Introduction to Cornerstones
Please read this ‘terms and conditions’ letter before opting for a report.
If there is anything unclear do call or email and we’ll be happy to clarify.
NB: If you live outside UK don’t forget to tell us as you won’t be liable for VAT.
Cornerstones is a leading UK literary consultancy, established in 1998. We’re
passionate about writing, editing and launching new authors, and we scout for
literary agents.
Our editors have been chosen for their agenting, publishing or writing
experience, specializing in a range of fiction, non-fiction and children’s writing.
They bring their working knowledge of the UK market to show you what
agents and publishers are looking for.
‘Write a Blockbuster and Get it Published’ by Lee Weatherly and Helen Corner,
published by Hodder, is based on our teaching techniques and covers all aspects
of self-editing and how to submit to the trade.
Cornerstones is included on the Society of Authors’ list of recommended
literary consultancies. Please visit our website www.cornerstones.co.uk for more
information on author journeys and agent contacts.
Quotes from the industry…
‘Thanks to Cornerstones I was able to leap off the slush pile and into the arms
of an agent with a single bound!’ Sarwat Chadda, Devil’s Kiss, Puffin & Disney
Hyperion.
‘Cornerstones recommended a writer to me. Within days of receiving the script
I knew I had to represent it; within ten days of sending the book out, a
publisher offered for it. How’s that for a success story!’ Laura Longrigg, MBA
Literary Agents.
‘Cornerstones’ feedback was always spot on and, above all, honest. Now thanks
to them, I am signed up with a top London agent and publisher.’ Ava
McCarthy, The Insider, HarperCollins.
‘We’ve been recommending Cornerstones for a long time and have had some
first class children’s and adult manuscripts from them. If an author is not sure
whether their book is ready to submit, or what they can do to develop it, they
can expect a comprehensive review from this long-established consultancy.’ Eve
White Literary Agency.
Cornerstones
Cornerstones Limited is Registered in England No. 3968613
Registered Address: 2 Green Barton, Swyre, Dorset, DT2 9DN
2 Green Barton
Swyre
Dorset
DT2 9DN
01308 897374
helen@cornerstones.co.uk
www.cornerstones.co.uk
First steps in contacting Cornerstones
The Team
Please phone 01308 897374 or email Helen Corner (Director)
helen@cornerstones.co.uk,
Kathryn
Price
(Co-Director)
kathryn@cornerstones.co.uk, or Ayisha Malik (Managing Editor)
ayisha@cornerstones.co.uk so we can take you through your options. Though
we don’t take on every project, we’re always happy to chat through any queries
by email or phone.
We pride ourselves on our personalised service and ongoing support, and will
tailor our services to match your needs. Helen, Kathryn and Ayisha are on hand
to answer your queries at any stage during the process and because we work as a
team we’re able to respond quickly. Please bear in mind that if you have a query
that’s specific to one of us the response may take a little longer.
The ultimate aim is to see you get published, although this can never be
guaranteed; our first goal is to show you how to strengthen your work, edit and
submit professionally. We have a filter system where we look at your first
chapter and synopsis, at no charge, to see if your writing is at a stage where it
would benefit from critical feedback. This also allows us to get a feel for your
writing and to match your work to the right editor. Please email us your first
chapter and a synopsis in one word document.
Services
Mini Masterclass
An editor will assess your first ten pages and synopsis to guide you through
Plot, Character/Voice, and Show not Tell; and mark-up spelling, grammar and
presentation on the text. This includes an information pack, a re-read of your
revised pages, and a follow-up phone call with your editor.
Brainstorm your Plot
Kathryn and Helen will assess your synopsis and first chapter – or up to 10
pages, double-spaced – and then in a one-on-one session we will discuss how to
take your story forward. The service is designed to kick-start your writing and
set you on the right path. This involves a day of Cornerstones reviewing
material and a one hour meeting with author.
Commission a Report
If you’re looking for feedback on your writing strengths and weaknesses, and
how to go about redrafting, then our reports offer a range of options.
Cornerstones
Cornerstones Limited is Registered in England No. 3968613
Registered Address: 2 Green Barton, Swyre, Dorset, DT2 9DN
2 Green Barton
Swyre
Dorset
DT2 9DN
01308 897374
helen@cornerstones.co.uk
www.cornerstones.co.uk
Reports will vary depending upon a specific manuscript’s needs and will cover
areas such as plot, characterization, pacing, marketability and style. Once the
editor has received your manuscript, the report will usually take up to 5 weeks,
though it can take longer during busy periods, in which case you will be kept
informed of progress.
We have a 5% loyalty discount for authors who've been through the
editorial process before (not applicable during other promotional offers).
Types of Report
The Synopsis Check is a mark-up of your one-page synopsis including an 8step worksheet. If you're struggling to summarise your book or have an idea for
a novel and want to know if it will work before you begin then this package will
be invaluable.
The Mini Critique offers feedback on the opening chapters and synopsis to
see whether you’re on the right track. It can also be used for short stories.
The General Report provides an overview of a manuscript for authors who’ve
been through the editorial process with us before, or who feel confident about
self-editing techniques and terminology. This report is ideal for experienced
writers seeking a second opinion of their work.
