The Editorial Department provides services to publishers and authors in Wales and deals with approximately 175 manuscripts annually, in both English and Welsh. The material accepted is that for reading for leisure, and educational material of any kind is not accepted.
Services to Publishers
For publishers, the Department offers an editorial service in both English and Welsh, e.g. copy-editing of typescripts and correction of proofs. The Department provides these services for some 20 publishers, with the help of a small team of experienced external editors and readers as required.
Services to Authors
For authors, the Department offers a manuscript assessment service. Any Wales-based or Welsh authors who wish to obtain advice regarding their work are welcome to contact the Editorial Department and an independent reader’s report can be arranged. Every effort is made to select an appropriate external reader who will provide a fair and constructive report.
This service is available to writers living in Wales or born in Wales and to writers in the Welsh language.
Work must be typewritten on one side a page only, in double or 1.5 spacing, with each page numbered.
The report will be prepared within 4–6 weeks.
A small fee is charged for this service, as follows:
- £25 (+ VAT) for up to 200 pages
- £10 (+ VAT) for every 100 pages thereafter
The Welsh Books Council will invoice the author after the report has been completed. Applicants may use the service once during any twelve month period.
Authors may prefer to contact publishers directly, and on the Welsh Book Trade Info website there is a list of all publishers in Wales.
Courses
Occasionally, editing and proofreading courses are arranged, in conjunction with other professional bodies, as required.
Additional Information
Since the Department requires the services of dependable freelance editors, proofreaders and readers on a regular basis, those who have relevant experience in any of these fields are welcome to contact us.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the Department’s work, please contact:
Marian Beech Hughes
Senior Editorial Officer
Welsh Books Council
Castell Brychan
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
SY23 2JB
Tel: 01970 624151
Fax: 01970 635385
E-mail: marian.beechhughes@wbc.org.uk