'Thanks to Cornerstones and their editors for helping me knock this one into shape. Ended up with two publishing offers!'
"Dinah's thorough, wise and helpful report really helped improve the manuscript. The fact that she was so positive carried me through the tough months before publication of We Do Not Kill Children."
"Cornerstones helped me navigate the treacherous journey between first draft and finished manuscript, and with their encouragement, I was shortlisted for The Bath Novel Award and now have an agent."
"Working with the staff at Cornerstones was one of the best writing decisions I’ve made. They gave me direction and the belief to keep going - can’t thank them enough."
"I always loved writing, but my writing was aimless and unfocused – and getting nowhere. Cornerstones gave me the missing piece. They taught me the crucial editing, planning and plotting tools that focused my work and led to publication. I might still just be dreaming if it weren’t for Helen and Lee."
"My Cornerstones’s report was a pivotal moment in the writing journey. It guided me towards the story I wanted to tell and it gave me clarity and confidence. For a debut, would-be author, these are things that money can't buy."
"I’d managed to work my manuscript (and myself) up into a bit of a tangled mess that I couldn’t seem to get out of… Cornerstones helped me to unpick the knots and smooth out my plot, and they did this with clarity and simplicity. The guidance and feedback they offered was instrumental in helping me to find a home for my writing, and now I’ve signed a great deal with a fantastic publisher for a Young Adult trilogy!"
"Cornerstones' review came at a pivotal moment, as I was about to give it up and stick to Sci-fi. The journey was long, and I wrote to 25 agents and five publishers; in the end it was three publishers who got back to me, two of whom made an offer."
“At a time when I nearly gave up, Cornerstones provided encouragement, tools and tips, and – most importantly - hope. They’re like a literary hug, with a sprinkling of magic.”
"I always loved writing, but my writing was aimless and unfocused - and getting nowhere. Cornerstones gave me the missing piece. They taught me the crucial editing, planning and plotting tools that focused my work and led to publication. I might still just be dreaming if it wasn't for Helen and Lee."
"Many thanks to Cornerstones and the team for the invaluable advice. I took it seriously, and now it's paid off! My journey to publication has been a really long one, but I'm glad I stuck it out."
“I was a complete novice about writing and coming to the publishing industry very green. Cornerstones helped to shape my manuscript, find an agent and now the book is being published. It’s the realisation of ten years of work and a dream come true for me to see my story about my disabled twins finally come to light.”
"Thanks for building up Cornerstones, Helen. I sometimes wonder whether I would have given up by now if you all hadn't been there to push and guide and shove. You really do provide a remarkable service to us budding writers with big dreams."
"Cornerstones really gave me that initial kick start and I'll always be grateful. I am thrilled to say I'm now signed with PFD and have a book deal with Scholastic in the UK and US."
“For constructive and professional editorial advice, contacting Cornerstones is a very wise move for any aspiring author. Their reports pushed my writing in the right direction, and I’m so pleased I picked up the phone and said; “The thing is, I’ve got a first draft of a novel and…”
“Sound advice and constructive criticism–invaluable whether you’re starting out as a writer, or simply in need of a fresh pair of expert eyes.”
"I believe the process I went through with Cornerstones helped me get my manuscript in shape to secure a book deal."
“My first experience of working with a professional editor came through Cornerstones; it’s taken a few re-writes but I’m now proud to say I’ve signed a five-book deal with Accent Press.”
"From start to finish, I found the process seamless. My manuscript was critiqued by a fantastic editor and I wouldn't have been signed so quickly by such a prestigious agent had it not been for Cornerstones. Thank you!"
"When I first began writing I sent an early draft to Cornerstones, and without their encouragement I would probably have left it there. Thanks to their belief in my potential, I now have an agent, write full-time, and have an international three-book deal."
“My Cornerstones report was invaluable. Too close to see what I needed to address, my editor's advice helped me focus with clarity. And she was inspiring. I surged ahead with the re-write and added 12,000 words. Now, with an agent, I am looking forward to the next stage.”
