Pre-submission support.
So, you have a polished manuscript and are now seeking a publishing deal, or perhaps you’ve already tried and have come up short? Well, take a read of the below and if you fancy my help, get in touch.
So you’re at that stage. You’ve finished a novel and are ready to have it published. Many congrats.
Now it’s time to reach out to agents and publishers to try and land the much-coveted deal.
Is it difficult to land a publishing deal? Hell yeah. But easier now than it has ever been, what with the birth of a multitude of brilliant indie publishing houses over recent years. But still, your manuscript will have to be in great nick, and – even moreso when it comes to first impressions – you’ll need to get your submission package bang on the money.
After all, agents and publishing houses deal with up to 500 submissions a day, so you need to make sure yours stands out.
I can help you with that.
“Working with David is always a fantastic experience. He cuts through the gristle"
– Critically-acclaimed author MR Mackenzie
Mostly – though not exclusively – agents and publishing houses will be expecting you to submit a cover letter, a synopsis and the first 10,000-words (or first three chapters) of your novel.
I’ll show you how you can perfect each of those key components and will ensure you have – at hand – the perfect submission that will generate your best chances of landing a publishing deal.
Aside from that, I will also include a contacts list sheet for anybody who seeks this service from me. It will include the email addresses of all publishing houses and agents that will suit your genre of writing. You’re welcome!
Considering the service provided here, the prices below are extremely fair. That’s my congratulations to you for finishing your debut novel.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Agent/Publisher Full submission package feedback and editing (includes cover letter, synopsis and first 10,000-words) | £329 | |
| Agent/Publisher Lite submission package feedback (includes cover letter and synopsis) | £129 |
Both of these services offer the publisher/agent contacts list for your chosen genre.
Novels I have worked on in the past include:
“David has professionally edited four of my books and I’ve been delighted with the results every time. He has a collaborative style that is both supportive and encouraging”
Rob Ashman, No. 1 Bestselling Author
"If you’re looking for a high quality editor you really don’t need to look any further."
John Nicholl, critically-acclaimed author
“Less gifted editors - I know because I've met them - attempt to shape a manuscript in their likeness, rather than bringing focus and, where needed, direction to what is already on the page. David brings both”
Owen Mullen, No. 1 Bestselling Author
“He doesn’t use any fluffy academic terms, he speaks to you as if you are a peer and he has a great ability to make you believe you really can achieve your dream of becoming an author”
David Newman, former student of David Lyons
“Lyons wrote a high-octane page-turner that’ll leave you guessing right until the end”
Brian Carroll, Irish Mail on Sunday
“David’s corrections, observations and advice are immensely helpful, and ultimately greatly enhanced the finished novel. I would therefore highly recommend his services”
NM Brown, critically-acclaimed author
“I appreciate David's straightforward approach; he's very clear about why he's suggested changes and does it in a warm and encouraging way. I would certainly recommend him and hope he'll be working on my next book”
AJ Waines, international bestselling author
"What a fantastic, intense, addictive, and incredibly clever read which definitely left me guessing until the very last page"
The Writing Garnet, Book Reviewer
“David is an entertaining and informative speaker and our students have been highly gratified to have an author working at the cutting edge of contemporary crime writing leading their workshop”
Tim Kelly, course director of Professional Creative Writing, Coventry University
“David is a pleasure to work with. The straightforward and no nonsense approach he uses is something I greatly appreciate. I’m so proud of what we achieved together.”
AB Morgan, critically-acclaimed author
“Told in short chapters from each character’s viewpoint, David B. Lyons’ debut thriller is neatly plotted and has a devastating twist in its tail”
Myles McWeeney, Literary critic - Irish Independent
“He cuts through the gristle and gets to the heart of your manuscript, providing an incisive critique of everything from overarching plot structure to syntax”
M.R. Mackenzie, critically-acclaimed Author
“David is an inspiring teacher. His contemporary course content is delivered in an accessible, relevant and challenging format to his students. His classes are always interactive and he applies a most conscientious approach”
Niamh Ward, Head of Media, Rathmines College
“His feedback was very helpful - clearly explaining why he was suggesting the changes he had. I was very lucky to work with David and would happily do so again”
Rebecca Muddiman, critically-acclaimed author
“It was great working with David. He's very thorough and professional and made the whole editing experience hugely pleasurable”
Sibel Hodge, Renowned author
“He is a highly skilled and talented editor. I greatly appreciated his insightful and constructive feedback which both motivated and encouraged me”
CM Stephenson, critically-acclaimed author
“David was named winner of the Most Promising Author of the Year last year. His writing is amazing!”
Rubina Gomes, Book blogger and reviewer
“David has a real talent as a storyteller. He is a great new voice in fiction..”
John A. Marley, Renowned author
“David is an inspiring teacher. His Creative Writing teaching is very much centred on the student”
Martin Garrod, Headteacher - King Edward VI school, Camphill
“David has a unique narrative approach to his writing that ensures readers are gripped to the page. I swallow his books in one sitting”
Sharon Thompson, No.1 Bestselling author
“David is an author to watch out for. He really is an outstanding craftsman in the thriller genre. A passionate writer with a gift for the craft”
Andrew Barrett, No.1 Bestselling author
“David teaches creative writing through personal experience. He delivered an excellent seminar and workshop on the unreliable narrator at Coventry University.”
Poppy Sall, former student of David Lyons
“I consider myself very fortunate to have had David edit my debut novel. He was quick, efficient and reliable, and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend him. .”
CS Savage, critically-acclaimed author
“I have been a university lecturer for over fifteen years but rarely come across minds like David's nor teachers who can connect with their students with such natural ease.”
Dr. John Keenan, Senior Lecturer in Education, Newman University