Testimonials from Clients

'I can't thank Liz enough for taking my book to a level that was fit for publication. My only regret was not contacting her sooner. Her ongoing encouragement and support has been an added bonus and I will most definitely be calling upon her for all of my future projects - you're the best, Liz!' Mitch Larsson. Author of Time for Her. 

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‘Liz Monument did a manuscript assessment on the first two books in my Mage and Bird Caller trilogy. I was extremely impressed with her report, which ranged from deep insights into the overall structure of the novels to extremely constructive comments on the pace and writing style. I am so glad I found Liz and look forward to her insights and what I know will be absolutely invaluable feedback on my third book.’ Kaaren Sutcliffe. Author of Fugitive Mage and Undercover Mage

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‘Liz Monument’s coaching led to my first book, and the proposal, being strong enough to get published by a good independent press. I highly recommend her to anyone.’ Grant Ennis. Author of Dark PR: How Corporations Undermine Our Health and the Environment.

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‘Liz is a generous and perceptive mentor. Her all-round experience and knowledge of the writing world are invaluable to the emerging writer. She combines the toughness that challenges you to add greater depth to your writing with the insight and enthusiasm that nourishes your belief in yourself and your work.Charlotte Clutterbuck, author of The Gannet Quartet (Twin Stars)

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'As a fifty-year-old trying to write my first novel, Liz has been exactly what I needed. She’s able to keep things totally basic when I need that, and is very patient but, at the same time very honest, not just telling me what I want to hear. Her knowledge gives me confidence. I’ve really enjoy working with my writing coach, who I think of as a friend now. With her help I’ve just finished my first short story. I totally recommend Liz.' Paul Stephens, Victoria.

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'Liz’s assessment of my novel The Amsterdam Good Murder Guide was exactly what I was hoping it would be. It showed me where I was going wrong, and what I needed to do about it. I took on at least 90% of Liz’s suggestions, which ranged from chopping and changing the structure, to getting rid of entire characters and plotlines. Indeed, I was so impressed by her work that when I finished the subsequent draft of the novel, I returned for a second assessment, and was equally impressed with that, too.' Karl Webster. Author of The Amsterdam Good Murder Guide.

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'Liz has been absolutely priceless. Her report on my novel was insightful, clear, and full of practical suggestions for how to approach the rewrite, and the follow-up zoom call was  a revelation. Very easy and personable to chat to, she was full of generous and inspiring thoughts about how to approach the dreaded rewrite. As a result, a story I felt I could never again see clearly, and had not much desire to dive back into, has me excited and full of ideas for its transformation. She was able to spot and extract things I wanted but failed to express, and clarify them in my mind so I now have a clear idea of both where I am going and how to get there. What had previously felt like a daunting task I’m now excited to tackle. Thank you Liz! I’ll definitely be using her services again. Highly recommended.' Joy Perino Saloschin, UK.

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'I was quite nervous having someone read my manuscript, but I am incredibly glad I sent it to Liz. Her detailed report has given me insight into elements that are working well for me and scenes, sentence structures, and character developments that could use improvements. What I love about our meetings is that Liz is very understanding of what I am envisioning for the novel and her enthusiasm provides inspiration and encouragement to continue working. I am looking forward to many more meetings together!' Jeannine de Kuijper, Netherlands.

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‘Liz has transformed my writing technique, turning me from a capable writer of non-fiction to an aspiring author of fiction. Her high expectations, insightful comments and kind approach have really helped to develop my style, improving both the presentation of the narrative and treatment of the characters. Her advice always makes me think hard about my work, but she is sensitive to point out very heartily what works well. The coaching service that Liz provides is essential for any serious novice writer.’  Alan Chadwick, UK.

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'I knew there were flaws in my novel manuscript. Thanks to Liz and her clear guidance, I was able to fix them whilst learning how to take a more measured approach towards my writing. She was prompt to respond to queries, handled my weaknesses with sensitivity, and both recognised and channelled my determination and passion to produce a product that my readers now enjoy. Liz was a pleasure to work with and I look forward to working with her again.' Dionne Haynes. Author of The Winter Years, Running With the Wind, Winds of Change.  

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'Working with Liz on my novel is the best decision of my writing career. The greatest part of working with Liz is her ability to inhabit the world I am trying to create. She intuitively gets to the heartbeat of the story and is pinpoint focussed on steering you through the various rabbit holes and distractions to reach it. Her passion comes through in every email or face-to-face conversation. It has been eye-opening, enjoyable and incredibly valuable. I can’t thank her enough.' Joe Ranson, UK.

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'Liz's help and advice have been invaluable. She can see immediately what you are trying to achieve with your manuscript, and steer you expertly to your goal. I cannot thank her enough for her guidance.' Neil Aldridge, UK.

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'I love my writing coach. Liz gently tries to teach this seventy-plus old dog the tricks he’s forgotten or never learned in the first place. My goal is a traditional published debut novella in the YA genre. Can I do it? With Liz’s help I’m in with a good chance.' Robert Lashley, USA.

