Success Stories — Cornerstones Literary Consultancy

"After an initial assessment of the synopsis and first chapter, Helen chatted to me about the various options and recommended a mentor for me to work with. Jonathan Eyers was absolutely fantastic. His insights really helped to challenge me, develop my style and find my voice. Thanks to Jonathan’s guidance my debut psychological suspense, ‘The Perfect Daughter’ has now been published by Boldwood Books as part of a four book deal."

"I had some wonderful mentoring with Cornerstones at first draft stage which was incredibly helpful, and through the support of Helen and the team, I worked towards a final draft and managed to get myself an agent."

"My Cornerstones editor was thorough, detailed, and always positive. I could not recommend them more to get your manuscript in shape. Thanks to the team I went on to secure an incredible agent and publisher. Thank you Cornerstones for making a dream come true!"

"I think, for me, the most important aspect of working with Cornerstones is the feeling of taking yourself seriously as a writer. It is a big investment to think of having professional feedback in this way but I’d received so many rejections while also feeling that I couldn’t give up on these characters and this story just yet."

"Cornerstones have been super supportive and held my hand throughout my lengthy writing journey, giving excellent editorial services but also going beyond and above what's required of them."

"I’ve just had the thrilling experience of signing with a top agent, which would not have happened without Cornerstones’ help. Helen and her team read my MS from start to finish, provided invaluable feedback, arranged agency introductions and here I am! It was worth every penny and I can’t thank you enough."

"From the moment I first started working with Cornerstones, I felt like I was in a safe pair of hands. They made great editing suggestions, from the minor to the major, and were also a fantastic support whenever I had a crisis of confidence. I don’t think I’d have had the courage or the confidence to submit to agents without them.”

“Cornerstones offered crucial help at a time when I really needed it. Thanks to the team for matching me with the right editor: my manuscript transformed from something that had previously only given me panic into a story that inspired confidence.”

"Helen Corner-Bryant at Cornerstones Literary Consultancy put me in touch with Eleanor Leese who skillfully encouraged my first steps and helped put my proposal together."

"I would describe Cornerstones as a doorway into the world of publishing (having first walked round the outside peering in through the windows)."

"I consider enrolling in Edit Your Novel in September 2018 to be one of the best writing decisions I have ever made... Ultimately, it left me with the understanding that novel-writing ability is not innate or instinctive; all you need is a willingness to learn. I’m still learning, even now. There’s still plenty I don’t know, but this was the start of that journey."

"I’ve had some wonderful manuscript reads from Cornerstones over the years. Their feedback on my first manuscript was invaluable in developing my writing."

"Thanks to Cornerstones and their editors for helping me knock this one into shape. Ended up with two publishing offers!"

"My first experience of expert editorial advice came from Cornerstones. Cornerstones helped me shape my manuscript, which then landed me an agent. But through working with them, I wasn’t really just learning about line and structural changes on that particular story, instead, the real learning was understanding the value of PAT - partnership; advice; trust."

"It took me a while to realise there was no shame in asking for professional advice... My Cornerstones editor provided me with the perfect blend of enthusiasm and constructive criticism. My book went on to win a three-book deal with Constable, an imprint of Little, Brown. No literary consultancy can guarantee you will get published, but Cornerstones clearly have the calibre to help you get there."

"A major perk of being managing editor at Cornerstones was being able to put everything I've learned into my writing, as well as getting brilliant feedback from colleagues. All this helped me to secure a great agent and a publishing deal with Bonnier."

"Without working with Alison as a mentor through Cornerstones, I'm not sure that I would ever have finished the book. She filled me with much-needed confidence and was a guiding light throughout the difficult first draft."

"When I contacted Cornerstones I was assigned the fabulous Steph Roundsmith as my mentor - she helped me to improve on my original manuscript with her winning combination of insight, knowledge, enthusiasm and a bit of tough love - and although it wasn't always easy, it was worth it as I now have a three-book deal, and have at last fulfilled my ambition to become a published author!"

"Thank you Cornerstones US for your brilliant help in getting my first book up off the ground. I won't ever write another book without you by my side."

"I started with a middle-grade sci-fi story, which I sent to Cornerstones Literary Consultancy to be critiqued, and then nearly gave up after reading the report. But I persevered, acquiring that thick skin that all creative people must grow, sending them my next book and the one that followed that. I have now written over fourteen books, mixing my genres and target markets, simply because I love to write."

