Jericho Writers (formerly The Writers' Workshop)

I'd try shopping around before I went with any one editor. Have you looked at the 'Society for Editors and Proofreaders'? They have a searchable database of professional editors.

The Writers' Workshop

Has anyone heard much about this company and its courses/critiques?

http://www.writersworkshop.co.uk/Creative-Writing-Courses.html

They have some very impressive names listed among their critiquers.

waylander said:

They have some very impressive names listed among their critiquers.

Click to expand...

They do indeed.

I'm friends with a few of the people who give critiques for the Writers' Workshop: they're good people, excellent writers, and brilliant editors. I've heard nothing but good reports about the critiques they provide, and recommend them often.

(Just to be clear, the WW also organises the York Festival of Writing, which I've attended as a speaker for the last two years, so I do have a connection with them. But even if I didn't, I'd still recommend them. Their work is good.)

I noticed that this is an old thread, but I'm also curious if anyone has used their editing services. If so did you like them?

[Editing] The Writers' Workshop (UK)

http://www.writersworkshop.co.uk/

They look solid but would love independent confirmation.

I personally know 2 of their editors and a third by reputation. As reputatable as they come.

I know several of the editors who work for the Writers' Workshop, and I've spoken at their annual conference in York. They're good.

They run classes, and there's one I've heard so much good stuff about it's getting a bit ridiculous. It's the Self Editing course run by Emma Darwin and Debi Alper (who are both fab, by the way). If you think it's appropriate for you, do it. It's a really good one.

I know three of their fiction editers and they are damn good - as professional as they come. You will get value for money with them.

[Workshops] Jericho Writers

I was considering doing an Ms assessment but then reconsidered it in favor of an editing/revision course so I have solid skills under my belt instead of always relying on an assessment service. I came across two revision courses that look good but also quite different.

One is super duper comprehensive, to the point where you could probably do some side work editing others’ books afterwards. It’s the Cornerstones Editing Course. It’s 18 weeks and awfully expensive at £1,800. I don’t know if it’s worth that amount of money, but it also includes getting your synopsis and materials ready for a professional submission. By the end, editing my next books would be like carving butter with a hot knife.

Alternatively, the Jericho Writers Self-Editing Course is a fraction of the cost £595 (without discount), run by a very experienced Editor and is 5 or 6 weeks. I’ve heard fantastic things about this course and seen the editor in action. But, will I have to come back to this course with every new Ms I create, or will it give me the tools I need forever more?

I’m not made of money or anything, but I’m willing to sacrifice some things now in order to get the skills I need to make the money back.

If anyone has done any of these courses, please share your opinions. Dying to know.

I haven't done either but I know Debi Alper who runs the Jericho self-edit course, her and Emma Darwin are an awesome duo. A number of friends/people I know have done the course and not one had a bad thing to say about it. The course also has a very good success rate (alumni that I've been published via the trade route).

The thing is with manuscript assessment at a literary agency is that it is all luck of the draw on who your MS gets assigned to and that editor being a correct fit.

I hope this helps.

Thank you! Yeah, that Alper / Darwin course sure does have its strengths!

Torrill just came back from a Jericho Writers course and gave an excellent update. You might like to talk to her about it.

I've heard nothing but good things about them.

I suggest taking the no cost beta reader exchange first. Or post a chapter here on AW for feedback.

Find out if you know how to put a sentence together first, before shelling out that kind of money.

I know an editor with mad skills who can sort things out based on the first 10 pages for 10 bucks. Message me and I'll send a link.

You won't regret taking either of the courses, but if I were you I'd take the Jericho Writers one. Debi Alper and Emma Darwin are wonderful. You will learn so much from them.

It seems the balance is tipped in favour of Jericho.

The fact is, the Cornerstones course doesn’t have a whole lot of reviews. And, for £1,800 - it needs to shine bright. It is a new course, which could be the reason it doesn't have much buzz around it but still. On the other hand, the Jericho course shines very bright indeed and has numerous reviews, all positive. It’s certainly easier on the old budget too.

Thank you for all your responses and feedback. It’s saved me loads already!

Hi Blackpaws - this is a slightly old thread, but I wanted to add that Cornerstones is totally legit, and as well as the course they offer editorial services (which include a free 10 page assessment). They also offer mentoring. I work as an editor for them so can vouch.