The In-Depth Report provides a comprehensive assessment of the
manuscript, with specific line references. Professional writing terms and
concepts are clearly explained, and authors are shown how these concepts apply
to their own work. With an In-Depth Report annotation or margin notes on the
manuscript may occur but these are not part of the report and are more for the
editor’s reference: all essential information will be in the report. This report is
ideal for manuscripts that need involved editing.
The Consultancy Report provides a manuscript with specialist attention and
involves a detailed structural edit, mark-up where required (not copy-edit), and a
1.5 hr brainstorm session (inc preparation) with the editor post-report. This
report is ideal if you have agent or publisher interest, are on the cusp of being
published, or looking for a more hands-on editorial approach.
The Non-fiction Proposal Report covers up to 50 double spaced pages of a
manuscript and includes an assessment of: sample letter to the agent/publisher,
contents list with a brief description of each chapter, biography, and author
introduction.
The Non-fiction Report is for an assessment of the whole manuscript. This is
essential for academic or specialist non-fiction. Discussion with your editor can
be arranged at an hourly rate.
The Are you Ready to Submit Report looks at your submission letter,
synopsis and first three chapters – or up to 30 pages – to assess whether your
Cornerstones
Cornerstones Limited is Registered in England No. 3968613
Registered Address: 2 Green Barton, Swyre, Dorset, DT2 9DN
2 Green Barton
Swyre
Dorset
DT2 9DN
01308 897374
helen@cornerstones.co.uk
www.cornerstones.co.uk
package is ready to send to an agent or editor. The report also includes a 24page guide on how to approach agents/editors.
The Interim Read is a read-through of the full MS, with editor mark-up
comments in the margins, with the optional add-on of a chat with your editor
afterwards. This service is perfect for returning authors who've made revisions
and want to know if they're on the right track but don't require a report.
Which Report?
If you are unsure which report you need, or have never had your work
professionally assessed, we strongly recommend at least the In-Depth Report as
a comprehensive introduction to the
self-edit process. The Consultancy Report is good value for money and a
brainstorm session can really set you on the right track, saving you time and
money in the long run.
Copy-editing and proofreading
For authors who are self-publishing or polishing their manuscript prior to
submission we offer copy-editing and proofreading services. Contact us to
discuss your requirements. As these
services are priced on an hourly basis we will provide you with an approximate
figure and timescale, invoice for half up-front and the rest once the project has
been completed.
What happens next?
You will receive your report by email from Cornerstones along with notes on
how to use it. If you’ve included a stamped jiffy bag the editor will send your
manuscript back directly. We recommend that you allow at least a couple of
weeks to digest the report before you decide how to proceed. All advice should
be clear but if you have any queries please let us know; we may pass specific
questions on to the editor.
Once you have revised your manuscript – and we advise taking your time – you
may decide to come back to us for a report to check your revisions. Contact us
and we’ll discuss your options.
Scouts for Agents and submissions process
If the editor recommends your manuscript for submission to agents, we’ll let
you know that we’d like to consider this, post revision, when we send you the
editorial report. This may be your first editorial report or a further one down
the line. Once you’ve redrafted, you’ll post and email us the first 50 pages which
Helen or Kathryn will consider.
Cornerstones
Cornerstones Limited is Registered in England No. 3968613
Registered Address: 2 Green Barton, Swyre, Dorset, DT2 9DN
2 Green Barton
Swyre
Dorset
DT2 9DN
01308 897374
helen@cornerstones.co.uk
www.cornerstones.co.uk
Submission can be an involved process which differs for every author. It may
be that we request the whole manuscript and sell you straight in to an agent or
we may want to work with you personally before submitting. At this stage, there
is no charge for our feedback. We may turn you down if we don’t feel we can
pass you through; if we’re interested but there’s significant revision to be made
we might recommend another report. We don’t suggest this lightly and you’re
under no obligation to undertake this step.
Submission of work to agents is by invitation only, at our discretion, and it also
has to work for you. If your manuscript reaches this level we’ll discuss the
process with you in more detail and send you an agreement. If you feel at any
stage you’d prefer to submit your work yourself then you’re free to do so, as
long as you let us know.
If you get a publishing deal as a result of us placing you with an agent our
success fee will be 10% plus VAT of the initial worldwide advance you receive,
with no ongoing royalties. This works on a no-win/no-fee basis.
Rates
Payment is payable in advance at the time when the services listed below are
first commissioned. All prices include VAT at the appropriate rate where
applicable. Please note that a surcharge of 1.93% applies to all the above
amounts when payment is made by credit card and a £10 transfer fee for
international online payments.
