About The Writing Consultancy
The Writing Consultancy was founded in 2002 by Keirsten Clark — trained editor, and over twenty years experience working with fiction writers, Keirsten recognised something that the publishing industry rarely says out loud: most manuscripts that get rejected aren’t rejected because the writer lacks talent. They’re rejected because the novel hasn’t yet had the kind of rigorous, honest editorial attention that transforms a good story into a publishable one.
The Writing Consultancy exists to provide exactly that.
Our approach
We work with every author personally. Before recommending any service, Keirsten takes the time to understand where you are in your writing journey, what your publishing goals are, and what your manuscript genuinely needs. There is no one-size-fits-all editorial process here.
Our assessments and editorial reports are detailed, honest, and constructive. We tell authors what is working as well as what needs attention — because understanding your strengths is as important as addressing your weaknesses.
Our track record
Since 2002 we have worked with hundreds of fiction writers across every genre, from literary fiction to commercial women’s fiction, thriller, fantasy, historical fiction, children’s and YA. Many of our authors have gone on to secure literary agents and publishing deals. Many others have built successful self-publishing careers with the confidence that their work has been professionally assessed.
The relationships we build with authors are long ones. Many return to us with each new manuscript — not because they have to, but because they value having an editorial home they trust.
A word on AI
We are often asked whether AI tools have made manuscript assessments redundant. Our honest answer is no — and if anything, the opposite is true. AI can improve your sentences. It cannot tell you whether your story works, whether your protagonist earns the reader’s loyalty, or whether your ending delivers what your opening promised. That requires human literary judgment. It is what we have been providing for over twenty years, and it is what we continue to offer.