Welcome to my website
My name is Diane Johnstone, I am a literary consultant, and I live on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall.
I know from my own experience, as well as that of all the writers I have helped, that writing can be at times a wonderful experience, and at times a lonely, frustrating ordeal: an ordeal that few among one’s family, friends, colleagues or acquaintances can ever really empathise with. What many writers want, but can’t easily find, is a knowledgeable ‘best friend’ who has the experience to help and support them, someone who can resolve the problems that they themselves can’t resolve alone.
And that is how I see myself: a writer’s best friend.
This website therefore sets out what I can do for you if you are looking for an inexpensive, personal and prompt service offering analysis, suggestions and constructive criticism of your manuscript.
If there is anything not covered here that you would like to ask me about, please do send me an email. I would be delighted to hear from you.
Finally, whether or not you choose to contact me, I wish you the best of luck with whatever you are writing. Because in this business you need luck, no matter how talented you are.
My experience
I have worked with writers and the writing business for many years. I used to read film scripts for a London film and theatrical agency with a view to casting suitable clients (the downside of this was that for several years after I left the agency I knew the plot of every major film). Books I have helped to edit have been published by Viking, Orion, Hodder, Simon & Schuster etc., and I work freelance for a leading London literary agency.
I specialise in novels and children’s books, but will be glad to look at other genres. If for any reason I am unable to assess your work it will, of course, be returned to you free of charge. I have recently been supervising and assessing students on the Professional Writing MA course at University College Falmouth.