Mini Masterclass
£375
Brainstorm your Plot session
£245
Synopsis Check
Mini Critique Report
£49
£180 for manuscripts up to 30 pages doublespaced inc. synopsis; £1.20 per additional page
up to 50 pages
£250, or £5 per 1,000 words if greater than
50,000 words
£300, or £6 per 1,000 words if greater than
50,000 words
£400, or £8 per 1,000 words if greater than
50,000 words
£300
General Report
In-Depth Report
Consultancy Report
Non-fiction
Report
Proposal
Non-fiction Report
Are You Ready to Submit Report
£400, or £8 per 1,000 words if greater than
50,000 words. Discussion with editor £60 an
hour, optional extra
£245
Cornerstones
Cornerstones Limited is Registered in England No. 3968613
Registered Address: 2 Green Barton, Swyre, Dorset, DT2 9DN
2 Green Barton
Swyre
Dorset
DT2 9DN
01308 897374
helen@cornerstones.co.uk
www.cornerstones.co.uk
Interim Read
Copy-editing
Proofreading
Publication Commission (refer to
section on submission to agents)
£225 for MSS 50,000 words and under, or £4.50
per 1000 words, plus £60 an hour chat with
editor if required
Minimum £200. For manuscripts above 20,000
words £36 an hour
Minimum £185. For manuscripts above 20,000
words £32 an hour
Our fee is 10% of the initial Worldwide deal
plus VAT
Speed-read Service
If you require a faster Report turnaround than the normal 3-5 weeks, this can
usually be arranged at an additional cost.
Saving Money with Cornerstones
We like to give something back to our authors so don’t forget about our 5%
loyalty discount for repeat editorial reports (not applicable during additional
promotional offers).
Submission guidelines
The first step is to contact us by calling 01308 897374 or emailing
kathryn@cornerstones.co.uk with your query and we will email you the
Cornerstones or Kids'corner introductory letter. Then you email us the first
chapter and synopsis so we can guide you through the process.
We don't take on every manuscript. We're all about guiding an author on how
to self-edit and revise, so if we feel you're still at creative writing stage we may
turn you down, with feedback. Or you may find the Mini Masterclass suits you
at this stage. You're welcome to contact us at a later stage with revised material
or with a new story. If we do think we can help, then we'll be with you every
step of the way.
Once we've discussed your options and decided on your next
step:
You make the appropriate payment to Cornerstones. You can pay by card or
online transfer.
We will then email you the name and address of the carefully selected editor for
you to send your manuscript to.
Cornerstones
Cornerstones Limited is Registered in England No. 3968613
Registered Address: 2 Green Barton, Swyre, Dorset, DT2 9DN
2 Green Barton
Swyre
Dorset
DT2 9DN
01308 897374
helen@cornerstones.co.uk
www.cornerstones.co.uk
You send your manuscript directly to the editor - standard Royal Mail is usually
best - enclosing: a synopsis and your material, with a title page listing the
manuscript title, your name, word count and address. Please ensure that your
manuscript is double-spaced, paginated, unbound, at least size 12 font, and not
your only copy.
Please call or email once you’ve put your material in the post.
We'll email you the editor’s report when it is ready, normally within 3-5 weeks
or 6 weeks during busy periods.
Where applicable the editor will send back your manuscript separately.*
Please note that we cannot accept responsibility for loss of manuscripts in the
post.
*The editor will not return the manuscript unless you specifically request it. If
you would like it returned, please enclose a stamped addressed jiffy bag. Please
use stamps and not the dated white sticker that the post office will try to issue,
as it goes out of date immediately. If there is no stamped addressed jiffy bag
enclosed with the manuscript we will assume that you do not
want it returned. If the MS goes missing in the post please understand
that we cannot accept responsibility.
Receiving the report and what happens next
We recommend that you allow at least a couple of weeks to digest the report
before you decide how to proceed. All advice should be clear but if you feel it's
not, please let us know - our editors are happy to answer essential questions on
the back of their reports.
Once you have revised your MS – and again, we advise you take your time –
you may decide to come back to us for a second report (charged at the above
rates with a 5% discount as a returning author) to check your revisions. You can
request the same editor, or ask for a new one to get a fresh perspective.
If you have any queries at any stage, please do contact us. We pride ourselves
on our ongoing, personal support.
By submitting your manuscript to Cornerstones you signify your agreement
with the terms set out in this letter.
Cornerstones
Cornerstones Limited is Registered in England No. 3968613
Registered Address: 2 Green Barton, Swyre, Dorset, DT2 9DN
2 Green Barton
Swyre
Dorset
DT2 9DN
01308 897374
helen@cornerstones.co.uk
www.cornerstones.co.uk
A personalised service and an ongoing relationship with our
authors
We believe in offering a personalised and outstanding service and we hope that
your experience of working with us is more than satisfactory. If for whatever
reason you’re not happy with any part of the process please do contact us and
we’ll look into it immediately. Many authors keep in touch long after they’ve
used our services and we like to know of any developments or book news so
please do email or call us with your news, or send us a card - we love getting
cards in the post. Finally, we realise that these editorial options may initially feel
confusing so please do call or email us to chat anything through and we’ll guide
you through the process.
Warm wishes, Helen, Kathryn and Ayisha
Cornerstones
Cornerstones Limited is Registered in England No. 3968613
Registered Address: 2 Green Barton, Swyre, Dorset, DT2 9DN
2 Green Barton
Swyre
Dorset
DT2 9DN
01308 897374
helen@cornerstones.co.uk
www.cornerstones.co.uk