Testimonials

“I have worked with Svetlana Pironko on several publishing projects – from the preparation of manuscripts for book publication to the teaching of fiction writing workshops – and I have found her to be an editor with a solid “big picture” sense of what good books require as well as a mastery of the page-to-page editorial mechanics that bring discipline and precision to a writer’s work.” Kevin Stevens, author of Reach the Shining River

“Svetlana has been an instrumental editor for my crime novels. Her insight to genre and literary fiction has been an invaluable resource to me.” Charlie Stella, author of Rough Riders 

“When it comes to editing fiction, Svetlana operates with laser precision. She has a way of going straight to the heart of what is right or wrong with a novel; more important she knows exactly what needs to be done to fix the problem. On several occasions I have baulked at her suggestions, only to look back at the result a year down the line and ask myself how I ever thought it could have been any other way.” – Donald Finnaeus Mayo, author of Francesca

“Svetlana has an instinctive feel for what does and doesn’t work, and her insights into structure and character development lifted my novel to a much higher level. Simply put, she's the finest editor I've encountered, and I consider it an ongoing privilege to be working with her.”   David Hogan, author of The Last Island

“This highly enjoyable course immerses you in every aspect of making the novel, from character and plot to editing and publishing. You will emerge a more confident, motivated and inspired writer.”  – Liz H.

“You can wait for thirty years for all the pieces of your novel to fall into place, or you can take this course and finish your book within a year, or, like me, you can do both.”   Tom C.

Whether you are self-publishing or seeking traditional publication, this service can help.

It provides the following editorial services to fiction writers:

MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION

We read your completed manuscript and provide a written summary on its strengths and weaknesses, including structure, plot, pace, dialogue, character development, and on its commercial viability. We would also answer up to three specific questions, if you have any.

Price:

Manuscripts under 25,000 words, €200;

manuscripts 25,001-50,000 words, €300;

40,001-70,000 words, €400;

70,001-100,000 words, €500;

more than 100,000 words: contact us.

An additional phone or Skype consultation can be scheduled for an extra fee, starting at €40 for 30 minutes or €65 per hour.

CONTENT OR DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING

If you need help with structure, plot, pace, dialogue, character development, we’ll advise you on how to make your manuscript stronger. Content editing is an interactive process: we’ll make comments directly on the electronic file and then go back and forth, by email or via Skype, if you have questions or need further assistance with the revision.

This does not include copyediting or proofreading.

Price: €60 per hour, with an estimate and a binding agreement on the total cost after we read, free of charge, the first chapter or the first 20 pages of your manuscript.

COACHING

If you have an idea for a book but don’t know where to start, if you are in the process of writing a book and aren’t sure where it’s going, if you have questions about the publishing business (both traditional and self-publishing) and your writing career, we can help.

We can work via email, phone or Skype (face-to-face Skype sessions are more interactive and productive). We’ll answer your questions and offer directions, based on our experience in all aspects of publishing: editorial, legal (contracts, copyright), marketing, translation rights, etc.

Coaching necessarily implies your manuscript evaluation (including work in progress) but doesn’t include copywriting or proofreading.

Price: €90 per hour for coaching sessions plus the following reading fee.

Manuscripts under 25,000 words, €60;

manuscripts 25,001-50,000 words, €100;

40,001-70,000 words, €130;

70,001-100,000 words, €200;

more than 100,000 words: contact us.

***

Please note that 50 percent of the agreed price must be paid upon signing of the agreement that establishes the terms of our relationship and the nature of services provided.

After you have signed the agreement and paid the advance, we will return a counter-signed copy to you.

About Svetlana Pironko

An experienced international agent with a deep knowledge of selling rights all over the world, with personal contacts with the English-speaking publishing world. She has direct experience of working with creative writers, publishers, editors and agents in many international markets and languages. She speaks fluent English, French, Russian, and has working knowledge of Italian. Before creating Author Rights Agency Ltd. in Dublin in 2006, she was a director of Lora Fountain & Associates Literary Agency in Paris.

Email address: writing@authorrightsagency.com