Please note that we will not read manuscripts without the correct fee attached and a SAE (stamped addressed envelope) provided.
Once a manuscript arrives with us at Seasiders` Write! we will treat it with the utmost care. We will acknowledge received work via post or email.
One of our readers will read your manuscript thoroughly and write a detailed and constructive critique of your work, which will be sent to you within 4-6 weeks.
We also offer a “rapid response” service, where you will receive feedback within 7-14 working days. Please click here for more details.
SW critiques differ in length as we believe that every writer is different and should be treated as an individual.
• Please remember that manuscripts will not be read without the appropriate fee.
• Include a suitable stamped addressed envelope for the return of the manuscript if you would like your work returned. Please note that we cannot be responsible for lost post, so please ensure you retain a copy at home.
• Include a short covering letter with some brief information about what sort of manuscript it is you're submitting (thriller, literary, fantasy, romance etc), a bit about yourself, and any history of previous submissions to publishers or agents. Include any specific anxiety you may have about the text itself, and if there is anything you would particularly like your reader to address or advise you on.
• Texts must be printed out in 12 point font, double spaced, on one side of A4, preferably in loose sheets, with each page numbered.
• If you wish to have the critique emailed to you, rather than posted, please make this clear on your covering letter and include an email address.
• We do not accept work on disk or via email as it is best for our readers to work from the printed page rather than onscreen. Printing off work and then sending on to our readers is also time consuming. If sending us a printed copy of your work is extremely problematic for you, then please call us to discuss.
• Speed reads – for an additional fee (50% of our ‘standard fee’ added on) we can provide feedback within 7-14 working days. If you are interested in this option please telephone/email us first so we can check availability.
FEE STRUCTURE (Please make cheques payable to Seasiders` Write!)
Fiction/children’s/non-fiction
1-2 page synopsis and up to 50 double-spaced pages £50
1-2 page synopsis and up to 100 double-spaced pages £85
Manuscripts of 101-200 double-spaced pages £125
Manuscripts longer than 200 pages £1.00/page
Short Stories
Up to 3000 words £40
Each additional 2000 words (over 3000) £10
Poetry
Up to 300 lines £50
300 to 1000 lines £150
Scripts
For theatre/radio/tv - up to 1 hour in length £100
- up to 2 hours in length £165
Rapid Responses
We can provide feedback within 7-14 working days for an additional 50% of the standard fee added onto the overall cost. If you require this service, please contact us first so we can check editor availability.
Overseas clients
We prefer overseas payment by bank transfer. An additional bank charge of £8 is required for all clients within the E.C. Please contact us for bank details. We do not accept cheques in a foreign currency.
Terms & conditions
• For the fee we undertake to provide a one-off independent critique. If a report is deemed unclear both in the view of the client and SW, we undertake to seek clarification from the reader and advise accordingly. Whilst we will endeavour to be as helpful as we can to new writers, the fee covers the read only as described.
• We will decide in-house who the most suitable editor for the job is, and aim to make a good match each time. Our (SW) decision is final in the choice of editor.
• We reserve the right to return your work and payment to you should we fail to find a suitable editor.
• We aim to provide an assessment within 4-8 weeks but cannot guarantee this.
• If you have paid for a speed read, you can expect to receive your report within 7-14 working days.
• SW is unable to read submissions without the correct fee attached.
• Manuscripts must be double-spaced, in 12 point font and printed on single sides of A4, unbound and numbered.
• We cannot return your manuscript without a SAE with sufficient postage to cover the weight of your work. If no SAE is included your manuscript will be recycled.
• We cannot take responsibility for work lost in the post. As a result please never send the only copy of your work.
• Your work will be treated in the strictest confidence.
• The copyright of your work is automatically yours and remains yours at all times.
• The copyright of the report remains with SW. Permission should be sought from SW before quoting a report, for example to agents or on personal websites.
• We will only make recommendations to agents or publishers if we feel your work is potentially marketable.
• In the event that we wish to forward your work to agent or publishers on your behalf, we will never do so without seeking your permission first.
• SW has linking agreements with a number of literary agencies. This is not to the financial detriment of the author. We will disclose all information pertaining to this upon request.
• SW endeavours to help new writers in as responsible a way as possible, so will make no false promises or mislead the writer in any way.