The Bookshed is a Writer's website for talented author's. To become a member you have to submit a piece of work and have it evaluated by the people running the site. If they deem the quality of the writing good enough, then you are admitted. I managed to get a piece of my work accepted, an extract of a later novel called Love Triangle. I have nothing but praise for this site, as it has forums where you can submit your work, and have people critique it, and offer help and encouragement. Without the restrictions of having to critique other people's work in return, although it is advisable to give as well as take.
I put my novel, chapter by chapter through the forum, and found a mentor who was very helpful and improved my work no end. Thank you for that. I did get several nice comments from agents later on, although not enough to get taken on.
Searching the Internet like you do, I came across a well known Scottish author, who offered writing services. The author in question was very well known in the seventies and eighties, and also had an autobiography that was excellent and very poignant. I corresponded with him, and sent him an extract of another later novel entitled In the Eye of the Beholder. He worked with me on my first three chapters, and was a great help, pointing out my failings and how to improve. All this was at no cost. I wanted him to help edit the whole novel, but work commitments prevented this. But still the guy was a real gent, and proved there are people out there willing to give up their time to encourage and development other writers.
Next time : My dealings with editors and copy writers.
I put my novel, chapter by chapter through the forum, and found a mentor who was very helpful and improved my work no end. Thank you for that. I did get several nice comments from agents later on, although not enough to get taken on.
Searching the Internet like you do, I came across a well known Scottish author, who offered writing services. The author in question was very well known in the seventies and eighties, and also had an autobiography that was excellent and very poignant. I corresponded with him, and sent him an extract of another later novel entitled In the Eye of the Beholder. He worked with me on my first three chapters, and was a great help, pointing out my failings and how to improve. All this was at no cost. I wanted him to help edit the whole novel, but work commitments prevented this. But still the guy was a real gent, and proved there are people out there willing to give up their time to encourage and development other writers.
Next time : My dealings with editors and copy writers.