"Cornerstones paired me with a fantastic editor, Ben, who helped me to turn my raw draft into a submittable one. We worked on characters, storyline, and the essential suspense and goosebump readability. Helen then passed me through to my hands-on agent. We did further revisions and one year on, I have a dream two-book deal with Headline! Thank you so much to Cornerstones, I couldn’t have done it without you."
"Dinah's thorough, wise and helpful report really helped improve the manuscript. The fact that she was so positive carried me through the tough months before publication of We Do Not Kill Children."
"Cornerstones helped me navigate the treacherous journey between first draught and finished manuscript, and with their encouragement, I was shortlisted for The Bath Novel Award and now have an agent."
"Working with the staff at Cornerstones was one of the best writing decisions I’ve made. They gave me direction and the belief to keep going - can’t thank them enough."
"I always loved writing, but my writing was aimless and unfocused – and getting nowhere. Cornerstones gave me the missing piece. They taught me the crucial editing, planning and plotting tools that focused my work and led to publication. I might still just be dreaming if it weren’t for Helen and Lee."
"My Cornerstones’s report was a pivotal moment in the writing journey. It guided me towards the story I wanted to tell and it gave me clarity and confidence. For a debut, would-be author, these are things that money can't buy."
"I’d managed to work my manuscript (and myself) up into a bit of a tangled mess that I couldn’t seem to get out of… Cornerstones helped me to unpick the knots and smooth out my plot, and they did this with clarity and simplicity. The guidance and feedback they offered was instrumental in helping me to find a home for my writing, and now I’ve signed a great deal with a fantastic publisher for a Young Adult trilogy!"
"Cornerstones' review came at a pivotal moment, as I was about to give it up and stick to Sci-fi. The journey was long, and I wrote to 25 agents and five publishers; in the end it was three publishers who got back to me, two of whom made an offer."
“At a time when I nearly gave up, Cornerstones provided encouragement, tools and tips, and – most importantly - hope. They’re like a literary hug, with a sprinkling of magic.”
"I always loved writing, but my writing was aimless and unfocused - and getting nowhere. Cornerstones gave me the missing piece. They taught me the crucial editing, planning and plotting tools that focused my work and led to publication. I might still just be dreaming if it wasn't for Helen and Lee."
"Many thanks to Cornerstones and the team for the invaluable advice. I took it seriously, and now it's paid off! My journey to publication has been a really long one, but I'm glad I stuck it out."
“I was a complete novice about writing and coming to the publishing industry very green. Cornerstones helped to shape my manuscript, find an agent and now the book is being published. It’s the realisation of ten years of work and a dream come true for me to see my story about my disabled twins finally come to light.”
"Thanks for building up Cornerstones, Helen. I sometimes wonder whether I would have given up by now if you all hadn't been there to push and guide and shove. You really do provide a remarkable service to us budding writers with big dreams."
"Cornerstones really gave me that initial kick start and I'll always be grateful. I am thrilled to say I'm now signed with PFD and have a book deal with Scholastic in the UK and US."
“For constructive and professional editorial advice, contacting Cornerstones is a very wise move for any aspiring author. Their reports pushed my writing in the right direction, and I’m so pleased I picked up the phone and said; “The thing is, I’ve got a first draft of a novel and…”
“Sound advice and constructive criticism–invaluable whether you’re starting out as a writer, or simply in need of a fresh pair of expert eyes.”
"I believe the process I went through with Cornerstones helped me get my manuscript in shape to secure a book deal."
“My first experience of working with a professional editor came through Cornerstones; it’s taken a few re-writes but I’m now proud to say I’ve signed a five-book deal with Accent Press.”
"From start to finish, I found the process seamless. My manuscript was critiqued by a fantastic editor and I wouldn't have been signed so quickly by such a prestigious agent had it not been for Cornerstones. Thank you!"
"From start to finish, I found the process seamless. My manuscript was critiqued by a fantastic editor and I wouldn't have been signed so quickly by such a prestigious agent had it not been for Cornerstones. Thank you!"
“Cornerstones offered crucial help at a time when I really needed it. Thanks to the team for matching me with the right editor: my manuscript transformed from something that had previously only given me panic into a story that inspired confidence.”
“Thank you CornerstonesUS for your brilliant help in getting my first book up off the ground. I won't ever write another book without you by my side.”
Since 1998 Cornerstones UK has been helping authors jump from the slush pile to representation and publication with a range of competitive, bespoke packages, and a team of top editors. We do this by offering comprehensive editorial services and acting as scouts for agents. And now we’re in America!
Whether you’re in the early stages of a draft, have revised several times, are ready to submit, or seek one-to-one workshopping with an experienced industry editor, Cornerstones can help.
Please note: we filter submissions, only taking on material we feel has potential and is at the self-editing stage.
PACKAGES (fiction and non-fiction):
The Evaluation Report is a 2–3-page summary letter with editor’s comments in the manuscript margins. The object of this report is to highlight a manuscript’s potential, what works, and what needs work. This report is also useful for a returning author who has made changes and wants to know if they’re on the right track.
The Editorial Letter is a 6–10-page thorough critique by a core or market editor that details what works in the manuscript and gives examples of what needs attention. Areas analyzed may include (but are not limited to) pacing, scene structure, characterization, plot, voice, style, and market potential. This report is for manuscripts requiring a more involved assessment.
An optional 90-minute brainstorm session may be purchased with the Editorial Letter.
The Full Edit is a complete digital mark-up of your manuscript with an overview letter of 2–3 pages. It is ideal if you are looking to equip yourself with the tools to bring your MS to publication standard, are short on time and looking to do a final industry polish, pre-copyedit/proofread. The editor will identify every instance of structural issues so that you can self-edit quickly and with confidence.
If you are looking for one-on-one support, Workshopping is a great option and you can use it however you want, whether that’s reading your full MS or just a few scenes; working through show not tell; brainstorming your plot; or preparing your submission package.
Are You Ready to Submit? looks at your query letter, 1-page synopsis and first 3 chapters—or up to 30 double-spaced pages—to assess whether your package is ready to send to an agent or editor.
BY INVITATION ONLY: The Scout Read is a full read-through of your MS by an market or industry editor, who will read it as an agent would. You will receive a summary of the marketability of the MS, what is and isn’t working, and what your next steps might be – including, if applicable, consideration by the Cornerstones Team for submission to agents.
*At this time we do not assess picture books.
*Contact us for proofreading and copy-editing work.
RATES:
Please do not hesitate to get in touch to talk through any of these packages so we can choose which one will work best for you. We look forward to hearing from you!