Frequently Asked Question

Frequently Asked Questions:

Below are the FAQs about our courses, events and manuscript services. Scroll down to find the one you need.

About our courses...

I don't know which course would be suitable for me. Can I talk to someone about this?

Yes, of course, we would be delighted to hear from you. Just drop us an email and we will ring you at a time suited to you.

What happens after I book?

If you book on line, you should receive an automatic email. After this we will respond to you in person thanking you for booking on the course. Closer to the course, a welcoming email will be sent to all participants in your class, detailing what you need to bring (a pen, a piece of paper, and your lovely selves, usually) and more information about venues and parking etc.

I want to pay a deposit, how do I pay the balance?

You can pay by BACS, cheque or cash on or before the first lesson. Details of how to do this will be sent to once you have paid your deposit.

I have booked a course but can no longer come. What shall I do?

Stuff happens, we know that, so we will try our hardest to fill up your place and get your money back to you as soon as the course is viable without your contribution. This may mean you might have to wait a while, but bear with us. We will be trying our hardest to help you. More information about cancellations can be found in our Terms and Conditions.

I've changed my mind about which course I want to do. Can I transfer?

Yes, if there are available places.

I don't want to pay online. Is there any other way of getting money to you?

Students who have been with us a long time can pay by cash or cheque at the first lesson. Others can arrange to pay by cash, cheque or bank transfer in advance. Contact us for information.

Are your venues accessible?

Please see here for more details about our venues. If you believe you may experience problems, please contact us.

I want to study a different subject to the ones shown. Can you help?

Talk to us. If there are enough people interested and an available teacher, we will try our hardest to offer you what you want.

I feel I need a one to one session, rather than a class. Is this something you offer?

Yes, please contact us so we can discuss your needs.

I really want to join one of your classes but I'm afraid I can't afford it at the moment. Is there any way you can help?

There are some discounted places. To access these you will simply have to be the first in line for the place and show us some proof of eligibility (get in touch with us to ask about this). The Writers Company also run classes for other agencies which are often, because they are differently funded, cheaper. Keep your eye out for our newsletters, our Facebook page, Twitter feed (@writerscompany) and Blog for details.

What happens if the course doesn't run for any reason?

If it's our fault, you would get your money back and a sincere apology. More information about cancellations can be found in our Terms and Conditions.

About our Events...

I have booked to go on an event but I can no longer come. What shall I do?

We will try our hardest to fill up your place and get your money back to you as soon as the event is viable without your contribution. This may mean you might have to wait a while, but bear with us. We will be trying our hardest to help you. More information about cancellations can be found in our Terms and Conditions.

Could you tell me a little more about the venues and their accessibility?

All information about our venues, can be found here.

About that lunch?

Lunch will be a vegetarian buffet. If you have any other dietary needs, please let us know. We will be happy to cater for you.

About our Manuscript Assessment...

I don't quite know what help I need with my novel. Would it be possible to talk to someone?

Yes, of course. We would be delighted to hear from you. Just drop us an email and we will ring you at a time suited to you.

How do I pay?

Because the price of assessment changes according to the size of your manuscript, it is not possible to pay via this site. However, you can still contact us via our Bookings Page to let us know of your interest, or contact us directly. We will arrange for you to do a bank transfer, or pay by cash or cheque, before we begin the work.

Exactly what feedback will I get?

You will get in-line commentary on your manuscript and a breakdown of feedback detailing positive aspects of your work and areas for improvement. We will also proof read as we go along and add changes to the text which you can accept on reject. See the question below for more details about this.

What format do you want the manuscript in?

We would prefer to receive the manuscript as a Word document. You will need to have Word for Windows (any version after 2002) in order to see the comments our manuscript assessors have made. If you go to the reviewing pane, you can then choose to reject or accept comments.

What's the turnaround on your service?

We try to go as fast as we can, but the process is a long one and we pride ourselves on being thorough. Most larger manuscripts will take at least four weeks, but none should take longer than six. Of course, it all depends on the size of your manuscript. Your assessor will be in contact with you to inform you of expected deadlines.

I would like to choose which manuscript assessor looks at my work. Is this possible?

All of our assessors are excellent, but we will do our best to match you up to your preferred assessor. This will not always be possible but we will always keep you in the loop and you can decide whether or not to continue if you preferred assessor is unable to take on your manuscript.

Would it be possible to speak to my assessor once I have read the edit?

It may be possible to arrange a one to one session with your assessor. You would need to contact us to see if we can arrange it.

What if I don't agree with the feedback? Can I get my money back?

We are all writers and we know how hard it is to get feedback. We will always look for the positives in your work, but also try our hardest to make sure that you understand how your book could be the best it possibly can be. All assessments are double checked before they are sent back to you, so there will be at least two people who think the same. Refunds are not possible in this situation. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.

My book is a bit controversial. Will you take it on?

We like literature that pushes the boundaries. However, if your manuscript is deemed inappropriate it will be returned unedited with a full refund. More information about this can be found in our Terms and Conditions.

About anything else...

Please contact us. We'd love to hear from you.