I love working with writers to help make their stories as good as they can possibly be. As a Royal Literary Fund Fellow 2015-18 I helped hundreds of writers to develop their skills. I am an experienced mentor, including working with the National Mentoring Programme run by the Irish Writers’ Centre. I have also taught on Faber Academy’s Novel Writing Course, which involved giving detailed feedback to participants, and I teach creative writing at postgraduate level. If you want a fresh, professional pair of eyes, I may be able to help. 

Here are some of the services I offer, but feel free to contact me if you would like feedback on a shorter project. The benefit of working directly with me is that we can tailor the package to your individual needs. 

Full Mentoring Package 
This package is suitable for writers who are committed to a novel project, or who would like support to make them more committed! 
I will work with you for a period of six months, during which time you will submit three 10,000-word novel extracts for detailed feedback. This package includes:
    • An introductory, no obligation Zoom chat to discuss your project;
    • Line edits and a 1500-word summative report on each 10,000-word submission (three submissions);
    • A half-hour Zoom chat after each submission, including, in the final chat, suggestions for next steps. 

Cost (payable in 3 instalments): £1050

Submission Package

If you feel you are ready to submit to an agent, and would like professional feedback on your submission package, I can review:

    • Your query letter;
    • Your synopsis;
    • The first 3 chapters (or 5,000 words) of your novel.

You will receive a 1500-word report as well as a line edit. 

Cost: £300

Full Manuscript Critique
This is suitable for writers who have completed a novel draft and would like professional feedback. The cost will depend on the length of the project. Contact me to discuss your needs. 

What sort of projects can I help with?
I am happy to read middle grade, teen, young adult and adult novels and short stories. 
I love contemporary and historical fiction, including romance, saga, ‘bookclub’ fiction and crime (as long as it’s not too gory!) I am not a fan of speculative, sci-fi or fantasy fiction, so I wouldn’t be the best person to help you with that – but I could probably suggest someone who would. 

Terms and Conditions 
Full terms and conditions on application. 

Testimonials 
"I so appreciate your detailed feedback and comments. It's exactly what I was hoping for from this programme and will be so helpful." Mentee, IWC National Mentoring Programme, 2024

"From discussing character, story and structure, to a forensic line edit of the complete manuscript, Sheena was exactly the mentor I needed at every step of the way. I know I wouldn’t have had a finished book without her expert guidance." Susanne West, author of Courage to Love

"Sheena provides intelligent and insightful manuscript critiques, with an eye on what works in terms of storytelling but also bearing in mind potential markets. I have no hesitation in recommending her." Rachel Ward, author of The Supermarket Mysteries