FLOOD MANUSCRIPTS

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The Best Australian Poems 2009

FLOOD MANUSCRIPTS ...teach a man to fish...

testimonials

'Elijah With His Hand On His Heart' by Jami Crittle. YA Issues Fiction. Assess. (Nov '11)

THANK YOU SO MUCH for such an encouraging and useful assessment. You’ve pointed out flaws that I suspected, and some I didn’t, and also put to rest many of my fears. Several of my first stabs at writing this novel were not the slightest bit believable because it took some time for me to get the voice and psyche of a teenage boy, so I’m very happy that you were convinced. I’m going to get started! Thanks again. I feel like I’ve got a whole new lease on writing it. I can't tell you how helpful it is to have some feedback.

'Help Me Out' by Nicole Jamison. Literary. Assess. (Nov '11)

Thank you for your assessment of ‘Help Me Out’, and also for emails above andbeyond the call of duty. The criticism is very helpful, not so sure about the praise. The enthusiasm, though, is a shock. I am humbled, striving for grace,secretly thrilled.Anyway, working on synopsis. It’s not my strong suite, as you know. You have anadvantage, you understand: you know what the damned ms is about. Wish I did…But shall persevere.

'Blackfella Bloodsucka' by Bruno Starrs (now That Blackfella Bloodsucka Dance) Dark Fantasy Satire. Assess (Aug-Sept'11) formerly 'Faith and Malignancy' Assess (Jun '08)

Thanks for the manuscript assessments. Trevor's advice was brilliant and after some very frenetic work attending to it, the manuscript was much improved and accepted for publication. Published Just Fiction Oct 2011. Out on Amazon et al. Preview http://eprints.qut.edu.au/46022/

'PRIMAL Unleashed' by Jack Silkstone. Action Thriller. Copy&Proof(Apr-Aug'11)PRIMAL Origin.(July '11)

I asked Tom to do a final edit of PRIMAL Unleashed and he exceeded all my expectations. He not only picked up the typos that my numerous test-readers missed, his comments developed my writing and helped me improve. I valued his professional advice and definitely look forward to working with Tom again. - Jack Silkstone http://www.facebook.com/primalunleashed http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/72958 Unleashed e-release date 16 Oct 2011 Origin now out on most platforms 0.99c

'Mudlark' by Chris Matthews. Fantasy. Assess (June '11)

I write to say how absolutely stunned and thrilled I was with your assessment, Trevor. I never realised what a buzz it could be to have someone (who is not a family member!) enjoy what I have written. I will get onto the copy editing straight away. I have always been fairly ignorant about grammar, punctuation and syntax, so I really appreciate your notes in that regard. Finally, thank you again.

'Dingo's New Jeans' by Rod Menere. Chapter Book (Middle School). Assess. (June '11)

A belated thanks for your appraisal of my manuscript, Tom. Your report was informative, supportive and appropriately critical... I loved it. I'm working on revising and improving different stories, and correcting my grammar. Your comments about characters engaging in conversation, and bringing forth other characters, were especially useful. Those ideas have contributed to the draft of two more stories - but I'll leave those asaide for now. I'll definitely get back to you once changes have been completed.

'Young in a Wild Place' by Jackie Knox. Memoir. Assess. (June '11)

Thank you, Tom, for your honest assessment of my manuscript. Your comments have given me some hope and inspiration, and I will get down, now that I am home from West Australia, and try to start the editing.

'The Jade Wardens' by Richard Forge. Crossover Fantasy. MS Development. (Dec '09-June '11) Assess (Nov '09)

Thanks so much for everything you’ve done, Tom. Your support has been amazing. I used a MS assessor before you, made changes to the MS, but didn’t really understand why, and so didn’t improve much. I feel much more confident as a writer after working with you. Partially because you were so blunt with your initial appraisals. It meant that when you gave compliments later, I felt confident you weren’t blowing wind up my sails. Streamlining (and punctuation) seemed to be the key.The biggest change is that I feel that I’m much more confident at picking what is good writing and what is drivel. I’ve got a feel for what I’m aiming for.

Re-assess as 'SoulBare' (May '11) 'Testimony' by Simon Dyer. Memoir. Assess. (June '08)

Thanks to both of you. That's exactly the kind of feedback I was after (and could never have known) - strengths weaknesses etc. Lot's to do... I'm learning to be a writer through this study and am secretly stoked to have so much to do. So cheers.

'GriffinSinger' by Judith Michael. Fantasy. Short Assess. (May '11) Reassess (July '11)

Tom, thank you again for your very prompt attention, your encouragement, and for giving me such helpful insights into my own work. I am on the road once more! I will likely contact you again.

'Sunstone' by Inara Strungs. Contemporary Fiction. Assess. (May '11)

I appreciate your kind words. It's so hard to judge your own work and whether it's worth persisting. Your comments are very helpful and I'll certainly be using them to try and improve the novel. I was secretly hoping that I wouldn't have to rewrite it, but I know from workshops that it's the key to a decent novel (though I hope I don't have to do it 35 times, as Peter Carey is purported to have done).

