Q: What kind of writing can I submit?
A: GDNC only accepts novels and non-fiction. It does not accept short stories, picture books, poetry or screenplays, for example. All types and genres of novels can be submitted: romance novels, YA novels, experimental novels, science fiction novels, crime novels, and so on. You can submit part of your novel or all of it, in three bands called the Excerpt Read, the Solid Read and the Complete Read. Please see this page for details of each band, and this page for fees.
Q: What are the advantages of a novel assessment?
A: Your closeness to your manuscript may make it difficult for you to assess it objectively. An experienced literary consultant will be able to point out your novel's strengths and weaknesses. This could transform your understanding of your novel and make it more likely that you will succeed in producing a convincing work of art.
Q: Can a novel assessment help me find a publisher?
A: Certainly. By having your work professionally evaluated, you increase your chances of finding a publisher. You will also receive advice on the best way to find an appropriate publisher and agent in today's market.
Q: How should the manuscript be formatted?
A: Manuscripts must be double-spaced and in a 12-point font. Please do not forget to insert page numbers: if these are not inserted, GDNC will insert them for your reference. The word-count should be written at the top of the manuscript.
Q: How do I write the Synopsis and Remarks document you require?
A: Please see this page.
Q: Can I submit by post?
A: No. Manuscripts must be submitted via the submission form here.
Q: Can I submit from overseas?
A: Yes, certainly, as long as the manuscript is in English.
Q: Who will read the manuscript?
A: All manuscripts are read by Gary Dexter. No freelance readers are involved.
Q: Will anyone else see the manuscript?
A: No. Submitted work is treated with confidentiality and not made known to or discussed with anyone apart from the reader, Gary Dexter. The writer automatically retains copyright in their work.
Q: What have other writers said about Gary's services?
A: Please see the testimonials page and reviews of Gary's novels and other publications in the national press.
Q: Do I need to pay up front for the novel assessment?
A: Yes. payment is taken up front.
Q: What do I get for my money?
A: There are three types of assessment: the Excerpt Read, the Solid Read and the Complete Read. Please see this page and scroll down for details of each. The three bands of assessment are designed to be affordable to three types of budget, and represent excellent value for money. Assessing a manuscript is a painstaking business that requires careful thought and long experience.
Q: How long does it take?
A: The report is delivered in 3-6 weeks.
Q: Can I speed up delivery?
A Rapid Return service within seven working days is available for those for whom time is of the essence. The fee for this is the standard charge plus 25%. Please contact me to arrange this.
Q: What if I don't feel that the assessment is worth what I paid?
A: All clients have a right of reply. If you have legitimate concerns about the reader's report, your concerns will be listened to. Bear in mind, though, that manuscript assessment involves the opinion of a single consultant: this is an opinion informed by experience of the publishing industry and the art of novel-writing, but still an opinion. Two literary consultants may give two different opinions.
Q: What's the difference between a novel assessment and a proofread?
A: The difference is explained on this page. In brief, a novel assessment deals with matters such as plot, characters, pace, theme, point of view and suspense. If you want to get your novel in good shape as a work of literary art, a novel assessment should be your first port of call. If, however, you are at a later stage in your writing and editing and want to make sure that your manuscript is as good as it can be in terms of the technical aspects of grammar, punctuation, spelling and formatting, then a proofread is the way to go.
Q: Can you also offer assessments and proofreading for non-fiction works?
A: Yes. Please contact me for details.
A: GDNC only accepts novels and non-fiction. It does not accept short stories, picture books, poetry or screenplays, for example. All types and genres of novels can be submitted: romance novels, YA novels, experimental novels, science fiction novels, crime novels, and so on. You can submit part of your novel or all of it, in three bands called the Excerpt Read, the Solid Read and the Complete Read. Please see this page for details of each band, and this page for fees.
Q: What are the advantages of a novel assessment?
A: Your closeness to your manuscript may make it difficult for you to assess it objectively. An experienced literary consultant will be able to point out your novel's strengths and weaknesses. This could transform your understanding of your novel and make it more likely that you will succeed in producing a convincing work of art.
Q: Can a novel assessment help me find a publisher?
A: Certainly. By having your work professionally evaluated, you increase your chances of finding a publisher. You will also receive advice on the best way to find an appropriate publisher and agent in today's market.
Q: How should the manuscript be formatted?
A: Manuscripts must be double-spaced and in a 12-point font. Please do not forget to insert page numbers: if these are not inserted, GDNC will insert them for your reference. The word-count should be written at the top of the manuscript.
Q: How do I write the Synopsis and Remarks document you require?
A: Please see this page.
Q: Can I submit by post?
A: No. Manuscripts must be submitted via the submission form here.
Q: Can I submit from overseas?
A: Yes, certainly, as long as the manuscript is in English.
Q: Who will read the manuscript?
A: All manuscripts are read by Gary Dexter. No freelance readers are involved.
Q: Will anyone else see the manuscript?
A: No. Submitted work is treated with confidentiality and not made known to or discussed with anyone apart from the reader, Gary Dexter. The writer automatically retains copyright in their work.
Q: What have other writers said about Gary's services?
A: Please see the testimonials page and reviews of Gary's novels and other publications in the national press.
Q: Do I need to pay up front for the novel assessment?
A: Yes. payment is taken up front.
Q: What do I get for my money?
A: There are three types of assessment: the Excerpt Read, the Solid Read and the Complete Read. Please see this page and scroll down for details of each. The three bands of assessment are designed to be affordable to three types of budget, and represent excellent value for money. Assessing a manuscript is a painstaking business that requires careful thought and long experience.
Q: How long does it take?
A: The report is delivered in 3-6 weeks.
Q: Can I speed up delivery?
A Rapid Return service within seven working days is available for those for whom time is of the essence. The fee for this is the standard charge plus 25%. Please contact me to arrange this.
Q: What if I don't feel that the assessment is worth what I paid?
A: All clients have a right of reply. If you have legitimate concerns about the reader's report, your concerns will be listened to. Bear in mind, though, that manuscript assessment involves the opinion of a single consultant: this is an opinion informed by experience of the publishing industry and the art of novel-writing, but still an opinion. Two literary consultants may give two different opinions.
Q: What's the difference between a novel assessment and a proofread?
A: The difference is explained on this page. In brief, a novel assessment deals with matters such as plot, characters, pace, theme, point of view and suspense. If you want to get your novel in good shape as a work of literary art, a novel assessment should be your first port of call. If, however, you are at a later stage in your writing and editing and want to make sure that your manuscript is as good as it can be in terms of the technical aspects of grammar, punctuation, spelling and formatting, then a proofread is the way to go.
Q: Can you also offer assessments and proofreading for non-fiction works?
A: Yes. Please contact me for details.
Ready to go ahead? Had a look at the FAQs and testimonials?
Then please feel free to go ahead and submit your manuscript. The next page takes you to a form where you can enter your details and upload your text.
Then please feel free to go ahead and submit your manuscript. The next page takes you to a form where you can enter your details and upload your text.