Claire Wingfield

Your recommended pitching approach works perfectly!

If I hadn't attended your workshop, my only option would have been to learn the 'hard way' i.e. by trial and error. There is no 'one size fits all' to the submissions process but your workshop was fundamental enough to apply to all of them (500 words, 1000 words, 2 sides of A4, 1 chapter, 3 chapters, 50 pages etc).

What was most useful was developing the skill to make the maximum impact with the minimum words, focussing on the key concepts in the pitch and synopsis. I think your notes on pre-submitted material were especially useful and tailor-made.

I attended one of your writers’ workshops last year, which I found to be interesting, inspiring and full of positive feedback. I left after the workshop feeling full of energy and buzzing with ideas. Your advice was timely, objective, sympathetic, helpful and business-like.

I have found, almost a year later, that your optimism and faith in my work has encouraged me when I felt rather like giving up: it is a tough publishing environment, lean times, with lots of really talented opposition, but I knew you had faith in me, which helped so much.

I found your readers’ service excellent: empathic reading which understood the flaws in the text; articulate, useful, objective feedback; indispensable words of encouragement; good value for money and excellent “after sales” contact and help.

Fran Macilvey, Writer

‘Many thanks Claire for your brilliant editing of my novel. Your thorough and insightful dissection was matched by constructive and encouraging advice on how to improve my manuscript. The result is that far from being discouraged by the work ahead I can’t wait to get re-writing. I just wish I had consulted you earlier.’

Jenny Robson, Writer

'Your writing plan is super! Very well structured and easy to follow. As an unpublished writer I can honestly say this is very useful indeed. You have a lovely way of phrasing your constructive comments, which makes the reader report very easy to digest. Your enthusiasm to get everything 'spot on' shines through. You really do 'walk the extra mile' to give an excellent, professional service.'

Anne Williams, Writer

'On behalf of Angus Writers, thank you so much for the informative and thoroughly enjoyable workshop. I have had nothing but positive comments from members who learned invaluable tips on how to pitch and submit. Those of us who sent cover letters/synopses were especially appreciative of the annotations and feedback. This had taken considerable time and for that we are grateful.'

Eleanor Fordyce, Secretary of Angus Writers' Circle

'Thanks for your critique on my novel, Claire; it's exactly what I was looking for. This is the just the ammunition I need to take my manuscript from being a 'not bad' to a 'wow!' Your report's just so detailed, clear and useful, that I'm just champin' at the bit to get going with my revisions. I've had reports from other consultancies, and I can say from experience, that the professionalism and sheer usefulness of your report is head and shoulders above the rest.'

Mark Leggatt, Writer

‘Thank you for believing in my children's novel, Juggernaut, and introducing me to my now-agent. I feel a huge weight off my shoulders and as though someone had given me a big glass of fresh clean water to drink to quench my thirst. I don't know how better to put it!’

Lowri Potts, Writer

'I am delighted to report that I have taken on a new client, introduced to me by Claire. Lowri Potts lives near Glasgow, and has worked in the creative arts for many years: in TV and print journalism, in the theatre, and as an exhibition curator. Recently she wrote a part opera libretto which was performed in London, with music specially composed by Sally Beamish. She has also just written her first novel for children, JUGGERNAUT, about a young boy who, when his trucker father dies, decides to take to the road himself. I am looking forward to showing it to publishers and hope very much to launch Lowri's career as a writer.’

Laura Longrigg, Literary Agent

'I have been very impressed by your detailed, in-depth engagement with my work. Your report has provided me with a great deal of clear, constructive advice which will be invaluable when I set about re-drafting my manuscript. I have also appreciated your prompt yet warm, personal
responses to my e-mails. Many thanks for a marvellous service.’

Rose Chitseko, Writer

'Thank you very much for your report on the opening chapters of my novel. What you have said has been very helpful; you've made some great suggestions that will help me a lot.’

Tracey Ramsay, Writer

'I’m a reasonably successful short story writer, and the first three chapters of my first novel were shortlisted for an international prize. So I knew something was wrong when the novel itself couldn’t attract an agent or get published. Colleagues in my writers’ group gave me very positive feedback, but what I really required was a dispassionate, honest critique. The report I received from Claire was exactly what I needed – hard but fair, and clearly identifying the areas that needed attention. Her comments were spot-on and very helpful indeed.’

Paul Curd, Writer

'Claire delivered a valuable manuscript assessment. She was also able to be extremely flexible in her service, which was particularly important for an international first-time client such as myself.’

Morten Rand, Writer

'I self-published my first novel and although I'd had great feedback from those that read it, when I submitted the first three chapters along with a cover letter and synopsis to several agents I only received rejection letters. I contacted Claire and sent her exactly what I had been sending to agents, as well as a copy of my book. She read everything that I sent to her then wrote a report which I found to be of great use because not only did she advise how to approach agents in a professional manner, she also suggested ways to improve my novel, while highlighting the positives. I will always use Claire for whatever else I write because she is approachable, friendly, and meets her promised deadline. I now feel a renewed sense of optimism towards my writing.’

Steven Dee, Writer

'Your report has been a great help to me. I am doing well with my
revisions - it has definitely been easier to return to the manuscript
after a break and your support is excellent motivation to keep at it!’

Lorna Fraser, Writer

'Thank you very much for your reading and critical appraisal. It’s been invaluable.’

Sarah Abraham-Knight, Writer

'Cultural Enterprise Office commissioned Claire to review the materials and the language that we use throughout our service. The resulting editorial and house-style guides were immediately welcomed by staff involved in creating advisory, training and marketing copy. It is proving to be a fantastic resource as it helps to ensure that we use a cohesive, meaningful language that resonates with our clients. Claire's work was delivered in such a way that made it effortless to adopt any changes.'

Ailsa Watson, Information & IT Manager, Cultural Enterprise Office

'Claire is a pleasure to work with, extremely efficient and friendly. Her editorial work has been invaluable for the Polygon titles she has worked on.'

Alison Rae, Managing Editor, Polygon

‘Claire's work is consistent, precise and professionally produced and she always returns jobs within deadlines... or before. She is always a pleasure to deal with and extremely hard-working.’

Gavin Peebles, Hewer Text

‘Many thanks Claire for the very full and detailed research material to assist me with writing my memoirs of my childhood in Dublin. I was impressed with your genuine interest in the task, which was done with great skill and speed.’

Julie Monahan, Writer

‘Thank you again for your comments on my novel. Whatever happens next, this has been a good and important process to go through.’

Andrew Stott Google, Writer

‘I'm really glad I contacted Claire. Her report really focused in on what was preventing my novel realising its potential. I feel it was money well spent!’

Jackie Baldwin, Writer