'Cicada' by Moira McKinnon. Contemporary Fiction. Assess. (May '11) Reassess (Aug '11) Canada

Thank you for the discussion -it was very helpful - I won't race and will let the ending emerge. Yes, it would be good if you could read it again later on, Trevor (when that ending has gracefully emerged!). The comments are great.

'Guarding Darling' by Kara Peterson. YA Fantasy. Assess (May'11)

Please pass on my thanks to Trevor for his assessment. Back to the drawing board.

'Taxi! Grunge, Grace and Gravity' by Joe Giarratano. Non-fiction. Assess (Apr'11)

Thanks for the assessment.I agree with the two book scenario. I knew I was off track ,with the George and Bob blowout, but it just happened. It was if someone else was writing... it just took over. Your comments on the introduction are noted – like you say, easily fixed. Your advise is invaluable, Tom.

'Christianity' by Mark Fulton. Non-fiction. Assess. (Apr'11)

Thankyou so much for the feedback. It is obvious you took the trouble to do a good job. I am flattered by your assessment, Trevor, and to be honest, I really needed some encouragement as there have been many people who have directly and indirectly told me I am wasting my time. I was particularly heartened that you said you found the story fascinating because...yes, it is a very big story that the world deserves to know, and I think you have realised that. I continue to work on the script, and will use all your suggestions. I am well aware I am no William Shakespeare, and never will be, but you have given me some confidence to believe my writing is of a reasonable quality. I'm going to ask for some more help from you down the track. I will get back to you in the next few weeks.

'Eve's Speed' by Alex Pucci. Crime/Futurist Novella. Proof&Copy Sample (Apr'11) Assess (Mar'11)

Thank you Tom for your editing.(P&C)I understand where you come from and hope to be able to work on the rest myself.So you’ll be hearing from me again.(Assess)I’m encouraged by Trevor’s report and found it very helpful. I will be in touch after a bit of thinking over.

'The Heart of a Woman' by Burt Surmon. Contemporary Fiction. Assess (Mar'11)

Thank you for confirming that I’m not much good at writing a novel. The reason for sending it to you in the first place was to gain some insight as to how to overcome this deficiency. All is not lost apparently and Trevor’s idea of running it as an autobiography is interesting to me seeing, as you point out, that that’s what it is. Tell Trevor his advise does speak to me and yes, I will take the additional step of heeding it. I might get in touch with you again in 12 months time, if I can afford it.

'People Like Us' by Rebecca Langham. Contemporary Fiction. Assess (Mar'11)

Thanks Tom. No doubt everyone gets a little depressed when they get their report! So I guess in the end it either needs to be 'dumbed down' (and what a thought, to delete some of the passages I'm more proud of) or somehow turned in to more of a literary fiction? It's really nice that you seem to have some faith in the prospect of it going somewhere. I'll re read the report and get working again. With any luck I might have a re submission someday in the not too distant future.

'The Jab' by John Dawes. Fiction. ShortAssess. (Mar'11)

Many thanks Tom. Greatly appreciate your comments. Whom I’m really writing for is something I hadn’t considered & will guide me from here. Agree with your suggested changes and about to start grappling with them. Intend coming back to you for further review at later stage of the book.

'On Hellfire Bluff' by Meg Bignell. Children. ShortAssess. (Mar'11)

Well Tom you have me slightly flabergasted with your report. I've been in a state of uncomfortable embarassment since I sent it - for myself and for you having to tell me gently that it's a dead horse I shouldn't flog. But 'magic' is about the best response I could wish for, because that is precisely what I was trying for. Thank you. Anyway, I will glow a bit longer and then sit down and look at it all again.

'City With No Children' by Daniel Dewar. Literary Novella. (Mar'11)

Thank you for the feedback, Tom. It was exactly what I needed - very exact and professional. Hopefully by June/July I will have another revision for you to appraise.

'Divinity' by Linda Rickard. YAFiction. Assess. (Mar'11)

I appreciate Trevor's guidance. It has put my mind at ease to receive feedback from an industry expert.Thanks for your help also.

GuLPing' by Terina Lawrence-Berne. Women's Lit. Assess (Feb'11)

Thanks for the report, Tom. Very useful and hopefully I will be able to take on your suggestions and make it viable. ... what I would like to do is to send the first three chapters for proofing once I have reworked them. So will send you some more pages after the next attempt.

'The Green Blood Witch' by Cathie Forrest. Specualtive. Assess (Feb '11)

Thanks so much for such a quick response. And many thanks to Trevor of course. At first read I am most happy with the report. I had my own concerns, but to know how to proceed I needed to hear them from some one else. I already agreed with most of what Trevor has now said, but in a more nebulous way. You sort of know what, but not quite how, being just too close to your own story. Trevor has said it well and a lot has come clear. I will have some questions but will give myself a week to think on them.

