am capable of writing a novel. Her compassion and dedication is inspirational.‘ Natalie Grahame
‘Siobhan is a caring, intuitive and professional editor and writing coach. She has helped me reach the stage where I am poised to submit to publishers. I never would have got this far without her special gifts. I would certainly recommend aspiring writers to seek out Siobhan to find an endless source of inspirational guidance.’ Patricia Jacobs
Editorial reports
My editorial reports are for you if you are looking for expert advice on the bigger picture aspects of your writing, such as character, pace and plot.
You email me your manuscript – or part of your manuscript – and I send you a detailed editorial report including the following:
- My overall impression of your work: the larger bullet points
- What I loved about it: it’s so important to know where your strengths lie
- Feedback on the plot: what’s working, what could be tightened and what could be scrapped
- Notes on the manuscript: highlighting any smaller issues and suggested tweaks
- Character appraisals: helping you make your characters believable, compelling and consistent
- Voice: I highlight where the narrative voice is strongest – and where it strays
- Non-fiction: feedback on the structure and content and how to pitch to your market
Copy editing
My copy editing service is for you if you’re happy with the bigger picture aspects of your writing and you would like me to fix any grammatical errors and typos and tighten up the pace.
I do my copy edits using Track Changes in Word, so you’re able to see and approve all of my tweaks.
‘My novel reads a million times better after your copy edit, it’s brilliant. I can’t thank you enough for helping me. I’d like to add that when I used a well known ‘literary agency’ the editors were always weeks over their promised report dates. So thank you for being early! You have saved me a lot of work here, I’m incredibly grateful.’ Steph Upton
Free gift!
Anyone who uses my Editorial service also receives a free copy of my e-book Writing by Starlight, a collection of inspirational posts and exercises for writers.
Online Community
Join my REBEL WRITERS Facebook group, for regular writerly tips and inspiration + info about my writing workshops here.
Join my REBEL WRITERS community on Instagram here
How much does it cost?
The fees for my editorial reports and copy editing are as follows:
Up to 5,000 words – £50
5,001 to 10,000 words – £100
10,001 to 15,000 words – £150
15,001 to 20,000 words – £200
20,001 to 30,000 words – £300
30,001 to 50,000 words – £400
50,001 to 60,000 words – £500
60,001 to 70,000 words – £600
70,001 to 80,000 words – £700
80,001 to 90,000 words – £800
90,001 to 100,000 words – £900
Discounts are available if you’d like to book me to do both an editorial report and a subsequent copy edit.
Publishing submission package
My publishing submission package is for you if you would like expert editorial feedback and advice on your submission package for literary agents / publishers.
The package includes one 60 minute coaching session / call and editorial feedback on:
- The first three chapters (up to 15,000 words) of your book
- Synopsis
- Cover letter
Price: £200
*CONCESSIONARY RATES AVAILABLE IF YOU ARE LOW INCOME OR UNEMPLOYED*
Please note: Fees must be paid by bank transfer in advance.
Simply fill out the contact form below to find out more…
Praise
‘Siobhan is one of the most gifted writers I have worked with in the last fifteen years. Subtleties of character, tone and plotting seem to come easily to her. She can turn her hand to writing for the very young right up to young adult, and in each case with real talent. She is unusually versatile and adept. And what’s more, she is a joy to work with – a true professional.’ Leah Thaxton, Publisher, Faber & Faber
‘Siobhan Curham not only knows how to craft a terrific story, but she writes with wit and intelligence, creating characters you believe in and who live on long after the last page is turned. Siobhan handles difficult issues sensitively yet energetically. Her writing is upbeat, life-affirming and full of that rare and wonderful ingredient: heart.’ Mara Bergman, Senior Commissioning Editor, Walker Books
‘It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Siobhan on a fiction series for 9+ readers. Her creativity and enthusiasm have been invaluable at every stage of the books’ journey – from plotting the stories to coming up with engaging end matter – and made this project such a positive experience.’ Lucy Rogers, Commissioning Editor, Scholastic
‘I have worked closely with Siobhan for several years and on many different projects. We’ve brainstormed the very loosest of ideas then worked together to create and shape, develop and produce high-quality fiction series for children, so I’ve seen Siobhan at every stage of the creative process. She is one of the very best. She’s always bubbling with rich ideas of her own, yet remains wonderfully responsive to those of others: she’s a thoughtful and considerate listener, an intuitive enabler and encourager, with a gift for finding the heart and soul of a story and bringing it to vibrant life, usually through richly imagined characters, and a distinctive voice and telling detail. Touches more magical than just the words – of which she is both master – and mistress.’ Reg Wright, Director, Hothouse Fiction
‘Having worked with Siobhan in various capacities, I can vouch for her expertise. As her editor, I’ve seen how her own writing leaps from the page and touches her readers. And in her work as an editorial consultant, creating, shaping and developing concepts, and working with other writers, she’s an absolute pro. Creative, insightful, reliable and fun – what more could you ask for?’ Ali Dougal,Editorial Director, Egmont UK
‘Working with Siobhan on the Harry Hammer series has been an absolute pleasure. Her speedy turnaround times, collaborative approach and formidable creativity have led to a full-of-fun series of which we can all be proud.’ Katie Cotton, Templar Publishing
‘Siobhan is great. I worked with her on my first book, Liquid Millionaire and I was so impressed with her attitude and expertise that she had to be my number one choice for my second book, How to Make Money in ISAs and SIPPS. I strongly recommend her and endorse her whole-heartedly.’ Stephen Sutherland, Chief Investment Strategist, ISACO
‘I joined Siobhan’s Harrow Writing group in 2007 and attended regularly for several years. During that time I started to discuss with her my idea for a novel which had been in various formats and versions for some time. Siobhan agreed to coach me regarding content, plot and characterisation and within nine months, my novel, Brothers and Lovers, was completed. It has sold well worldwide and I owe a great debt of gratitude to Siobhan for her interest, enthusiasm and guidance. I cannot praise her patience and understanding of an author’s problems too highly and can whole-heartedly recommend her services to any aspiring authors.’ Michael J Davidson, author of Brothers and Lovers
‘Siobhan is a caring, intuitive and professional writing and life coach. She has helped me reach the stage where I am poised to submit to publishers. I never would have got this far without her special gifts. I would certainly recommend aspiring writers to seek out Siobhan to find an endless source of inspirational guidance.’ Patricia Jacobs
Simply fill out the contact form below to find out more…