Writing Services
If you’re a commercial fiction writer looking for help with your manuscript (sorry no literary fiction, science fiction, non-fiction, children's books or poetry), you can send me an enquiry at tess@tesswoods.com.au
I give page by page comments as well as general notes and advice on areas in which you can improve your MS in terms of structure/plot/character/setting. I'm not a professional editor, just an author with an interest in helping other writers get the most out of their manuscripts.
My costs are:
Testimonials:
Beth Prentice: Recently I had the absolute pleasure of working with the ah-maz-ing Tess Woods!! I can honestly say that she is the most generous, kind hearted, gracious, and thoughtful person I have EVER worked with. She went far beyond what she promised, and the end result was something I never could have achieved alone. She was easy to work with, responded to my questions quickly, and my complete experience was fun! I can’t speak highly enough of her. If you’re considering reaching out for help I urge you not to go past Tess. Believe me, you won’t regret it!
Enisa Haines: With a depth of insight, Tess understood my story immediately. Taking care not to change my voice, she uncovered the sections of text that did nothing but weaken the story and so needed to be cut. She pointed out flaws that needed attention and offered suggestions of how to sharpen the narrative. Her edits on many pages were comprehensive and at first glance 'gulp inducing' but she saw the potential of being published in the text she praised, giving me the boost of confidence every writer seeks. I am so, so glad I found the very gifted Tess Woods and that through her invaluable advice my story is the very, very best that it can be. Tess is an editor I highly recommend and I aim to work with her again.
Kelly van Nelson: I am currently working on my second novel and engaged Tess Woods to conduct an editing review of an early first draft of the manuscript. She conducted a detailed line by line edit, with both corrections and suggestions noted. She has an excellent eye for detail and has a superb constructive manner in the way she provides feedback. As a result of my work with Tess, I made several changes to the second draft of my manuscript and am currently working with my literary agent on moving towards publication. I have adapted some of the editing techniques Tess taught me in my other writing projects which have also resulted in two short stories being released this year in separate anthologies. I cannot recommend Tess highly enough for her editing expertise.
Kristine Charles: Tess provided feedback on my manuscript that was constructive and detailed, with lots (LOTS!) of suggestions for improvements. She encouraged me to adopt what resonated with me, and to think about the other bits and pieces, wanting to ensure that my story remained MY story, but that it was the best story it could be. She was also really commercial, giving good advice on what might, and what might not, be accepted by a publishing house. Her feedback made me eager to pick up the manuscript again, and to bring Katherine and Will's story to completion!
Kerry Stapleton: Tess demonstrated her knowledge and skills with story structure, manuscript content, synopsis writing and editing. Part of the retreat encompassed a partial manuscript assessment, critique and editing of my synopsis and WIP. Tess highlighted my strengths and weaknesses and after an in-depth discussion, I followed Tess’s advice and both my synopsis and MS are cleaner and sharper. Tess’s enthusiasm in helping others with their writing is infectious. She is professional in her attitude, generous with her time and her expertise and very obliging with her knowledge in fleshing out the best of one’s MS. I have gained immeasurable knowledge and skills from Tess’s profuse and unlimited sharing of information and her services; therefore, I have no hesitation in recommending Tess in her venture of professional editing/MS assessing services.
Tanya Kean: The feedback I received from the critique was comprehensive, and covered my synopsis as well as the partial manuscript. Tess highlighted what I do well within my writing; the strengths within the manuscript that help develop my voice. We discussed where improvements could make the story stronger or give characters more depth. Tess’ comments were insightful, enabling me understand the weaknesses in my writing and she gave me practical and professional advice on how to strengthen my story. I enjoyed having the opportunity to sit with her and benefit from her professional expertise and guidance. Thanks Tess x
E.S. Dunn: Thank you, Tess, for your amazing in-depth critique of my manuscript.
I love that you gave so much thought to the MS and so much inline editing as well.
I thought I'd done a thorough edit before submitting to you! But your feedback to me, as a first time submission to someone who really knows the inside story of what and how is invaluable!
Tracey Dilley: Tess, I thought your critique of my partial MS and synopsis was very thorough and informative. It was encouraging and you explained your comments and suggestions. I also liked how you included compliments and took questions at the end of the work. It has been extremely helpful, informative and eye opening for me plus my MS has improved so much.
I give page by page comments as well as general notes and advice on areas in which you can improve your MS in terms of structure/plot/character/setting. I'm not a professional editor, just an author with an interest in helping other writers get the most out of their manuscripts.
My costs are:
- $25 (plus GST) for every 1000 words of manuscript
- $100 (plus GST) for every 500 words of synopsis
- $350 (plus GST) for a submission package – working with you on a synopsis, author biography and submission letter to submit to publishers or agents
- $40 (plus GST) per half-hour Skype call to discuss your manuscript
Testimonials:
Beth Prentice: Recently I had the absolute pleasure of working with the ah-maz-ing Tess Woods!! I can honestly say that she is the most generous, kind hearted, gracious, and thoughtful person I have EVER worked with. She went far beyond what she promised, and the end result was something I never could have achieved alone. She was easy to work with, responded to my questions quickly, and my complete experience was fun! I can’t speak highly enough of her. If you’re considering reaching out for help I urge you not to go past Tess. Believe me, you won’t regret it!
