You’ve finished the difficult job of writing a manuscript – congratulations! However, before contacting a publisher, it’s important to know that the majority of manuscripts submitted by new writers will rarely be taken seriously by publishers. In any case, some Australian and overseas publishers are no longer accepting unsolicited manuscripts. Very well, then, a literary agent may be the answer – that’s if you can get one to represent you!
How can you break through this seemingly closed circle? The same way anyone starts anything – one step at a time. A manuscript assessment is a very good first step.
Brian Purcell MA (Writing), BA, Grad Dip in Education, managing writer
I’ve been sending my work out for more than twenty years, and know first-hand how crucial constructive feedback can be for a writer. In the late eighties, having already published a number of poems, I was invited to attend the Round Table writers’ workshop group. This featured some of the country’s best poets, including Premier’s Poetry award winners Judith Beveridge, Peter Boyle and Jill Jones. One of the most impressive things about these authors was their openness and willingness to consider the opinions of less experienced writers, and subsequently change or alter their work. Conversely, I felt extremely privileged to receive feedback on my own work from them. If you are serious about your writing, criticism – as long as it is fairly given, and constructive – is not something to fear, but should be embraced for the new life it can breathe into a manuscript.
Put simply, we are often blind to the faults – and even to the qualities – in our own work. That’s why we need impartial, qualified assessors to help point us in the ‘write’ direction.
I am dedicated to seeing your manuscript with fresh eyes. This is the link to Renaissance: it literally means ‘rebirth’. If your manuscript is fiction, your assessment will report on plot, pace, character, dialogue, point of view, and other elements as necessary; but the important thing is that there will be no generic responses, no doctrinal standpoints. As our service is in its early stages, the big advantage for you is that, for the forseeable future, I will be handling all assessments personally. As well as having a great dea of experience in the creative genres, I have also assisted people with life stories and business writing.
Most agencies use anonymous assessors, but when you receive your report you will know its author, and you are then very welcome to talk to me about any concerns you have arising from the report, or extra information you need. The manuscript appraisal will focus on your work’s individual qualities, and indicate ways it can be improved to attract an agent’s or publisher’s attention. As an additional benefit, I will write helpful comments and editing points in the margins of your copy - an additional, free service that will give you extra insights.
