What this is

​

This is a written reading of a submission/query letter (1000 words max) , focused on how the project is likely to register with a cold industry reader. 

​

The emphasis is not on whether the letter is “good” or “bad”, but on what it actually communicates: how the work is positioned, what kind of book it appears to promise, and where clarity, emphasis, or logic breaks down.

​

The aim is to make visible any gap between what you intend the letter to do and what it is likely to do in practice.

​

What I look at

​

I read the letter as an external reader would, paying attention to:

​

• the clarity of the premise and stakes

• the signals it sends about genre, tone, and audience

• where emphasis feels misplaced, inflated, or unclear

• where the letter promises a different book from the one it appears to describe

​

The response focuses on reader perception, not author intention.

​

What you receive

​

You’ll receive a written response that:

​

• describes how the letter reads from the outside

• identifies points of confusion, misdirection, or overstatement

• highlights structural or conceptual issues affecting how the work is framed

• indicates what would need to change for the letter to communicate more clearly

​

This is a diagnostic reading. It does not include rewriting or optimisation.

​

What this does not include

​

To avoid misunderstanding, this reading does not include:

​

• line-by-line editing. drafting or rewriting

• reading of sample pages or manuscripts

• advice on querying strategy or agent lists

• follow-up correspondence or discussion

​

If you’re looking for ongoing support, or for work that involves reading the manuscript itself, this isn’t the right option.

​

Practical details

​

• Material: one submission letter (query)

• Length: standard query length/max 1000 words

• Format: written response

• Delivery: within 5 working days

• Fee: £120

​

Availability is limited and may be paused periodically.

​

Proceed

​

 

​

​

​

​

If this option isn’t appropriate, you can return to The Practice.

​