“Cornerstones offered crucial help at a time when I really needed it. Thanks to the team for matching me with the right editor: my manuscript transformed from something that had previously only given me panic into a story that inspired confidence.”
“The Cornerstones edit was a turning-point. It made all the difference.”
“Once I had finished the first draft of my debut novel, I knew it could be improved but felt I needed some help and guidance. Cornerstones very quickly matched me with a wonderful editor who saw both the potential in the book, and what I needed to do to make it the best it could be. The feedback was honest but encouraging and I got back to work. After a several more re-writes, I was over the moon to be picked up by one of my top-of-the list agents, followed by exciting publishing deals in the UK, US, and with sales of foreign rights. Thank you so much Cornerstones for the help and support!”
“Once I had finished the first draft of my debut novel, I knew it could be improved but felt I needed some help and guidance. Cornerstones very quickly matched me with a wonderful editor who saw both the potential in the book, and what I needed to do to make it the best it could be. The feedback was honest but encouraging and I got back to work. After a several more re-writes, I was over the moon to be picked up by one of my top-of-the list agents, followed by exciting publishing deals in the UK, US, and with sales of foreign rights. Thank you so much Cornerstones for the help and support!”
“Once I had finished the first draft of my debut novel, I knew it could be improved but felt I needed some help and guidance. Cornerstones very quickly matched me with a wonderful editor who saw both the potential in the book, and what I needed to do to make it the best it could be. The feedback was honest but encouraging and I got back to work. After a several more re-writes, I was over the moon to be picked up by one of my top-of-the list agents, followed by exciting publishing deals in the UK, US, and with sales of foreign rights. Thank you so much Cornerstones for the help and support!”
"It took over 30 years to write my memoir and less than 30 months to see it in print, thanks largely to Cornerstones, the comprehensive consultancy report they offer and most especially being matched with Alison, my brilliant editor!"
"I want to say how thankful I am for the positive experience I had with Cornerstones when I sent them my manuscript. I was well received and warmly encouraged. The guidance I received was neither intrusive nor didactic. It was in the nature of long-term suggestions: modern conventions of writing and systems of self-editing. That is something that will stay with me forever."
"Thank you Cornerstones US for your brilliant help in getting my first book up off the ground. I won't ever write another book without you by my side."
“Once I had finished the first draft of my debut novel, I knew it could be improved but felt I needed some help and guidance. Cornerstones very quickly matched me with a wonderful editor who saw both the potential in the book, and what I needed to do to make it the best it could be. The feedback was honest but encouraging and I got back to work. After a several more re-writes, I was over the moon to be picked up by one of my top-of-the list agents, followed by exciting publishing deals in the UK, US, and with sales of foreign rights. Thank you so much Cornerstones for the help and support!”
“Once I had finished the first draft of my debut novel, I knew it could be improved but felt I needed some help and guidance. Cornerstones very quickly matched me with a wonderful editor who saw both the potential in the book, and what I needed to do to make it the best it could be. The feedback was honest but encouraging and I got back to work. After a several more re-writes, I was over the moon to be picked up by one of my top-of-the list agents, followed by exciting publishing deals in the UK, US, and with sales of foreign rights. Thank you so much Cornerstones for the help and support!”
“Once I had finished the first draft of my debut novel, I knew it could be improved but felt I needed some help and guidance. Cornerstones very quickly matched me with a wonderful editor who saw both the potential in the book, and what I needed to do to make it the best it could be. The feedback was honest but encouraging and I got back to work. After a several more re-writes, I was over the moon to be picked up by one of my top-of-the list agents, followed by exciting publishing deals in the UK, US, and with sales of foreign rights. Thank you so much Cornerstones for the help and support!”
“Once I had finished the first draft of my debut novel, I knew it could be improved but felt I needed some help and guidance. Cornerstones very quickly matched me with a wonderful editor who saw both the potential in the book, and what I needed to do to make it the best it could be. The feedback was honest but encouraging and I got back to work. After a several more re-writes, I was over the moon to be picked up by one of my top-of-the list agents, followed by exciting publishing deals in the UK, US, and with sales of foreign rights. Thank you so much Cornerstones for the help and support!”