Enisa Haines: With a depth of insight, Tess understood my story immediately. Taking care not to change my voice, she uncovered the sections of text that did nothing but weaken the story and so needed to be cut. She pointed out flaws that needed attention and offered suggestions of how to sharpen the narrative. Her edits on many pages were comprehensive and at first glance 'gulp inducing' but she saw the potential of being published in the text she praised, giving me the boost of confidence every writer seeks. I am so, so glad I found the very gifted Tess Woods and that through her invaluable advice my story is the very, very best that it can be. Tess is an editor I highly recommend and I aim to work with her again.
Kelly van Nelson: I am currently working on my second novel and engaged Tess Woods to conduct an editing review of an early first draft of the manuscript. She conducted a detailed line by line edit, with both corrections and suggestions noted. She has an excellent eye for detail and has a superb constructive manner in the way she provides feedback. As a result of my work with Tess, I made several changes to the second draft of my manuscript and am currently working with my literary agent on moving towards publication. I have adapted some of the editing techniques Tess taught me in my other writing projects which have also resulted in two short stories being released this year in separate anthologies. I cannot recommend Tess highly enough for her editing expertise.
Kristine Charles: Tess provided feedback on my manuscript that was constructive and detailed, with lots (LOTS!) of suggestions for improvements. She encouraged me to adopt what resonated with me, and to think about the other bits and pieces, wanting to ensure that my story remained MY story, but that it was the best story it could be. She was also really commercial, giving good advice on what might, and what might not, be accepted by a publishing house. Her feedback made me eager to pick up the manuscript again, and to bring Katherine and Will's story to completion!
Kerry Stapleton: Tess demonstrated her knowledge and skills with story structure, manuscript content, synopsis writing and editing. Part of the retreat encompassed a partial manuscript assessment, critique and editing of my synopsis and WIP. Tess highlighted my strengths and weaknesses and after an in-depth discussion, I followed Tess’s advice and both my synopsis and MS are cleaner and sharper. Tess’s enthusiasm in helping others with their writing is infectious. She is professional in her attitude, generous with her time and her expertise and very obliging with her knowledge in fleshing out the best of one’s MS. I have gained immeasurable knowledge and skills from Tess’s profuse and unlimited sharing of information and her services; therefore, I have no hesitation in recommending Tess in her venture of professional editing/MS assessing services.
Tanya Kean: The feedback I received from the critique was comprehensive, and covered my synopsis as well as the partial manuscript. Tess highlighted what I do well within my writing; the strengths within the manuscript that help develop my voice. We discussed where improvements could make the story stronger or give characters more depth. Tess’ comments were insightful, enabling me understand the weaknesses in my writing and she gave me practical and professional advice on how to strengthen my story. I enjoyed having the opportunity to sit with her and benefit from her professional expertise and guidance. Thanks Tess x
E.S. Dunn: Thank you, Tess, for your amazing in-depth critique of my manuscript.
I love that you gave so much thought to the MS and so much inline editing as well.
I thought I'd done a thorough edit before submitting to you! But your feedback to me, as a first time submission to someone who really knows the inside story of what and how is invaluable!
Tracey Dilley: Tess, I thought your critique of my partial MS and synopsis was very thorough and informative. It was encouraging and you explained your comments and suggestions. I also liked how you included compliments and took questions at the end of the work. It has been extremely helpful, informative and eye opening for me plus my MS has improved so much.
Ten ways to make money as an author aside from writing books.
If you have a day job and you’re thinking of giving it up to chase your dream of becoming an author, then I hope you either have a sizeable inheritance or a rich partner. Because guess what? This ain’t a gig you do for the money! The average Australian yearly income for an author according to Macquarie University is $12,900. But all hope is not lost!
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/ten-ways-to-make-money-as-an-author-aside-from-writing-books.html
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/ten-ways-to-make-money-as-an-author-aside-from-writing-books.html
Five ways to help your new release fly off the shelves.
My number one dream when I first put pen to paper was to see my book in a bookshop. It took thousands of gruelling, miserable hours of to get there but when it did, my dream immediately changed to getting the book flying off those shelves and into people’s hands!
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/five-ways-to-help-your-new-release-fly-off-the-shelves.html
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/five-ways-to-help-your-new-release-fly-off-the-shelves.html
Six secrets to giving successful and sought after author talks.
Recently, an author friend of mine sent me an SOS message – ‘Help! I’m giving my first author talk! Any tips?’ I had heaps! She was so very grateful for the advice that I thought rather than just helping one friend, I’d write a blog about the things I learned and the things I do that I believe have given me success on the library talk circuit.
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/six-secrets-to-giving-successful-author-talks.html
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/six-secrets-to-giving-successful-author-talks.html
My 10 biggest mistakes since becoming an author.
I was asked in a recent interview what my biggest lessons as an author were. I gave the interviewer one line answers, but it did get me thinking – I made some pretty huge mistakes to learn those lessons. I thought that if I shared my mistakes in more depth, perhaps new authors could be spared making the same mistakes or other writers might find some comfort in discovering they weren’t alone in their trials and errors. Either way, I hope this article helps someone.
