Hi

I’ve recently received a critique of my novel from an independent editorial consultant. His report was, in the main, extremely positive, more so than I could have hoped for. I’d very much like to cite the report in my future agent submissions, quoting the reader’s name (as he is well-known in the industry).

My question is, is this something I am allowed to do? Should I first acquire his permission (out of courtesy if not legality)? Or can I simply do what I wish with the report now I’ve paid for it? (I’m not quite sure paying for someone’s advice therefore gives me the right to bandy it about as I see fit). Anyone been in this situation before?

Thanks

Sam

Definitely tell them you’ve had this report done. It’s a measure of your commitment to your writing, and that you’re serious and professional. Personally I would ask the reader first if he has any objections to his name being mentioned. He may be delighted. On the other hand, if he’s well known, he might not want it made public.

Dee

Yes, I'd second that. It's something that should get your script properly looked at. Does your editor have suggestions of who's the right person to send it to?

Emma

Thanks both

I didn’t ask for any agent suggestions, though in hindsight I think I should’ve taken the opportunity too. Rather stupidly, I’ve had my mind set on which agent I want to represent me for a while, but he gave me a polite knock-back a few months ago after requesting the full manuscript. I thought I’d retry him with my editorial report, highlighting all the good bits, and explaining which changes have been made. And, anyway, the (extremely good, I should say) editor had two perfectly reasonable concerns about the novel: the way it ended (closure versus my open-ended finish), and the believability of the central character; however, after much consideration, I decided that though I agreed whole-heartedly with many of the other suggested changes, I couldn’t agree with these. And I doubt if he would want to recommend an agent if he didn’t believe the novel was as good as it could be.

I’ve written to ask if he’d mind my using the report and citing his name.