If you live in the east there's an opportunity to have your work critiqued for free by TLC. Also loads of workshops and they're looking for a programme leader too!

https://dub110.mail.live.com/default.aspx?id=64855#n=1130469065&fid=1&mid=1e50f686-4d03-11e3-9fcf-001e0bcbd4c8&fv=1

Susiex

Edited by susieangela at 12:56:00 on 14 November 2013

Hi

Thanks for posting this. I don't quite live in the East, but thought I'd look at your post. However, the link doesn't work for me.

Hi Sharley,

Bother. Well, here's their website - it's the Writers' Centre, Norwich:

http://www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk/

Susiex

Great - thank you.

From your link, I found it here: http://www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk/applyforatlcfreeread.aspx

For the first time, I wish my Bedfordshire postal address counted (I live over the border in Bucks though).

Thanks, Sharley. Yes, I often read their stuff and think - 'come to Bristol!'
Susiex

Many regions operate a similar scheme, so it's worth checking with your local writers development forum. Sometimes you have to be on a low income to qualify.

Anne, I know Arvon have bursaries you can apply for - a friend got one.
Susiex

I probably ought to advertise my services better. It looks as if TLC will read the three pages of your story and comment in some way on it. If you win. And it's difficult to see how much value they can add on just three pages. By contrast, as a matter of course, I read any potential client's first chapter and talk to them about it by phone or email. This is absolutely free, and if they don't want to continue past that point, fine.

Which isn't to say TLC don't do a good job. One of their readers, who is excellent, also works through The Writers' Ark, which is a collective of freelance editors/readers. The advantage of going through us is that everything you pay goes to the editor, not just a third of the fee (as is common with the agencies). Also, e.g. in my case, the payment basis is much more to the writer's advantage.

More info at: www.thewritersark.co.uk.

Terry

Hi Terry (long time no speak!),
Shouldn't this post be in the Commercial thread?
Susiex