I'm Gary Dexter. I'm a writer and novel consultant. I've written various books, both fiction and non-fiction, and you can see reviews of them in the national press here. I am also the author, under the name Alex Quick, of the manual 102 Ways to Write a Novel.
My novel consultancy exists to help writers improve their work, at whatever stage it has reached. For each client, I write a report on their work's strengths, weaknesses, and chances of publication. My reports are always personalized and detailed, and I treat all work with care and confidentiality. You can see what clients have said about my services here. I am also available for a 30-minute phone or Skype consultation, at no further charge, from anyone who has purchased a novel assessment.
Today's book market is ever-changing and highly competitive. My novel consultancy develops writers' awareness of their own work, enabling them to bring out the full potential of their novels and ensure the greatest chance of success.
My novel consultancy exists to help writers improve their work, at whatever stage it has reached. For each client, I write a report on their work's strengths, weaknesses, and chances of publication. My reports are always personalized and detailed, and I treat all work with care and confidentiality. You can see what clients have said about my services here. I am also available for a 30-minute phone or Skype consultation, at no further charge, from anyone who has purchased a novel assessment.
Today's book market is ever-changing and highly competitive. My novel consultancy develops writers' awareness of their own work, enabling them to bring out the full potential of their novels and ensure the greatest chance of success.
'I am certain I would not have come this far without Gary's patient, friendly guidance. He has given honest, thorough criticism of my work in a considerate and supportive way.' - Donna Goodall.
the types of writers who benefit from this service
I work with writers who have already written a substantial chunk of their novel - from 5,000 words to a complete manuscript - and wish to know how it can be improved. I pay attention to every aspect of novel-writing, from character, theme and plot, through to point of view, suspense, conflict, subplot, dialogue and more. For every client I produce a detailed report as a PDF document. In the report, I place an emphasis on what is done well - but also, by offering constructive advice, pinpoint what might be done better.
Novelists are often highly sensitive to criticism, and this is understandable: a novel is an outgrowth of the novelist's mind and personality, and any criticism can feel like a criticism of the novelist as a person. Despite this, I feel it is important to be honest about weaknesses as well as strengths. Naturally, I do this in a constructive manner, making sure my comments are targeted and helpful. My aim is to help you produce the best novel you can.
To see a sample copy of a reader's report, please contact me.
Please note: a novel assessment is different to proofreading on a line-by-line basis. If you require proofreading then please see this page. Please also contact me for details of assessing and proofreading non-fiction works.
Novelists are often highly sensitive to criticism, and this is understandable: a novel is an outgrowth of the novelist's mind and personality, and any criticism can feel like a criticism of the novelist as a person. Despite this, I feel it is important to be honest about weaknesses as well as strengths. Naturally, I do this in a constructive manner, making sure my comments are targeted and helpful. My aim is to help you produce the best novel you can.
To see a sample copy of a reader's report, please contact me.
Please note: a novel assessment is different to proofreading on a line-by-line basis. If you require proofreading then please see this page. Please also contact me for details of assessing and proofreading non-fiction works.
how to submit manuscripts
In the first instance, you should look at the FAQs page to see the answers to common queries. Please look also at the testimonials. You are also welcome to get in touch with any further queries. When you are happy to continue, you can fill out the form on this page. For the novel assessment you can choose between three services: the Excerpt Read, the Solid Read and the Complete Read. Below is what you can expect from each of these options.
The excerpt read
In order to qualify for the Excerpt Read, the work submitted must be no longer than 15,000 words. The Excerpt Read is suitable for writers who have an idea of the nature of the novel they want to write, and have begun to develop characters and plot-lines, but need additional advice to develop the work as a whole and achieve a sense of momentum.
The report begins with a discussion of the excerpt's strengths. It goes on to discuss matters such as character, exposition, description, dialogue, point of view, plot and style, as and when these merit comment in the submitted work. The report concludes with suggestions for development.
For the Excerpt Read, the report totals around 1,200 words of advice and recommendations. For fees for the Excerpt Read, please see this page.
I am also available, on request, for a 30-minute phone or Skype consultation with anyone who purchases the Excerpt Read. There is no further charge for this.