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‘Liz’s close reading of my text and her careful analysis of the structure, content and language was incredibly helpful. Her feedback was insightful and diplomatic – Liz is an absolute pleasure to work with.’ Petra McNulty, France.

 

Dr Petra McNulty, Associate lecturer at Lancaster University, lives in Fontainebleau, France. ‘Nanook’s Igloo’ features in the Bath Short Story Anthology (2018). Highly commended, Costa Coffee Short Story Award (2018); Shortlisted, Bath Short Story Award (2018); Longlisted, Exeter Short Story Prize (2018); Longlisted, Hourglass Literary Magazine Short Story competition (2016); Longlisted, Fish Short Story Prize (2015); Shortlisted, Fish Short Story Prize (2014).

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'Both Clan Carruthers Society International and myself would like to recommend Liz Monument for her exceptional editorial and communication skills. She is a highly competent and tenacious individual whose thoroughness, yet pleasant manner, makes her so very easy to work with. We have achieved so much with her kind assistance and cannot thank her enough.'  George CarruthersCCSI (UK)

 

Dr George Carruthers FSA Scot is Convenor to Clan Carruthers Society International, which is based in Scotland, and is a well known Clan Historian. In his capacity as a clan historian, along with such notables as Sir Billy Connolly, the Earl of Elgin, Dr Joseph Morrow, Joanna Lumley, and Sir Chay Blyth, he has been honoured with the Order of the Scottish Samurai. He is a Burgess and Freeman of the City of Glasgow, and an armiger of the Scottish clan and family Carruthers.    

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'Liz (AKA Script Doctor), is insightful, efficient, fair, and genuinely interested in doing her best for her clients. She has helped me far beyond what I expected… Liz covered a great many aspects of the art of writing and helped me to "think" about what I am doing. Thank you, Liz!' Phil Green, Adelaide.

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'I first approached Liz for a manuscript assessment. Her feedback was thorough and highly constructive - it gave me the building blocks to refine my ideas and frame them in a way that brought them to the forefront. Currently, I’m working with Liz as a writing coach. Her process and approach to directing editorial changes and helping me develop my own voice and style has been invaluable. I couldn’t do without Liz and am so thankful for all her help and guidance. Couldn’t recommend enough!' Joseph De La Hoyde, New South Wales.

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"Whilst struggling with my first novel, I reached out to Jericho Writers in Oxford. They matched me with Liz to assess my MS. Her constructive editing and positive comments gave me the inspiration to continue. Not only did she point out where things needed work, more importantly (to me) she showed me what I was doing well. Thank you, Liz for being so honest and insightful."  Jo Harris, UK.

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'I sent Liz a copy of my debut book because I wanted to know, first and foremost, whether I could actually write something to hold a reader's interest. She suggested some useful edits and tweaks to the plot but also pointed out what I had done well, which was a confidence boost. She made perceptive comments about the storyline and seemed genuinely interested in what I had written. Best of all, Liz has inspired me to write my next book, which I'm now doing.' Anne Vitoria, UK.

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'This is my first time working with an editor for my own work and Liz has been incredibly helpful and insightful. My manuscript assessment was very thorough and it was clear that she took a tremendous amount of care putting it together. Her advice has helped me identify issues I couldn't quite get on my own, with a lot of practical solutions - so I'm very pleased to be working with her!' Cameron Sullivan, Melbourne.

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Amazon Reviews of The Eternity Fund and Iteration:

 

I haven't been this enthralled since I first watched the film Blade Runner - Liz Monument is such an atmospherically accomplished writer. This is writing of a different class.

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The pace is fast, and the story is gripping and dark. The Eternity Fund is a thriller set in a futuristic world which is both unpleasant and surprising…. it paints a disturbing backdrop against which the protagonist Jess and her handler Mo must catch a band of particularly nasty criminals.

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The best book I have listened to in years. I hope they make a movie of this book… I can't wait for her next book.

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Absolutely loved this book. Would not normally read futuristic novels (even though I would watch futuristic movies). This book has converted me into rethinking my reading lists… What a brilliant talented lady.

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A thriller with a difference. Well written and with believable characters, despite it being set in an alternative reality. Kept me gripped. Recommended.

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A glimpse into the future, think 1984 on steroids. While not my usual genre I found the characters and storyline engaging… a fast-paced storyline.

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This is the second of Monument's novels that I've read, and it's definitely different from the first. Iteration follows three characters before and after a cataclysm…

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Believable characters set in a well imagined (rather frightening) world… The main protagonist, Jennifer, is a middle aged, unexpected heroine, dealing with an ageing mother (with dementia), sexism, side-lining and an element of 'big brother'- all current issues… beautifully written..

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I'd describe the book [Iteration] as science or speculative fiction, but there are elements of fantasy (holograms campaigning for solidity and equal treatment to their organic peers, and mythical creatures being genetically engineered by computer).

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After reading The Eternity Fund… I was excited to see another novel being released. Again I was not disappointed. Compelling read, which I couldn't put down. Set in the future and with a brilliant twist at the end. Totally recommend. Can't wait for Liz's next novel.

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