PLEASE NOTE: I am currently taking a break from coaching and editorial work to focus on my writing BUT I will be relaunching my coaching offerings later in 2023.
There are 3 ways in which I can help you with your writing…
Editorial Feedback
In my nine years as an editorial consultant / commissioning editor I learned from some of the best editors in the business, from publishers such as Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Egmont UK and Usborne. Being a writer as well as an editor enables me to provide an extra level of insight and a sympathetic approach.
I provide editorial feedback reports on work at any stage of the writing process, from your initial rough ideas, to extracts from a work-in-progress, or a completed first draft.
‘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
‘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
‘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
‘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
‘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 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
‘I am indebted to Siobhan for the great job she’s done editing my children’s 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
‘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
‘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
Find out more about my editorial feedback service here…
Writing Coaching
In my one-to-one writing coaching sessions I can help you with any aspect of the writing process, fiction and non-fiction, and for any age group. I offer a selection of one-off, kickstarter sessions and ongoing coaching packages.
‘Siobhan Curham f***ing rocks. She has a magical ability to give insightful and affirming feedback, leaving you with the kind of crackling confidence that will send you racing back to the keyboard. Whether you’re feeling lost, low in confidence or just need an expert opinion on your writing, book a session with her now, you won’t regret it.’ Pearl Bates
‘I learned more about how to plot a book in two hours with Siobhan than I did on three Arvon courses. I highly recommend.’ Julia Oakley
‘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
‘Siobhan has been working with me on a book for children aged 7-9. Each time I meet with her I leave feeling inspired. All the adjustments she has suggested have helped bring the book to life. Her mixture of encouragement and critical appraisal has enabled me to develop as a writer. I would definitely recommend her.’ KL Aspden
Find out more about my writing coaching here…
Online Writing Community
My online Writing Community, THE WRITING ADVENTURE, is a real passion project of mine. Prior to the pandemic I had helped thousands of writers around the world with their writing, through my in-person workshops and talks.
Now I aim to help thousands more via my Facebook group, (which you can join here) and my membership site and programme of AFFORDABLE digital courses coming soon.
Join the Facebook group or sign up to THE WRITING ADVENTURE newsletter via the Home page to come along for the adventure!
Praise from clients
‘Siobhan brings out the best in her clients. She is always honest, good humoured and manages to fill us with hope and the desire to do better. She’s a gentle and inspiring guide. I went to Siobhan when I was pretty much down and out in writing terms. We talked, I cried a bit and laughed a lot and having listened to her wise words came away enthused to start afresh. I did, and my new attitude has brought good luck and success – and my sessions with Siobhan were the launchpad.’ Anna May Mangan, best-selling author of Me and Mine, and radio and TV broadcaster
‘Siobhan effortlessly guided me through the whole process of writing my first book, ‘The Rule-Breaker’s Guide to Social Media’, while fuelling me on biscuits, tea and laughter. I’m so proud of what we have achieved and there is no way I would have had the confidence to create this book without her. I have already started planning Book 2 to get the partnership back together! Brilliant!’ Damian Keyes, founder of BIMM (British and Irish Modern Music Institute) and DK Music Management
‘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
‘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
‘Siobhan is a caring, intuitive and professional 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
‘If you are thinking of taking a one to one session with Siobhan – do it! After two hours of mentoring on my novel I finally see how it can work as a finished piece. I am actually starting to believe one day it may even get published. Siobhan, you’re a diamond!’ Michelle Porter
Praise from publishers
‘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