The report begins with a discussion of the excerpt's strengths. It goes on to discuss matters such as character, exposition, description, dialogue, point of view, plot and style, as and when these merit comment in the submitted work. The report concludes with suggestions for development.
For the Excerpt Read, the report totals around 1,200 words of advice and recommendations. For fees for the Excerpt Read, please see this page.
I am also available, on request, for a 30-minute phone or Skype consultation with anyone who purchases the Excerpt Read. There is no further charge for this.
'Encouraging, very patient and friendly. Gary has a good way of explaining things which makes sense.' - Maria
the solid read
In order to qualify for the Solid Read, the work submitted must be no longer than 35,000 words. The Solid Read is for writers who have a strong grasp of their novel's overall structure but who need encouragement and guidance to get to the finish-line.
The report begins by assessing the work's strengths and potential. It goes on to discuss a wide range of matters: character, backstory, description, plot, style, dialogue, point of view, and other issues, as they arise. The report concludes with a summary for action and the work's prospects of finding a traditional publisher. It gives tips on finding the best agent to represent your work. It also gives advice on self-publishing and online publishing, and the advantages and pitfalls involved.
For the Solid Read, the report totals around 2,400 words of advice and recommendations. It is intended to give you a good grounding for further successful work. For fees for the Solid Read, please see this page.
I am also available, on request, for a 30-minute phone or Skype consultation with anyone who purchases the Solid Read. There is no further charge for this.
The report begins by assessing the work's strengths and potential. It goes on to discuss a wide range of matters: character, backstory, description, plot, style, dialogue, point of view, and other issues, as they arise. The report concludes with a summary for action and the work's prospects of finding a traditional publisher. It gives tips on finding the best agent to represent your work. It also gives advice on self-publishing and online publishing, and the advantages and pitfalls involved.
For the Solid Read, the report totals around 2,400 words of advice and recommendations. It is intended to give you a good grounding for further successful work. For fees for the Solid Read, please see this page.
I am also available, on request, for a 30-minute phone or Skype consultation with anyone who purchases the Solid Read. There is no further charge for this.
‘Gary knows his stuff! He took a lot of care looking through my work and offered thoughtful and very useful suggestions.’ - Yasmin Keyani
the complete read
In order to qualify for the Complete Read, the work submitted must be no longer than 90,000 words. If your novel is longer than this, please get in touch for details.
The Complete Read is for writers who have finished a draft of their novel and are thinking of the next steps - publication, self-publication, or neither?
The report begins with a general survey of what you have achieved over the course of the novel. It goes on to discuss the novel's facets, giving a section to each. Particular areas of concern are given a full treatment, and there are suggestions for further reading in the relevant area. The report concludes with a summary for action and an assessment of the novel's publishability in its current form. It gives advice on the way to find an appropriate agent and publisher. It also gives advice on self-publishing and online publishing, with a discussion of the merits or demerits of these options.
For the Complete Read, the report totals around 3,600 words of advice and recommendations. It represents a substantial consideration of your work, and is the only option of the three that offers an overview of your entire novel. For fees for the Complete Read, please see this page.
I am also available, on request, for a 30-minute phone or Skype consultation with anyone who purchases the Complete Read. There is no further charge for this.
The Complete Read is for writers who have finished a draft of their novel and are thinking of the next steps - publication, self-publication, or neither?
The report begins with a general survey of what you have achieved over the course of the novel. It goes on to discuss the novel's facets, giving a section to each. Particular areas of concern are given a full treatment, and there are suggestions for further reading in the relevant area. The report concludes with a summary for action and an assessment of the novel's publishability in its current form. It gives advice on the way to find an appropriate agent and publisher. It also gives advice on self-publishing and online publishing, with a discussion of the merits or demerits of these options.
For the Complete Read, the report totals around 3,600 words of advice and recommendations. It represents a substantial consideration of your work, and is the only option of the three that offers an overview of your entire novel. For fees for the Complete Read, please see this page.
I am also available, on request, for a 30-minute phone or Skype consultation with anyone who purchases the Complete Read. There is no further charge for this.
'Gary's editing much improved my writing. He is patient, considerate and painstaking. Highly recommended.' - Jacqueline Gittens.