Reports
We offer a range of reports designed to give you detailed written feedback on your final draft or submission package.
REPORT FEES
- Submission report: £400
- Full manuscript report: £750 for a manuscript of up to 95,000 words. (For longer manuscripts, an extra charge of £35 is payable per 5,000 words.)
- Full manuscript report + consultation: £1050 for a manuscript of up to 95,000 words. (For longer manuscripts, an extra charge of £35 is payable per 5,000 words.)
All prices are inclusive of VAT.
HOW TO SIGN UP
Before you purchase an alumni report, please email students@curtisbrowncreative.co.uk and tell us a bit about your novel. You can also let us know if you have any particular concerns that you’d like your editor to address. Do say if you have a preferred choice of editor and we will try to accommodate this or consult with you on possible alternatives. It’s absolutely fine if you’re not sure – we’re happy to advise on who might be available and a good fit. When we’ve confirmed your editor we will provide more information on how to submit your materials.
Please read on to learn more about what each of our report services entail.
SUBMISSION REPORT
Make sure your pitch package is in the best possible shape before you send it out to agents by signing up for a 1,000-word written report from a member of our editorial team, including agents and publishing professionals.
The report will provide detailed feedback on your pitch letter, one-page synopsis and 10,000-word opening (approximately 500 words on the letter and synopsis and 500 words on the opening). With practical tips and industry insights, this report will help you to tighten your submission package, bringing you one step closer to gaining representation.
- If you’re looking for tips and advice on writing the perfect pitch letter and synopsis, check out Anna’s posts on the CBC blog. You might also like to consider our six-week online Edit & Pitch Your Novel course, which is designed to help you edit and polish your novel and prepare your pitch package for agents. See our Alumni Discounts for info on how to get £50 off the price of this course.
FULL MANUSCRIPT REPORT
One of our team of expert editors – including experienced authors and publishing professionals – will read your manuscript in full and give you detailed feedback on your work, including in-depth advice on how to address any problem areas.
Your report will comprise at least 1,000 words and cover structural issues, such as plotting, characterisation, narrative perspective, writing style, voice and pace. Drawing on their experience writing and/or editing novels, your reader will explain what’s working well in your manuscript and what could be improved to take your novel up to the next level.
When we've paired you with an editor, we’ll ask you to send in your manuscript and a short blurb to give your editor a steer on the genre of the novel and your intentions. We’ll also ask for a brief note on specific concerns or questions you would like to pose your editor and any useful context. You have the option of including a one-page synopsis and short biographical paragraph if you wish, although your editor won’t comment on these.
FULL MANUSCRIPT REPORT + CONSULTATION
We offer the option of adding a 45-minute consultation with your editor to your final manuscript report.
Once you’ve received your report, you’ll be able to read and absorb the feedback before discussing it further with your editor. Usually consultations take place over Zoom, but may take place in person where possible (subject to editor's preference and availability).
BESPOKE SUBMISSION LIST SERVICE
If you purchase any alumni report, you will gain access to our bespoke submission list service. When you’re ready to send the novel you’re working on with CBC to agents, we will produce a tailored list of UK agents (outside of Curtis Brown and C&W) for you to pitch your work to. Jennifer Kerslake, head of courses at CBC and former editor at Weidenfeld & Nicolson or Abby Parsons, senior manager at CBC and former editor at Hachette UK, will take a look at your synopsis, pitch letter and opening and draw on their experience and knowledge of agents and their interests to produce a personalised submissions list for your particular novel, with details of at least 10 agents. (This service will be provided in addition to the personal submission to CB and C&W that all alumni can access.)