Submission Letter Reading
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:
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the clarity of the premise and stakes
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the signals it sends about genre, tone, and audience
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where emphasis feels misplaced, inflated, or unclear
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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:
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describes how the letter reads from the outside
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identifies points of confusion, misdirection, or overstatement
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highlights structural or conceptual issues affecting how the work is framed
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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:
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line-by-line editing. drafting or rewriting
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reading of sample pages or manuscripts
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advice on querying strategy or agent lists
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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
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Material: one submission letter (query)
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Length: standard query length/max 1000 words
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Format: written response
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Delivery: within 5 working days
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Fee: £120
Availability is limited and may be paused periodically.
Proceed
If this option isn’t appropriate, you can return to the resources page.