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/my-10-biggest-mistakes-since-becoming-an-author.html
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/my-10-biggest-mistakes-since-becoming-an-author.html
The top writing tip for 2017 from twenty-five successfully published authors.
I made a list of all my five star reads for 2016 – the best of the best! If you haven’t seen it yet and are looking for great books to read over the holidays, this is it:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/bookclub/2016-ultimate-holiday-reading-guide
I then had the idea to ask the authors that I consider to be the best of the best to share their very best writing tip. So I asked them, “If you could give one piece of advice to a writer who's hoping to be published, what would you tell them?”
These wonderful authors all spoke from the heart. I hope you find comfort and inspiration in their tips and I wish you the very best of luck in the New Year. May your writing dreams come true in 2017!
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/top-writing-tips-for-2017.html
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/bookclub/2016-ultimate-holiday-reading-guide
I then had the idea to ask the authors that I consider to be the best of the best to share their very best writing tip. So I asked them, “If you could give one piece of advice to a writer who's hoping to be published, what would you tell them?”
These wonderful authors all spoke from the heart. I hope you find comfort and inspiration in their tips and I wish you the very best of luck in the New Year. May your writing dreams come true in 2017!
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/top-writing-tips-for-2017.html
Things I learned when redrafting my second novel – five more editing tips and tricks.
I’ve just been through an intense edit on my second novel BEAUTIFUL MESSY LOVE. The changes I made to the manuscript were based on feedback from my publisher, the brilliant Mary Rennie, and some articles I came across that showed me areas where I desperately needed to improve.
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/five-more-editing-tips-and-tricks.html
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/five-more-editing-tips-and-tricks.html
From Submission to Release Day – What goes on at a publishing house
I went through this whole process blind with no idea what was coming next. Much of the time I was like a deer caught in headlights. I sent real emails to my editor saying, ‘What’s a structural edit?’ and ‘what do you mean there’s a second edit? I thought we were done!’ and ‘what’s Goodreads?’ I even thanked my publisher for being my editor in the acknowledgements of my book because I didn’t know the difference and now that’s a mistake I’ll be living with forever :). So that’s why I’ve written this piece. Hopefully after you read it, you’ll be a tad more switched on than I was and you’ll make much less of a fool of yourself than I did. I hope you find this worth the read…
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/getting-published.html
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/getting-published.html
How to write a perfect scene - five winning tips
Do you have scenes from stories you’ve read that you’ll never forget? What is it about those scenes that’s stayed with you? That’s the kind of magic you need to create scenes like that for your own story.
For me, the scenes I most remember are scenes that took me by surprise, scenes that felt like a punch in the stomach, scenes that made me cry, scenes that were so funny I had to read them out loud to whoever was near me at the time. Notice I never said scenes that explained the story, scenes that described settings or characters. Scenes that I remember are scenes with action, they’re scenes where things happen!
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/what-makes-a-perfect-scene.html
For me, the scenes I most remember are scenes that took me by surprise, scenes that felt like a punch in the stomach, scenes that made me cry, scenes that were so funny I had to read them out loud to whoever was near me at the time. Notice I never said scenes that explained the story, scenes that described settings or characters. Scenes that I remember are scenes with action, they’re scenes where things happen!
Click here for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/what-makes-a-perfect-scene.html
How to find the time to write - my four step process
Nothing, and I mean nothing, annoys me more than people who tell me, “Oh, I have a book in me, but I just don’t have the time to write it like you did.”
Unless you’re retired with absolutely no responsibilities, who has the time to write a one hundred thousand word book, edit it, pitch it and market it? Nobody, that’s who!
If I could do it, anyone can do it. You just need to an idea for a cracking story and then find ways to save time, make a solid commitment to write it, stick to a schedule and make some sacrifices to allow for writing time.
Read the full article here:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/finding-the-time-to-write.html
Unless you’re retired with absolutely no responsibilities, who has the time to write a one hundred thousand word book, edit it, pitch it and market it? Nobody, that’s who!
If I could do it, anyone can do it. You just need to an idea for a cracking story and then find ways to save time, make a solid commitment to write it, stick to a schedule and make some sacrifices to allow for writing time.
Read the full article here:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/finding-the-time-to-write.html
My seven top tips for effective editing
My editor Dianne Blacklock somehow managed to take my incoherent ramblings and turn them into a book worthy of public consumption. I learnt lots and lots of great things from Di and here I share with you what she taught me. I hope you find it helpful.
Here is the link:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/seven-rules-for-effective-editing.html
Here is the link:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/seven-rules-for-effective-editing.html
The top nine authors and sites to follow to further your career
Are you an aspiring or emerging author? Here are you my top tips for newsletters to subscribe to, Twitter profiles to follow and Facebook pages to like. I hope that these help you find your way to publication and growing your author brand.
Click on this link for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/top-blogs-to-follow.html
Click on this link for the full article:
http://www.tesswoods.com.au/top-blogs-to-follow.html