'Spoilt for Suspects' by Paul Keay. Speculative Crime. Assess (Oct '10)

I've started working on my second attempt with all Trevor's excellent points in mind. Hopefully you'll hear from me again in about a year's time.

'Puripuri Dreaming', Vol.2 (Oct '10) 'Melted Wax' Vol. 3 by John Bell. Adventure. Assess (Sept '10)

I’ve now digested fully your assessment. I find it excellent. I’m a bit excited about trying to make it work and already can see the beginnings of where to go, because I understand what you have said, and it makes sense. Thank you again.

'Murder in Ferrara'. Historical Crime Assess. (Apr'11) 'A Message Post-Mortem'. Crime Novella. Assess & Copyedit.(Apr'11)' The Florentine Detective Collection' by John O'Connor. Crime. Assess (Sept '10) Proof Story 1 & 2 (Oct '10) Reassess (Nov'10)

Thanks for the assessment and your advice. Both are extremely helpful. I have an idea for a final story along the lines you suggest and I will, if I may, send it to you for assessment within a week or so.

'In The Shadow of the Moonlight' by Christopher Davis. Adventure. Submission Package Assess. (Sept. '10)

Thanks, Tom. This has been great and well worth it. I understand and appreciate your insight and now I'm going to work hard on improving this.

'Venus on a Budget' by Karen Hutton. Non-fiction. Assess. (Sept '10)

Thanks so much for your thorough report. I've got a long way to go... !I absolutely appreciate your time and effort in pointing me in the right direction, and will be reading through your assessment many more times to assimilate it all. I'll be in touch with version 3.

'Energy Intelligence' by Aleksandra Zaric. Spiritual Self-help. Ms Development/Copyedit (May '09-Aug '10

Tom, you are a legend! Thank you so much for your prompt responses and especially for always making me feel better. Published Nov 2010, BookPal Australia. Available through A&R, Berkelouws etc

Reassess as 'Cold Fusion' (Nov '10) 'Found Objects' by Sara Lyons. Literary. Assess (July '10)LoR

Trevors report is wonderful. It was terrific to receive such a well-thought out and intelligent critique of my work. Ill be in contact with him to ask a few questions.//Thank you, Tom, that was very quick! Ill read Trevors advice and discuss with him. I think hes a terrific assessor! Again, thank you for the original assessment. I really cant describe how useful it was to me.

Proof & copyedit as 'The Minoan'.(July '10) 'Digging at the Crossroads of Time' by Christos Morris. Literary. Assess. (May '10)LoR

Tom, thank you for the fine report. I appreciate your keen eye. Ill cal you Friday for a yarn. We are all archeologists who scratch upon the surface of our own mysteries. Your assessment was perfect. Silver Medal, Independent Publishing Awards 2010

'WaXXXed' by Tamsin Ragusa and Darren Holley. Non-fiction. Copyedit Sept '10. Reassess July '10. Assess Feb '10. LoR

Many thanks for getting this through so quickly. Will keep you posted on progress and will most likely be needing your sage advice again at some stage during the next steps of the process. Many thanks Tom, from both of us.

'Grandpa's Big Mistake' by Alan and Mignon Edgecombe. Chapter Book. Assess. (FMss July '10)

Tom, many thanks for your report. You have given us much to think about on our annual trip North, in a week or two. Will be in touch, (probably in about three years!!!) when we've finished rehashing.

'Dragons Eye' by Sue-ellen Pashley. YA Fantasy. Assess. (FMss May '10)

Thanks very much for such a prompt turn around in reading the MS. Please thank Trevor for me for such a comprehensive report - he's certainly got me thinking! I certainly take on board the notion of having a one off book as a new writer. I have already started writing the second (about half way through) so my plan, at the moment, is to finish it and then contemplate whether I can reduce both of them enough (such a hard thing to do!) to make into one book. And I will definitely be looking at the title. Thanks, once again, for such great feedback - I'll certainly be back with the second one (or the first and second melded).

'Cosmic Girl in Ultrachrome' by Chris Large. Sci-fi. Assess. (FMss Apr '10)

Thank you for your encouraging assessment, it really means a lot to me. I’ve always had problems as a writer, firstly due to my innate laziness, and secondly because I’m easily discouraged (I know, picked the wrong happy place). Having someone tell me my time is not wasted and giving me a road map to developing a polished product will push me to see this one through to completion. And your timely response allows me to get going right away.

'Mirage' by Iris Lavell. Literary. Assess (FMss Mar '10) Reassess as 'Elsewhere' (Oct '10) LoR

2011 Thank you so much for your help with the ms and for the letter of recommendation which I am certain helped to get it read or at least to stand out from the slush pile. Thank you again for your very helpful advice with my work. 2010 I had a quick read of your appraisal, and will spend some more time digesting over the next few days. Thank you for your honesty and constructive approach to the work. This is my first novel ms so your help is very welcome and also it's great to hear that you think it might be worked on to good effect. The approaches taken by you and by the other writer who has given me much help and encouragement, are very different but complementary, so it has been helpful rather than confusing to get another perspective on the work. I'm hoping that the work I do on this ms will serve as a useful apprenticeship so that the next one (if it comes) will have faster legs. Thank you again. Fantastic! Accepted, Fremantle Press April 2011.

