Close but no cigar?
Has your novella-in-flash manuscript been shortlisted or longlisted in a competition, yet you missed out on publication?
Michael has helped a number of novella-in-flash writers whose manuscripts were previously listed in competitions and then went on to be published afterwards and/or win awards. Testimonials from some of these writers are shown below.
The “Spark and Fine-tuning” service (new for 2024/2025) combines a manuscript appraisal (developmental feedback and in-depth copy editing recommendations) with an exploratory discussion (up to 2hrs), plus then three 60-minute coaching calls in the weeks/months that follow, as you revise the manuscript and rekindle all your enthusiasm and energy for sending it out afresh into the world.
If you want to increase your chances of publication, and make it much harder for a publisher to turn down a previously long-/short-listed manuscript, please send Michael your enquiry via the Contact Form at the bottom of this page…
“I first contacted Michael for advice on how to improve a shortlisted novella-in-flash that had come quite close but failed to win a prize. His initial MS report praised those parts of the work he found interesting and well-made, but concluded he felt it “hadn’t yet found its ideal form.” The report contained a wealth of detailed, concrete, actionable suggestions for how to tighten up the point of view, improve the pacing, smooth the overall shape and tone. Michael’s comments were always generous, precise and tactful. Via Skype and email, Michael kept me going during re-writes as a coach, offering advice and guidance on how to form and maintain good creative practices.
His diligent approach kept me believing in the project even when I was feeling blocked or in despair. In the final stages, with a publisher on board, Michael’s copy editing work prior to proofs was perfect – unobtrusive, meticulous, always constructive and well-targeted. Whatever stage you’re at with your writing project, if you’re serious about moving forward, getting better, getting there, Michael’s help is what you need.” (David Rhymes, author of The Last Days of the Union, published by Ad Hoc Fiction, 2022
“Thank you so much for all your help on bringing my novella, At the Bottom of the Stairs, to publication standard. Your insights into the story – from the overall pacing and direction, down to the phrasing of certain key lines – were crucial in making my book what it is. Your critiques were both gentle and uncompromising – you didn’t let me get away with a single cliché or clunky sentence, but never made me feel inadequate or overwhelmed. Most importantly, when the work was done, it was your cheerleading – your belief in the story – that spurred me on to seek publication for it. I literally couldn’t have done it without you!” (Chloe Banks, author of At the Bottom of the Stairs. Chloe’s novella was shortlisted in the BFFA novella-in-flash awards in 2019, then won the runner-up prize in the Reflex Press 2021 Novella Awards, and was published by them in 2022)
“I received my annotated manuscript back quickly. A summary page of common errors helped me to digest repeating patterns or areas for improvement. Each note within the main text was clear and precise. A structural suggestion for the novella as a whole added clarity… I have already amended some of my writing practice. As someone with no educational background in English literature and language past the age of sixteen, I learnt a significant amount to help my writing in the future.” (Stephanie Carty, author of Three Sisters of Stone, published by Ellipsis Zine, previously shortlisted in the BFFA Novella-in-Flash Awards. After publication this novella-in-flash won the 2019 Saboteur Award for Best Novella.)
“Thank you, Michael, for taking the time to read my novella-in-flash… Even though it had been shortlisted at the Bath Novella-in-Flash competition, I felt myself that it needed work, but couldn’t put my finger on it. Your expert editorial eye picked up on the issues… With your help I wrote 3 or 4 more flashes, including one that really nailed what the novella was all about. And the result? Forthcoming publication at Flash: The International Short-Short Story Press! I can’t thank you enough and will definitely work with you in the future.” (Debbi Voisey, author of The 10:25, published by Flash: The International Short-Short Story Press, 2021)
Subscribers to the novella-in-flash.com free writing prompt blogposts can receive a 5% discount on prices for “Spark and Fine-tuning”. Access this offer first by adding your email address here:
And then please send your “Spark and Fine-tuning” enquiry (giving brief details of the manuscript, including word count), via the Contact Form below.
Michael Loveday is an accredited creativity coach, experienced editor, and a Visiting Lecturer at Bath Spa University. He has provided editorial support and mentoring on over 30 published novellas-in-flash across a variety of leading publishers. His craft guide Unlocking the Novella-in-Flash: from Blank Page to Finished Manuscript (Ad Hoc Fiction, 2022) won an Arts Council England Award, the 2023 Best Indie Book Award for Non-fiction ‘How-To’ books, the 2023 Cadmus Book Award for ‘Non-fiction: Crafting/ Hobbies/How-To’ books, the Reader Views Awards 2023 Silver Medal Award for Writing/Publishing, and was a Finalist for three other awards, including the International Book Awards 2023.
The Novella-in-Flash 