Commonword’s Manuscript Reading Service is open to writers living in the North West of England only. It provides writers with constructive criticism about their work, which may take the form of poetry or fiction (this does not include purely factual autobiographies or memoirs). Writers are given advice on how to improve and develop their work and, where appropriate, how to get it published.
Each manuscript is read by an expert reader, who produces a written report about the work to be returned to the writer. This whole process takes approximately three months.
The scale of charges for using this service is as follows:
(a) for a short collection of poems (up to 15), short stories (up to 3, each one no more than 8,000 words*) or novel synopsis & 2 sample chapters( no more than 50 pages*):
Waged = £100 Unwaged = £50
*pages of fiction should be 1.5 spaced or double spaced. Margins should be 1.5 inches minimum.
*We cannot accept manuscripts that go over these limits.
Fees can be paid by cash (delivered by hand and not post) or by cheque made payable to Commonword Enterprises Ltd.
1. Full length manuscripts must be typed. Shorter manuscripts may be typed or hand-written clearly in black ink. The pages should be numbered and securely fastened together.
2. You MUST enclose an appropriate S.A.E for your manuscript to be returned and a second S.A.E if you would like us to acknowledge receipt of your manuscript.
3. You should only send a copy of your manuscript and not the original.
4. Please do not write your name and address on any part of the manuscript, but enclose a separate sheet with your name, address and the title(s) of your manuscript.
5. You should not submit more than one manuscript in any calendar year.
6. We do not accept manuscripts sent as email attachments.
Manuscripts should be sent to: Commonword Manuscript Reading Service,
6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS. For further information please contact
Dionne Marland on: 0161 832 3777.
Please note due to the popularity of this service, there is a considerable waiting time.