'The Dinglemen' by Karen Hocking. YA Fantasy. Assess. (FMss Mar '10)

Thankyou. Please pass on my thanks to Trevor for the report. I have taken on board his suggestions and have a few ideas for changes that have arisen while thinking about his comments. My money was well spent. Thanks again.

'Serenity' by Craig Phillips. YA Sci-fi. Assess. (FMss Mar '10)

Thanks so much for your advice and constructive criticism, Tom. Like before, your comments, advice, and constructive criticism is very, very helpful. I have recenlty completed the entire manuscript, and currently proof-reading. When I sell my first million copies, I'll definitely apportion you some of my royalties ....

'Mosaic' by Marcus Meinhold. Mainstream/Literary. Assess. (FMss Mar '10) Proof & Copyedit (FMss Jun/Jul '11)

Just finished going over your edit. Loved your firm but light touch. Sounds more like something a lover would say - but that's what came to mind. What was I thinking - all those 'and's and 'but's and 'then's and 'now's. Next book they won't be there for you to edit. As well as vastly improving the book, you taught me many valuable lessons. Many thanks, Tom.
Trevor’s assessment was extremely pleasing due to its exactness, clarity and simple honesty. He shed light on the issues, that I, deep down, were troubled over. This is why I so readily agreed with him.

'Bandaid on a Wooden Leg' by Damien Brown. Memoir. Ms Development. (FMss Feb '10)

I fortunately managed to secure a publishing contract a couple of months ago for my Band Aid MS, so am no longer looking to explore other avenues. Thanks Tom. It will be out in July next year through Allen and Unwin, same title (for the moment anyway!). Cheers again for your help in the past. Accepted, Allen&Unwin, Sept 2011.

'Terrain' by Wendy Walsh. Speculative/Literary. Assess. (FMss Feb '10) Reassess. (Mar/April).LoR

Thank you for your comments regarding Terrain, both positive and negative. I need that. I have decided to think about the ending some more, possibly change it altogether. I am always the first person to scream cliche. In this case I thought I might have gotten away with it because of the book's overall absurdity. In regards to my poor grammar in many cringe-making instances, in retrospect I can't believe some of the errors you have pinpointed. Thanks, Tom, for your time and expertise.

Reassess as 'The Rosito Brothers'. (Apr'11) 'Rise and Fall of the Rosito Brothers' by Kevin Stone. Crime/Adventure/Literary. Assess (FMss Feb'10)

Thanks, Tom, I think. No, really. Everything you say rings true, and I’m deeply grateful for your comments. I laboured over my first novel Faith through forty drafts and over twenty years, so if nothing else I think you’ve shown me how to go from this first draft to something much tighter, without so much agony and despair. I’ll start working on it soon and will definitely be getting back to you.

'No Copy, No Transfer' by Christina Mowle. Assess (Feb '11) Pitman Street' by Christina Mowle. Literary. Assess. (FMss Feb '10)

Thank you for your encouragement and congratulations. I am of course delighted by Trevor's thoughtful and constructive comments and truly thrilled that he enjoyed the book.Thank you and Trevor very much for this helpful report – and such a speedy response! I had steeled myself for a wait of several weeks. It is a delight to have someone pay such close attention to it and I will enjoy fixing the problems Trevor has highlighted. I am very encouraged by the warm response.

Please pass on my thanks to Trevor. He has given me some very useful feedback and some great suggestions for me to think through. I will eventually resubmit my work once I have worked through my manuscript again. I may have a few questions about some changes I might make once I have fully processed the feedback, but I will let you know.

'All In A Txt' by Kristy Lee. Chicklit/LifeStories. Assess. (FMss Jan '10)

Thank you so much, Tom. You definitely have confirmed some of my own thoughts on this one and given me some great pointers to improve on. I also didn't really like the first few chapters as they didn't grip me let alone someone else! I'll have a thorough read over the weekend and get to work on some amendments. If you would be keen to review a resubmission later on that would be great if you could face it again!!

Reassess as 'The Dead Stars'. 89000 words (May '10). 'The Queen Is Dead' by Jes Judge. Sci-fi/Crime. 99,961 words. Assess (FMss Jan '10) LoR

Thanks for the assessment. The comments were really helpful. I've started revising the ms and you'll be hearing from me again.

'Jack Juggler, or Protean Shakespeare' by Peter Frank. Critical. 185,442 words. Assess (FMss Dec-Jan '09-10)

I wanted you to read the ms originally because I considered that there was a likelihood that you would also have a sense of flair - and, in short, it was very good to get an assessment that was viewed in that overall context. There was the tough stuff and without doubt I could recognize myself in all my glory in your description of my style. It is good to get the all in one verification - . Just to say: there are, as well, some real benchmark aspects to help me keep an eye on things as I revise, and "shorten my sentences": actually, this aspect of the report will be most helpful, and is being -.

