My Mentoring Services For Writers
Whether You Are Just Beginning Or An Established Writer This Could Be For You.
A generous gift from a grateful recent mentoree, the novelist and writer Anna Pasternak
(although I coach writers at all levels, published and unpublished).
Choose from Five Different Mentoring Options
Option 1: One-to-one mentoring over the space of a year
An opportunity for authors of all levels to receive tailored advice for a period of up to 12 months. I will guide you through the entire process of drafting a novel from start to finish and provide invaluable advice on approaching agents and publishers.
During this time, I will read up to 10 writing submissions from you (up to 7,500 words each) and give written and verbal feedback on each of them. I will respond to each submission within 15 working days.
Each feedback session will involve a one-hour meeting (either in person or via Skype), during which your writing will be discussed at length and creative ideas brainstormed and developed.
Feedback on writing submissions is tailored to each individual student. Central concerns typically include the management of character, dialogue, structure, theme and plot.
Option 2: Manuscript appraisal
Give your book the best possible chance of being accepted by an agent. If you’ve completed the first draft of your novel, I will provide in-depth personalised feedback on your manuscript and advice, should it be ready, on how to get it into print.
You’ll receive a comprehensive set of notes and join me for an intensive one-to-one feedback session (in person or via Zoom). During this one-off meeting, lasting one hour, Tim will offer invaluable advice on how to bring out the strengths in your novel and make it more attractive to agents and publishers.
Option 3: One-to-one mentoring + Optional Appraisal.
If you’re near the beginning of your journey as a novelist, this option will help you to find your feet and kickstart the challenging process of writing a work of fiction.
For a time period of up to one year, I will read six writing submissions from you (up to 7,500 words each) and give written and verbal feedback on each of them.
Each feedback session includes a one-hour meeting (either in person or via Skype), during which your writing is discussed at length.
The aim of this option is that after the six feedback sessions, you will be roughly halfway through writing your novel. By this time, the fundamental challenges should have been identified and addressed. You can then go off and finish writing your manuscript.
Once you’ve completed your manuscript, you always have the option to submit it for an in-depth manuscript appraisal, (as outlined in Option 2 above), at a reduced rate.
Option 4: Manuscript appraisal + One-to-one mentoring
If you’ve begun writing your novel but require feedback and guidance in order to bring it to completion, this option will help you to continue your narrative and reach your goal of completing your novel.
You will have written up to a half of your novel (max 40,000 words, or a surcharge of £100 per 10,000 words applies). Tim will provide feedback and direction on how to develop your novel further and reach completion.
For a time period of up to one year, Tim will read – subsequent to considering the first half of the novel – six further writing submissions from you (up to 7,500 words each) and give written and verbal feedback on each of them.
Each feedback session includes a one-hour meeting (either in person or via Skype), during which your writing is discussed at length.
Option 5: Kickstarter
This option is ideal for those just wishing to get their first novel underway. Tim will give an initial in depth 90-minute meeting (either in person or via Zoom) to assess your novel idea, the problems you wish to address and your state of progress.
Over a six-month period, Tim will assess five submissions of up to 7,500 words each from you and give personal feedback in an hour-long meeting after each submission (either in person or via Skype).
Feedback on writing submissions is tailored to each individual student. Central concerns typically include the management of character, dialogue, structure, theme and plot.
If you have any questions on the options listed above, or would like to book your place, please don’t hesitate to email Tim at timlott@me.com. Scroll down to see the different price points for each mentoring service.
Tutor profile
I have written ten novels, mostly contemporary fiction. They also include a thriller and two books for young adults - a dystopian fantasy novel and a book about folk magic in England. I won the Whitbread first novel award for ‘White City Blue’. My memoir The Scent of Dried Roses won the PEN Ackerley prize and is now a Penguin Modern Classic. My most recent book, published June 2023, is on the craft of writing.
I am represented by top literary agencies Aitken Alexander Associates Ltd and AM Heath ( for YA fiction) and to whom I recommends my best students.
Location
Mentoring sessions can be held at my writing studio in North Kensingon, or a suitable public place, such as a quiet café, or place suitable for you. Consultations via Zoom can also be arranged.
Prices
Option 1: £2,750 payable in full in advance
Option 2: £1,200 payable in full in advance
Option 3: £2,750 payable in full in advance
Option 4: £2,750 payable in full in advance
Option 5: £1,900 payable in full in advance
Payment will be made directly to Tim Lott.
Please note: for manuscript appraisals, texts of more than 70,000 words are subject to surcharge at £100 for every 10,000 words.
Please note: For the full mentoring option, submissions that are offered more than one year after the first submission will be assessed at the mentor’s discretion.
Guarantee
On Options 1, 3 and 4, after the first submission assessment and mentoring session, you will have the option to cancel the rest of the course if you are not satisfied for any reason.
You will then have 80% of your total fee reimbursed, as long as confirmation of cancellation is received by email within seven days of your first meeting with Tim.
Scholarships
A 50% fee reduction is available to students/unwaged individuals who display a high level of potential. To apply for a scholarship please email 5,000 words and a synopsis of your work to Tim at timlott@me.com. Please note, proof of unemployed/student status will be required in order for a scholarship to be offered.
Gift vouchers
Does someone you care about aspire to be a novelist? You can give them the first step – or a kickstart – towards their writing career as a gift.
For a one-off fee of £350 you can buy a Masterclasses Writers Gift Voucher, which will entitle the recipient to spend up to 90 minutes one-to-one with Tim discussing their ideas and brainstorming solutions.