Dear Author,
When I worked at Penguin, reading the slush pile late into the night, I saw many promising manuscripts declined because the work wasn’t ready, leaving the author unsure where to turn. So in 1998 I launched Cornerstones Literary Consultancy, providing writers with editorial help and guidance, and helping authors to prepare for submission and publication.
We believe that if we can tell a writer in five minutes what it may take them months to discover, that’s a good thing!
For years we’ve sustained the ranking of No. 1 UK literary consultancy; now we’ve launched in America, making us the first transatlantic literary consultancy.
Cornerstones has over 80 editorial consultants, all chosen for their agenting, publishing or writing experience. Every report is checked in-house to ensure a consistency and quality of advice that is paramount to our service. Michele Rubin, our US managing editor; Sarah Rouse, our desk editor; Sarah Conkerton, our assistant editor; Kate Padiachy, our editorial assistant, and myself are all on hand to answer your queries and guide your progress. Kathryn Price, my co-director for ten years, is now our chief editor and course tutor.
Cornerstones is a skills-based company and we strongly believe that self-editing techniques can be taught. We regularly give lectures at universities, writer conferences and workshops. Check out our Twitter feed for upcoming events and discussions.
Yours,
Founder, Cornerstones
Sarah Conkerton
Assistant Editor
Sarah Conkerton graduated from the University of Oxford in 2019, where she studied Classics ab initio. She then interned at Murdoch Books within the Publicity and Marketing departments, and at the boutique literary agency Johnson & Alcock, before joining The Blair Partnership as their Agency Assistant in March 2020. Sarah joined the Cornerstones team in September 2021 as Assistant Editor. Her role includes managing author/client relations and assisting in assessing submissions, proofreading, and copyediting editorial reports. As a reader, Sarah is particularly a fan of fantasy, magical realism and historical fiction, but enjoys anything with a rich story and memorable characters.
Sarah Rouse
Desk Editor
Sarah Rouse graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. She has prior experience as a proofreader and copyeditor, and completed internships at OUP and Palgrave Macmillan during her time at university. Sarah joined the Cornerstones team in September 2017 as the editorial assistant, before becoming the Assistant Editor in March, and the Desk Editor in October 2018. Her role involves assessing submissions, liaising with editors, authors, and agents, sourcing editorial talent, and overseeing the development of projects, in addition to scouting. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys reading literary and experimental fiction, poetry, noir, dark/urban YA, and suspense narratives.
Helen Corner-Bryant
Founder/Director
Helen Corner-Bryant spent a number of years in editorial at Penguin before setting up Cornerstones Literary Consultancy in 1998. In 2016, she opened Cornerstones US, creating the world’s first transatlantic literary consultancy. Cornerstones is known for teaching self-editing techniques, providing feedback on all types of genres, scouting for agents, and launching many writers such as: Ayisha Malik, Sarwat Chadda, Ava McCarthy, Kate Glanville, Victoria Selman and Emily Gunnis. Helen is a guest lecturer at writer conferences and leading universities including UCL Centre for Publishing and the Columbia Publishing Course at Oxford University. She is co-author of On Editing: How to Edit Your Novel the Professional Way (John Murray, 2018) and director of the Cornerstones/PWA online course: Edit Your Novel the Professional Way.
Kate Padiachy
Editorial Assistant
Kate Padiachy graduated from Warwick University in 2019, where she read American History and Literature. Her time as a bookseller at George Bayntun, an antique bookshop and bindery in Bath, confirmed her desire to stay in the world of publishing, and she joined the Cornerstones team as an intern in July 2021 before becoming an editorial assistant in September. Her role includes managing author/client relations, assisting in assessing submissions, and proofreading and copyediting editorial reports. Outside of work she can often be found with her nose in a book, and her favourite writers include Elizabeth Strout, Sandra Cisneros, Deborah Levy, and Frank O’Hara.