Reassess. (May '10) 'Who We Were' by Lucy Neave. Literary. Assess (FMss Dec '09)

Thanks so much for your report. It honestly nearly made me cry to think that someone could care about this thing (which I care about, of course) but which has been a LOT of WORK for a long long time. I'm not sure exactly what I'll do, but I'll think about your report and the novel over the next week or so, and I might email you again then.Thanks again.

'The Unlikely Prospect of a Wave' by Derek Baines. Literary. 58,290 words. Assess. (FMss Nov '09) LoR

Thank you for your feedback. I found it very useful.Your thoughts, particularly on the second half of the manuscript (that the 'Australian end' of the story needs some building-up), are certainly in line with some other comments I have had from a colleague. I agree with them too. I shall be doing some re-drafting over the next week or so to incorporate your various suggestions.

'Cricket For Bunnies' by Graham Denton. Sports Manual. Assess. (FMss Nov '09)

I have just recieved your assessment report on 'cricket for bunnies'. Many thanks. I had no idea exactly what your work involved, but everything that you have outlined makes great sense to me. I am encouraged to continue with the project and will submit a more polished presentation to you in the near future hopefully. Thank you again.

The Best Australian Poems 2009, ed. Robert Adamson. Copyedit (FMss Sept '09)

>Thanks, it reads better now. Yes, you're right about the need for a more solid statement. Once I knew I had you to count on, I didn't have to worry about making mistakes and then the writing started to flow. This is great now. I have another 24 hours to come up with some killer sentence as good as Webb's containing something I want to get across about poetry in this country. Published Nov 2009, Black Inc.

'The Pendant' by Fran Lazner. Speculative. 111,033 words. Assess.(FMss Sept '09) Reassess (Nov '09)

I’m a passionate doubter, especially when it comes to my own abilities. So I took the praise and comments of the numerous family members and friends who read my manuscript (one even read the whole thing!) with a bucket of salt. After listening to their comments and countless rewrites, I felt like I hadn’t really progressed much beyond my first draft. Then I took a leap of faith and handed my story over to Trevor for appraisal. It was the best thing I could have done. Trevor’s report was encouraging, insightful and blunt where necessary, and it made me see my writing in a different light. He also showed me exactly where I was going astray and gave me solid advice on how to fix the problems. This is what I learnt: I can write (big sigh of relief), I can’t punctuate (LOL), I have an unhealthy penchant for melodramatic villains and a manuscript that is worth persevering with. As I write this, I am waiting on Trevor’s reappraisal, and I know that his feedback will be exactly what I need to get to the next step, and my dream of one day being a published author. The Italians have a saying - grazie mille - which literally means ‘a thousand thanks’. Grazie mille Trevor!

Reassessment as 'The Beast Within Me'. Jun '10 'The voice of Beast' by Tabitha Bird. Memoir. 81,535 words. Assess. (FMss Nov '09)

Thank you. And I find myself writing those two little words and realizing how very little they actually are. But thank you anyway, despite the smallness of the words. The honesty in your evaluation was priceless. You can’t pay for integrity. You did more than feedback to me on the issues that needed fixing, you showed me my manuscript in a new light. That is what I was looking for. Outside eyes that could see what I was having trouble focusing on. I have known for a while that this MS is not ready and needed work. But I could not define the issues.Passed Agents' and Publishers' 1st Submissions, June 2010

'Aramanthe's Wall' by Geoff Hilton. Speculative Utopian. 263,981 words. Assess.(FMss Sept '09)

Thanks very much for the effort you have put into assessing my manuscript. I started off wondering if I could write. I paid no attention to the market place and just let my imagination take over. I found it an absolutely marvellous experience. You have brought me down to earth - gently. The inspiration to write still remains strong but I obviously need to be smarter if I am to find a market for my stories. I am going to follow your advice by putting Aramanthes' Wall aside for the time being and concentrating on creating a new work. Eighty to a hundred thousand words; market oriented; award oriented; and a page turner. I will also incorporate the lessons taken from your critique. Hopefully at some point in the future, you will be around to assess the outcome.

'Wish' by Colin Cortie. YAFantasy. 78,713 words. Assess. (FMss Sept '09)

Thanks for the ms report, I think it was dead on in terms of accuracy. The problems you identified in terms of my middle section were excellent: I knew I had some problems but didn't really know what they were; you cleared that up for me nicely. The advice concerning re-writing the book from the draft is challenging but worthwhile, I will do as you suggest. Most of all I would like to thank Trevor for his kind words and support: I had suspected that 'Wish' was actually quite good, but it’s good to hear that from a more objective reader!