"Cornerstones paired me with a fantastic editor, Ben, who helped me to turn my raw draft into a submittable one. We worked on characters, storyline, and the essential suspense and goosebump readability. Helen then passed me through to my hands-on agent. We did further revisions and one year on, I have a dream two-book deal with Headline! Thank you so much to Cornerstones, I couldn’t have done it without you."

"Cornerstones' feedback was honest but encouraging and I got back to work. After several more re-writes, I was over the moon to be picked up by one of my top-of-the-list agents, followed by exciting publishing deals in the UK, US, and with sales of foreign rights. Thank you so much Cornerstones for the help and support!"

"From start to finish, I found the process seamless. My manuscript was critiqued by a fantastic editor and I wouldn't have been signed so quickly by such a prestigious agent had it not been for Cornerstones. Thank you!"

“For constructive and professional editorial advice, contacting Cornerstones is a very wise move for any aspiring author. Their reports pushed my writing in the right direction, and I’m so pleased I picked up the phone...”

"Many thanks to Cornerstones and the team for the invaluable advice. I took it seriously, and now it's paid off! My journey to publication has been a really long one, but I'm glad I stuck it out."

"Cornerstones gave practical editing guidance, built my confidence and also helped me find an agent. I’m now working on my sixth novel and am published by major publishers in the UK and abroad. I strongly believe I could never have got so far without Cornerstones."

"I owe a real debt of gratitude to Cornerstones - they really helped me to take my writing to the next stage. The editors are friendly and encouraging but, most of all, professional. They became what I would call my ‘critical friends’. I now have a three-book contract with Red Dog Press for The Cat Noir series, and I couldn’t be more pleased."

"I want to say how thankful I am for the positive experience I had with Cornerstones when I sent them my manuscript. I was well received and warmly encouraged. The guidance I received was neither intrusive nor didactic. It was in the nature of long-term suggestions: modern conventions of writing and systems of self-editing. That is something that will stay with me forever."

"It took over 30 years to write my memoir and less than 30 months to see it in print, thanks largely to Cornerstones, the comprehensive consultancy report they offer and most especially being matched with Alison, my brilliant editor!"

"Cornerstones was an invaluable resource. Their report was honest, thorough and insightful, but they are not just about improving the manuscript - they also teach you how to edit, and in the process make you a better writer."

"I can't thank Cornerstones enough for all their help and advice, which turned a reasonable manuscript into one that was taken on by Red Door publishing. Without Cornerstones' help and encouragement I am sure The Last Fiesta would not have made it this far. Thank you so much!"

"I really do believe the process I went through with Cornerstones helped me get my manuscript in good enough shape to secure a book deal."

"Cornerstones feedback was always spot on and, above all, honest. Now thanks to them, I am signed up with a top London agent and publisher."

"Cornerstones has been invaluable in providing a clear, no holds barred critique which encouraged me to stretch myself as a writer. Their feedback helped me gain an agent and a book deal.”

"I have no doubt that Cornerstones helped me on my way to a publishing contract. Their advice was constructive and professional and helped me approach my manuscript in a completely different way."

"A full and professional service and an invaluable part of the editing process."

"Cornerstones helped me turn my manuscript around, and have been there to answer my silly questions. They then passed me through to an agent. All this from saving up for one editorial report."

"Cornerstones taught me so much about editing and structure, but more - they helped me believe in myself and my writing. I now have an agent and a publisher."

"Cornerstones taught me a great deal and were always encouraging. Thanks to the work I did with them I have been able to impress my editors. I have just signed up with HarperCollins for my second book and I doubt I would have had these opportunities if it had not been for Cornerstones."

"I had a comprehensive report that helped me restructure Learning To Speak American. Without Cornerstones, my work would not have developed and improved to the standard required for publication."

“Sound advice and constructive criticism - invaluable whether you’re starting out as a writer, or simply in need of a fresh pair of expert eyes.”

"I always loved writing, but my writing was aimless and unfocused - and getting nowhere. Cornerstones gave me the missing piece. They taught me the crucial editing, planning and plotting tools that focused my work and led to publication. I might still just be dreaming if it weren’t for Helen and Lee."

"I honestly don't believe my non-fiction book would have got to publication without Cornerstones' vital input. With that in mind I am just about to approach them with my first novel!"

"Working with Cornerstones was like attending a masterclass on writing."

"Cornerstones launched me into the world of publishing."

