Appraisal Services
Cinnamon Press offers a range of reading and appraisal services in non fiction, fiction and poetry.
These services are entirely separate from our selection for publication - we do not charge for reading submissions, whether to Envoi or for full length book proposals. (If you have a submission please read the submissions policy and follow the appropriate guidelines).
If you would like a more detailed appraisal of your writing please choose one of the options below.
You can pay for the service using paypal online or send a cheque with your request for the service - please see the cost of service section below.
All appraisal is given by an editor with publications experience in the genre.
Reading and Appraisal Service Options
Poetry:
We can offer appraisal on a single poem (up to 50 lines)
or on a short collection of up to ten poems (each of 40 lines or under)
Fiction:
We can offer appraisal on a single short story (up to 3,000 words)
or on the first three chapters of a novel (if you are writing in very short chapters or not using a chapter structure send the first 15,000 words) You should also send a synopsis of your novel.
Non-fiction:
We can offer appraisal on articles (up to 2,000 words) or the opening of a book.
How to submit your work
A single poem may be submitted by email in the body of the email (preferably HTML format) to jan (please do not send attachments - they will not be opened)
All other work should be submitted by post. The preferred method is to include a hard copy plus an electronic version on disc with an s.a.e. for return of the appraised work. Please make sure the hard copy is typed in double spacing using a clear font (arial or times new roman) and includes your name and address in the header.
In addition to including the work to be appraised you might like to ask two or three specific questions that relate to your writing in a covering letter e.g. you might have specific concerns about structure, plot, characterisation etc.
You can pay online securely using paypal or enclose a cheque with your work, made payable to 'Cinnamon Press'
What to expect from the service:
You will receive an appraisal within four weeks for poetry and within six weeks for fiction and articles. (The service is often completed earlier than this, but these are maximum waiting times)
A poetry appraisal gives detailed feedback on lines, images, stanzas and overall structure, olus an overall report of at least 500 words on short collections.
Appraisals of prose will give detailed comments throughout the work as well as an overall report of 500 - 1,000 words on short stories and articles and of 1,000 to 2,000 words on novel extracts.
Why Use a Reading Service?
For many writers honest feedback is hard to come by. Friends and relatives can be good sources of support, but rarely have the critical eye you need, and even if they do they may feel awkward about telling you what they think.
Agents and publishers are inundated with submissions and don't have the time to say more than yes or no, sometimes with an odd line thrown in that can leave you wondering where to go from here.
Writers groups and well run courses are much more helpful and many writers use one or both of these at some stage, but sometimes it is particularly useful to have some appraisal and suggestions that focuses on your work alone or addresses a particular issue you have with your writing. If you feel this applies to you, then this service could be a valuable tool along the way.
Why Use Cinnamon Press Reading and Appraisal Service?
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You will get an honest, critical, but constructive appraisal
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We are also a publisher so we will be looking at your work with a publisher's eye
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Our appraisal's editor is also a writer with a track record in poetry, non fiction and fiction writing
- We offer the service at competitive rates with good value for money
The Cost of the Service:
single poem £10
poetry collection (up to 10) £40
short story £40
opening of a novel £110
article £35
To pay with a UK cheque:
Decide which service you would like and send a cheque for the correct amount to "Cinnamon Press" with your address to:
- Cinnamon Press
- Meirion House
- tanygrisiau
- Blaenau Ffestiniog
- Gwynedd
- LL41 3SU
To pay by PayPal:
Single Poem £10:
Poetry Collection (up to 10 poems) £40.00:
Short story £40:
Opening of a novel £40
Article £40:
send your poem in the usual way stating that you have paid by paypal.