'The Adventure of Kayl: The Everlasting Edict' by Liam Charlesworth. Fantasy. 196,286 words. Assess. (FMss Aug/ Sept '09)

I’d just like to offer my thanks to you once again for taking the time to work through my manuscript. You helped put a lot of things into perspective for me and already I’ve taken my first few steps into improving my writing. It’ll be a long road, I’m sure, but it’s one I intend to walk along until the end, no matter the hardships I must face. When the time comes that my future manuscript is completed, I will certainly contact you again.>

'The Antarctic Code' by Deo de Wit. Thriller. Assess and Mentor (March-Aug '09)LoR

Published Nov 2010. www.theantarcticcode.com Available Dymocks, Erina. Out on Amazon and BookLocker (also as e-Book for iPad).

The King of Mount Hotham: My Father' by Gillian Salmon. Bioraphy/Memoir. 133,717 words. Assess. (FMss Aug '09)

Thank you for the honest connection – I never know why people just don’t come out and say what they think. Nobody ever does that, so it makes you wonder if they are honest or not. They usually take the easy way out and say 'It was wonderful.’ Your assessment is exactly what I needed - at last something I can work with. What a shame I had not found you years ago. It would have saved me hours, weeks, months of trying to put everything into perspective myself. It must be so good to be able to see the whole picture as you do.

'Principia Mathemagica' by S.F.Winser. Fantasy. 65,602 words. Assess. (FMss Aug '09)

Thank you (and Trevor, of course!) for this. Most of it was straightforward and clear. The notes on structure were along the lines of stuff I already knew, but needed a kick up the backside to fix. Inserts removed. Exposition heavy chapters and epilogues trimmed, torn asunder and scattered. A lazy plot-point redefined to make it feel less clumsy. There were a couple of times where Trevor thought I was underestimating the reader... when I think I was actually underestimating the writer. Most of the other stuff was... surprisingly helpful. They always tell you to kill your darlings; so rarely do you get sent a list of your darlings' names and addresses - and a loaded gun.

'Hummingbird' by Ami-Louise Sharpe. Children's story. 3,261 words. Assess. (FMss July '09)

I realised that I never properly thanked you for helping me with my children's story, Hummingbird. So my sincere apologies for that, but thank you, your advice was a huge help! I've since re-worked the ending, tidied up all the grammatical errors etc and have recently sent it to Black Dog Books. So now the waiting begins... I've recently made a start on story number 2.

'Handy Andy' by Claire Hales. Children's story. 1334 words. (FMss June '09)

Wow! Thankyou for your positive feedback, it really means a lot! I appreciate you looking at my story and you have given me the confidence to pursue my little goal further. I will have a go at sending it out as it is. Again, thanks so much for your time and critique, I am so grateful.

'Graveyard or Glory' (now Pozieres, the Anzac Story) by Scott Bennett. History. 128,857 words. Mentor (FMs Dec '08 - May '09) LoR. Assessment as 'Dark Somme Flowing'. 152,513 words. (FMss Sept '08)

After a long stretch of researching and writing in isolation, I came across Tom's website. It was with some trepidation that I rang Tom and passed on my non-fiction manuscript, which had never been read by anyone. As any writer knows, this is a vulnerable moment. I received Tom's report a few weeks later. It was comprehensive and covered all the technical components of writing, many of which I was blissfully ignorant of (conjunctive adjectives, writer's voice). Tom's detailed comments were incisive and brutally honest (which I wanted and needed). Balanced with the brutal honesty were sincere words of encouragement, which provided me with the confidence to continue. I used the report as a map to shape my slab of 160k words into a more evenly weighted manuscript of 120k words. Throughout the edit, I returned to Tom's report 20-30 times, using it as a guide throughout. I resubmitted my trimmed down manuscript a second time and received further insighful comments from Tom. I then sent my manuscript to a literary agent and was signed up within a week; another week and I had signed up with my preferred publisher, with the book planned for launch in early 2011. None of this would have been possible without Tom's help and mentoring. I am forever grateful. Accepted, ALM, June '09. Contract, Scribe, July '09. Release April 2011. Shortlisted Manning Clark House Cultural Award 2011

'Evil Nation' by Ila Lessing. Literary/Crime. 57,793 words. Copyedit (FMs May-June 09) Express Assessment (FMss April 09) LoR.

Tom's assessment report was encouraging but also an eye-opener for a first-timer like me. I could tell from the report that he completely understood what I was trying to achieve with the manuscript. Whereas I knew something was amiss, I could not put my finger on it. Tom managed to identify the problem areas with accuracy, sensitivity and insight. He made a few strategic suggestions which lead to a revision. After implementing his suggestions in the rework, the disjointed parts fitted together, the point of view became more balanced and the ending was well-rounded. I realised at this point that I was in expert hands and that Tom added immeasurable value to my manuscript.As a next step Tom did the copy-editing. He fixed my numerous errors but never changed the essence of the manuscript. I now feel confident enough to start submitting the ms to agents & publishers. I want to thank Tom for his diplomacy, patience and professionalism and can recommend working with him wholeheartedly.