"I am loving the experience of working with a fine agent and an enthusiastic publisher, and none of this would have happened without Cornerstones giving me that first helping hand up the ladder."

"Cornerstones took my writing by the scruff of its neck and pointed the way forward. Invaluable, no-nonsense, warm-spirited advice. I now have an agent and a publishing deal."

"Without the input of Cornerstones I would definitely not have been published. I really had no idea what I was doing right or wrong with my writing, and thanks to their invaluable input my novel is now out in the world. I cannot recommend them enough."

"Cornerstones' review came at a pivotal moment, as I was about to give it up and stick to Sci-fi. The journey was long, and I wrote to 25 agents and five publishers; in the end it was three publishers who got back to me, two of whom made an offer."

“I was a complete novice about writing and coming to the publishing industry very green. Cornerstones helped to shape my manuscript, find an agent and now the book is being published. It’s the realisation of ten years of work and a dream come true for me to see my story about my disabled twins finally come to light.”

“My first experience of working with a professional editor came through Cornerstones; it’s taken a few re-writes but I’m now proud to say I’ve signed a five-book deal with Accent Press.”

"I'll be forever glad I stumbled upon Cornerstones - they seize upon the things that work and tell you straight when something doesn't. And though writing is a personal thing, I know their insight made me write a better book."

"Cornerstones played a major part in turning me from an amateur into a professional writer.”

"I’d managed to work my manuscript (and myself) up into a bit of a tangled mess that I couldn’t seem to get out of… Cornerstones helped me to unpick the knots and smooth out my plot, and they did this with clarity and simplicity. The guidance and feedback they offered was instrumental in helping me to find a home for my writing, and now I’ve signed a great deal with a fantastic publisher for a Young Adult trilogy!"

"Thanks for teaching me how to make some of my own luck and putting me on the road to Bloomsbury!"

"The edits suggested to me took my writing to a new level, creating a manuscript worthy of my agent's attention. The support Cornerstones provides authors with is invaluable."

"Cornerstones provided me with insightful, rigorous feedback along with unstinting support and encouragement. Their expertise led to offers from two excellent agents. I highly recommend Cornerstones to anyone pursuing a writing career."

"Cornerstones offered a fresh perspective on my plot and helped me wrestle my synopsis into shape, and for the first time I started to believe in my book. Thanks to them I now have a wonderful agent and a publishing deal."

"Working with the staff at Cornerstones was one of the best writing decisions I’ve made. They gave me direction and the belief to keep going - can’t thank them enough."

"Cornerstones' detailed feedback was invaluable in shaping and revising my manuscript. It enabled me to reach a point where it seemed realistic to seek an agent."

"Like dieters, writers reach plateaus. We come so far and yet still receive rejections despite our hard work. It's at this stage, when you are doing everything right as far as you know, that it's good to call in professional help. Cornerstones' editorial report helped me to see where the script was falling down and gave me the confidence to send it back out again."

"An independent eye is invaluable, and the perceptive comments and constructive advice in my Cornerstones critique helped me so much that my novel has now been accepted for publication."

"The detailed report I received from Cornerstones was thorough, encouraging, and honest. I'd recommend their services to any writer who is serious about work."

"Cornerstones was an invaluable resource. Their report was honest, thorough and insightful, but they are not just about improving the manuscript - they also teach you how to edit, and in the process make you a better writer."

"Dinah's thorough, wise and helpful report really helped improve the manuscript. The fact that she was so positive carried me through the tough months before publication of We Do Not Kill Children."

"When I first began writing I sent an early draft to Cornerstones, and without their encouragement I would probably have left it there. Thanks to their belief in my potential, I now have an agent, write full-time, and have an international three-book deal."

“At a time when I nearly gave up, Cornerstones provided encouragement, tools and tips, and - most importantly - hope. They’re like a literary hug, with a sprinkling of magic.”

"Thanks to Cornerstones I was able to leap off the slush pile and into the arms of an agent and a major publishing deal with a single bound!”

"I wanted to strengthen and update my children's novel and Cornerstones put me in touch with an excellent editor who gave me a detailed critique, encouraging and constructive. I'm so glad I had also booked a 'brainstorming' session with her - intensive stuff. Thank you, Cornerstones, I'll be back!"

"Cornerstones really gave me that initial kick start and I'll always be grateful. I am thrilled to say I'm now signed with PFD and have a book deal with Scholastic in the UK and US."

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