the Hilary Johnson Authors' Advisory Service

Thanks

Over the years we have received many appreciative letters. Here are some typical recent responses:

I sent my short story, Last Dance At Johnny's, to the Hilary Johnson Advisory Service and received not only encouraging feedback and suggested amendments, but advice on selling it, too. The story will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 some time in 2008.

I get the kind of honest and constructive feedback from the HJAAS that you can't always rely on when having close friends and family read your work.

Craig Hawes, West Glam.

The report was much more impressively detailed than I expected. Your crime reader should consider writing a book about novel writing. I’ve read a couple of books on the subject, but the authors always seem to make the mistake of telling – rather than also showing.

L.E.W., Tyne & Wear

. . . received my story back yesterday. Comments very helpful and true – funny how you already know, really, you just want someone to say it to you. Will certainly be sending other stuff . . .

V.J., Bristol

Thank you so much for the appraisal of my science fiction novel. It was just what I wanted – an objective view of the novel so I could see whether (a) it was a worthwhile idea to pursue and (b) where I needed to rework the text. I found the summary very thorough and encouraging.

J.C., North Somerset

Thank you immensely! As I read your appraisal, I could only agree with every word and all the wonderful suggestions made. The advice will make all the difference to the way I tackle my plots in future . . . Further work will be difficult but despite this I am looking forward to making the attempt. Your service is professional and in-depth. There is no doubt you will be hearing from me in the future!

G.G., Switzerland

I was surprised (although I shouldn’t have been) by the thoroughness of the analysis and the professional quality of the editing and guidance. As I read your report it wasn’t long before I felt I was in safe hands . . . Perhaps the most valuable lesson I have learned, however, is the need to cut drastically and to tell the story rather than go for effect.
A is a measure of how useful your work has been on my behalf, I have now put together my action plan and will start it this morning.

J.R., Cheshire

Thank you for the report on my novel. I was astounded by the amount of work the reader had put into this project. The job was magnificently executed and I’m delighted to have spent the money.

M.E., Cyprus

I shall read your report again and again and try to apply what you have advised. Although criticism is a subjective art, I do not dissent from anything you have written. I find the report interesting, enlightening, useful, constructive. It was fortunate that I found you.

R.M. Warwickshire

All the books illustrated are by authors featured on this site.