'Island of Fire' by Alex Meehan. Fantasy. 69,489 words. Assess. (FMss May '09)

Thanks, Tom, this is a very encouraging assessment. I confess to being a bit shell-shocked - one of the reasons for my delayed response. You're right about the ending, and a proper epilogue should work nicely. I'll get cracking on it and the other minor revisions.

'My Mummy is an Angel Fairy now'. Children's Fiction. 771 words. Express Assessment. (FMss May 09) 'Fractured Fairytales' by Allison Grabham. Children's Verse. 380 words. Express Assessment. (FMss Mar 09)

I have recently found an agent overseas who was interested in my work. The only thing I needed was a report on my manuscript. I searched the web and after trying many editors I discovered Tom Flood. Of all the people I contacted, he was the only one who could help me. Tom was happy to answer all of my questions (which helped a lot). He was able to fit my job in and get it done in record time at a very reasonable rate. His evaluation helped me enormously as a children’s writer and I look forward to using his services more in the future.

'The Frightened Yellow Vest' by Mal Briggs. Children's Fiction. 1985 words. Assess (FMss April '09)

Excellent dissection. I will take all your comments on board and work towards a total reworking. Having crossed this appraisal bridge, I will no doubt come back to you at some time in the future, whether with a reworked manuscript or another.

'Spirit of the Jaguar' Reassess (FMss July '09) formerly 'The Jaguar Prince' by Christina Clark. YA Fantasy. Assess (FMss Jan '09) LoR

At the end of last year, I entered my young adult manuscript, 'Spirit of the Jaguar', into the FAW Jim Hamilton Award competition. It didn't win, but I've just heard that it received a Commended, so I'm very pleased with that. I just wanted to thank you once again for helping me out last year with your assesment - I definitely wouldn't even have considered entering if not for your encouragement. //Many thanks for the reassessment. Commas – wish I could fill a bucket with them, pour them over the pages, and let them absorb into their rightful places by osmosis! Anyway, I shall now tooth-comb for my last mistakes, re-work my query letter and synopsis, and get going. Thanks for the info on the publisher/agent books and websites, and also on the Text YA Book Prize. Writing competitions had never occurred to me, but I’ll definitely give it a go – nothing to lose. Considering my lack of writing credentials, any such credits and Letters of Recommendation may just swing the balance and entice someone to actually read the ms. // Many thanks for the assessment of my novel. I was greatly relieved to receive your positive comments, and look forward to following your suggestions for improvement. A few of the structural points you picked up on had in fact been niggling me for some time – so it’s something of a relief to have them aired openly! Commended, 2009 FAW Jim Hamilton Award.

‘Around The Persian Garden’ by David Morriset. Romance/Adventure. Reassessment (FMss July 09) Assessment. (FMs Dec 08) LoR

Many thanks for your assessment on my manuscript. While you have convinced me that I still have some extensive work to do, your comments have opened up some highly attractive options for the addition of some new layers to the narrative. Incidentally, I am astounded that you identified accurately some remnants of earlier drafts that I thought I had successfully woven into the draft I submitted to you. You picked the seams with impressive precision! The bottom line is that I feel encouraged and excited by your suggestions about taking a story with some potential and driving to the next level. By the time I complete the next draft I am confident it will read much less like a biography – or a “bad work diary” as you described a rather clumsy early part of the narrative. Hopefully, in a few months, I will have a multi-layered story that actually takes the reader to the sidelines – and occasionally on to the actual playing field – of one the twentieth century’s most significant political reversals. Again, many thanks for your help.

'Pepper Gets Lost' by Barry Parker, Creative ID. Illustrated Chapter Book. Proof. (FMss Sept 08)

'Just wanted to say thanks for the proof read – all corrected now and my wife is going to read and check I have made all the corrections. There may be a couple of questions/clarifications. Also wanted to say that it was the best mark up I have seen since London – I followed it very easily. Published Nov 2010, Creative ID www.pepperthenaughtycattledog.com

To Kill A Priest by J.J.Barrie. Crime. Assessment & Mentor. 118,991 words. (FMss April-Sept 08) LoR

Writing is a very lonely profession, and like all of us, I needed assistance and critique. I naively sought a manuscript assessment, thinking the MS was finished. After a devastatingly honest first report, three months of numerous emails and hard rewriting followed. Only then did I realise how much was required to bring the MS to a publication stage. I became wholly sick of saying the words, ‘Is it relevant?’ and remembering the word ‘skim’, as I cut and pared, pasted and dumped, losing whole pages in a moment. After removing 20,000+ words over which I had sweated, the result finally received the precious reward – the assessor’s Letter of Recommendation. In my case, I cannot speak highly enough of Tom Flood. I thoroughly recommend Tom and the tortuous process – now to publish. Passed Publisher 1st Submission Sept 2008. Publisher CreateSpace Feb 2009. www.jjbarrie.com

'Warrior' by R.E. Phillips.Young Adult Sci-fi Horror.14,121 words. Submission Package Assessment.(FMs-April 08)

It was great to receive some constructive comments that I would have otherwise not have considered. I also appreciate your suggestions pertaining to contact details within my intended market, and possible avenues with which to approach prospective publishers and literary agents. I will attend to your suggested amendments and, if okay, contact yourself at a later date to organise a suitable timeframe with which to submit the entire manuscript for your appraisal. Once again, I appreciate your time and comments.

