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Every manuscript can benefit from an experienced editorial eye.
Whether you’re developing your first novel, revising a completed manuscript or preparing to submit your work to agents or publishers, this one-to-one consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your writing with an experienced publishing professional.
Book a private 30-minute Google Meet with Gary Dalkin, founder of To The Last Word, to ask questions about your manuscript, the editing process or your publishing journey, and receive honest, constructive guidance tailored to your needs.
About Gary
With more than 30 years’ experience in the publishing industry, Gary has worked as both an editor and writer across a wide range of genres.
He provides professional editorial services to authors at every stage of their writing journey, helping them strengthen their manuscripts and prepare for traditional or independent publishing.
Popular topics include
- Understanding the editing process
- Strengthening structure, pacing and story flow
- Character development and narrative clarity
- Preparing your manuscript for submission
- Working effectively with editors
- Self-publishing versus traditional publishing
- Understanding different levels of editing and what your manuscript needs
Every consultation is tailored to your project, your questions and where you are on your writing journey.
Your consultation includes
- A private 30-minute Google Meet with Gary Dalkin
- Honest, constructive editorial guidance
- The opportunity to ask questions about your manuscript or publishing plans
- Practical advice to help you move confidently to your next stage
Price
Members: £20
Non-members: £25
How to book
- Pay your session fee.
- Complete the Register Your Interest form below.
- We’ll contact you to arrange a mutually convenient date and time.
If we’re unable to arrange a suitable appointment, your payment will be refunded in full.
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Terms & Conditions
By booking an Ask the Editor session with Gary Dalkin via Author Events, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the following terms:
1. Nature of the Service
- The Ask the Editor session is a 30-minute one-to-one video call, conducted via Google Meet, intended to offer general editorial advice and guidance.
- This is a verbal consultation only. It does not include written feedback, editing, or a manuscript critique.
- You are welcome to ask questions about your project, the editing process, publishing routes, or submission strategy.
2. Payment & Fees
- £25 for non-members
- £20 for Author Events Members
- Payment must be made in full at the time of booking, via our secure partner, Book and Stage (SumUp).
- The payment is treated as a refundable deposit. If a suitable session time cannot be arranged, you will receive a full refund.
3. Booking Process
- After payment, you must complete the Register Your Interest form with your contact details and preferred availability.
- Author Events acts as an enquiry agent on behalf of Gary Dalkin.
Your form details will be emailed directly to Gary, who will contact you to arrange your session. - Bookings are not confirmed until both payment and the interest form are received.
- If you have not heard from Gary within two working days, please contact Author Events for assistance.
4. Rescheduling & Cancellations
- You may request to reschedule your session up to 24 hours in advance.
- Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the session are non-refundable, unless in exceptional circumstances.
- If Author Events or Gary Dalkin must cancel or reschedule due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be offered an alternative time or a full refund.
5. Confidentiality
- Author Events will only have access to the initial Register Your Interest form.
- Any further communication, scheduling, or discussion between you and Gary Dalkin will be conducted privately and will not be seen or copied to Author Events.
- Any discussion about your work or writing during the session will remain confidential between you and Gary Dalkin.
- No part of your work will be recorded, stored, or shared beyond the session itself.
6. Scope of Advice
- The session provides general guidance and insight based on the editor’s experience.
- This is not a copy-editing, proofreading, or manuscript critique service.
- No prior reading of your manuscript is included unless otherwise stated.
8. Finality
- Sessions are one-time consultations.
- No follow-up reports or correspondence are included unless separately agreed.
9. Author Declaration
By booking a session, you confirm that:
- You understand and accept the nature and scope of the service.
- You are the author of any work you discuss during the session.
- You agree not to record the session without explicit permission.