'Elements of Nature' by Jerry Cayzer. Adventure Thriller. 105,000 words. Assessment and Mentor.(FMss Feb 07-April 08)LoR

'After experiencing three other assessment/appraisal firms, and getting nowhere, I chanced to approach Flood Manuscripts. Tom Flood personally became my appraiser and in due course my mentor. He turned out to be everything that others were not. With his painstaking guidance, my mish-mash of genres became a genuine adventure/thriller. We collaborated for a little over a year. After the initial appraisal, Tom seemed to know my story and characters as well as I did, yet he was mentoring three other clients during much of the time. Routinely, he replied to emails within a day, and he warned me on occasions of being unavailable for a few days. He was totally frank, to the extent of being brutal at times, then he would lavish praise (‘bootiful’ for instance) when I made an adjustment that was particularly appealing. I doubt there is anyone to touch Tom Flood.' Secured Agent April '09. Published, AuthorHouse, Nov '09. Also out on Amazon.

'Friends & Pho' by Heather Jacobs. Women's Lit/Romance. 61,627 words. Express Assessment (FMss Feb/Mar 08) Express Submission Package. Assess & Proof. (FMs Jul/Aug 08) LoR

I called Tom in a panic when I was trying to meet a deadline for an agent's submission for 'Friends & Pho' and needed some sage advice on what I could do to improve the manuscript before sending it out. Thank goodness I did. Once we established that I shouldn't bother trying to win the Booker Prize, Tom put aside any preconceptions he may have about chick-lit/romance and pointed out with good humour what needed to be done to keep it 'on genre' and therefore more likely to get published. His long list of my careless mistakes was a timely reminder of the importance of proofing and taking the time to read the manuscript over and over, again. He also had some great ideas on adding a little more depth to the story by fleshing out minor characters. Expanding on the interactions between the local Vietnamese and the clueless expat lead has been a great satirical device that has made the story richer. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Tom's services as an objective reader who can instantly see what needs improving and, perhaps more importantly, makes you feel confident enough to do the changes yourself.'

'Jumping Through Sandcastle Windows' by Malcom Craig. Young Adult Adventure Romance. 118,000 words. Structural Edit and Proof. (FMss - December 07-January 08)

I can't thank Tom enough for his professional and thorough review of my work. Tom's insightful observations and suggestions for improvement always made perfect sense and added much value and clarity to my manuscript. His vast knowledge and proven track record in the industry always gave me confidence. I took on board all of Tom's suggestions; was always happy with Tom's quick grasp of the bigger picture and whole structure, combined with his honest and technically skilled transparent approach. For anybody serious about improving their writing, I am happy to recommend Flood manuscripts. Thanks Tom.' Passed Agent and Publisher 1st Submission

'Pope Luther Zugzwang I' by Ron Thomas. Satire. 80,150 words. Assess. (FMss - Nov 07)

Thanks for the appraisal Tom. That's fine, and I take on board all that you have said. Thanks for your past help. Published Lulu, May '11 http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/pope-luther-zugzwang-i/15701984

'The Eleventh Horse'. Period Crime. 98000 words. Assessment (FMss - May 08)LoR 'Unexpected Corollary' by Derek Scales. Period Crime. 81,605 words. Assessment (FMss - April 07)

Tom was appalled at my typos, shocked at my punctuation, sickened at the mangled grammar but undaunted, he investigated then highlighted my many continuity and period errors. When I accepted his bang-on comments and made the re-write, his enthusiasm encouraged me to go look at the agent scene, lift up my head a little and get back to the keyboard for a sequel. Phillip Island 9/11/07 Passed Agent 1st Submission Nov 2007

'Servant of the Phrenet, Book 1 of The Quolltellan' by Gayna Denby. Fantasy novel. 101,000 words. Assessment (Flood Manuscripts) June 2007. Submission Copyedit. Sept 2007.

It was wonderful to have someone of Tom Flood's calibre read my MS and like it. He read ALL of the MS and understood what the story was about. Tom's suggestions were insightful and he did not expect me to write like Tolkien. I liked that I was able to ask questions about the comments Tom had made. Thanks to Tom I feel I have a professional looking proposal to present to an agent and hopefully they will be as enthusiastic and positive as Tom Flood has been.

'Comrade's Work' by Karen Fairhurst. Children's Picture Book (text only) 141 words. Assessment (Flood Manuscripts - July 2007)

Thanks for the report - the analysis and information is very constructive and your upfront overview of Australian publishing is very refreshing . I have many ideas to follow. I would always prefer to illustrate and write, and will now continue to do so.