Our Books
We’re so lucky to have been able to work on a broad range of books by some fantastic authors over the years, a number of whom have gone on to become agented and published by industry big-hitters such as Hachette, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Bloomsbury, and more. See below for a small selection of Cornerstones titles.
"The EYN course not only helped me get my manuscript into shape to find my wonderful agent, it also helped me develop skills that made getting the book ready for publication a much smoother and more enjoyable process. My cohort of fellow writers were so supportive and I love that I can still refer back to the course materials when I'm writing or editing."
"Having Monica Chakraverty at Cornerstones look at my work was invaluable. From the start, her advice was consistent. This was then continued once I had acquired representation. Monica's support meant a great deal to me – I learnt a lot, but I have also benefitted from her kind support and encouragement beyond it."
"I’d had shortlistings, longlistings and full manuscript requests but couldn’t get beyond that. Cornerstones helped me get my manuscript to the next level and ultimately land a publishing deal with the brilliant DFB."
"Cornerstones were a major influence on the book. I am delighted to say that I was subsequently offered representation by Emily MacDonald at 42mp and that what is now called THE LAST SECRET OF WICKHAM GRANGE is being published by Bedford Square Publishers this April 2026. I've recommended Cornerstones a few times now as it was such a good investment for me."
"Thank you Cornerstones US for your brilliant help in getting my first book up off the ground. I won't ever write another book without you by my side."
"Working with Cornerstones helped me shape the final draft of my debut novel into a manuscript that caught the eye of a few independent presses. I ultimately signed with Sea Crow Press and 'The Art Collector’s Wife' had its publication date just this past October. My experience with Cornerstones gave me the confidence to query with renewed determination and the certainty that my novel was ready to meet the public. I couldn’t be happier with the support of my editor and the team at Cornerstones."
“Cornerstones offered crucial help at a time when I really needed it. Thanks to the team for matching me with the right editor: my manuscript transformed from something that had previously only given me panic into a story that inspired confidence.”
"I had some wonderful mentoring with Cornerstones at first draft stage which was incredibly helpful, and through the support of Helen and the team, I worked towards a final draft and managed to get myself an agent."
"My Cornerstones editor was thorough, detailed, and always positive. I could not recommend them more to get your manuscript in shape. Thanks to the team I went on to secure an incredible agent and publisher. Thank you Cornerstones for making a dream come true!"
"I’ve just had the thrilling experience of signing with a top agent, which would not have happened without Cornerstones’ help. Helen and her team read my MS from start to finish, provided invaluable feedback, arranged agency introductions and here I am! It was worth every penny and I can’t thank you enough."
"I think, for me, the most important aspect of working with Cornerstones is the feeling of taking yourself seriously as a writer. It is a big investment to think of having professional feedback in this way but I’d received so many rejections while also feeling that I couldn’t give up on these characters and this story just yet."
"From the moment I first started working with Cornerstones, I felt like I was in a safe pair of hands. They made great editing suggestions, from the minor to the major, and were also a fantastic support whenever I had a crisis of confidence. I don’t think I’d have had the courage or the confidence to submit to agents without them.”
"Helen Corner-Bryant at Cornerstones Literary Consultancy put me in touch with Eleanor Leese who skilfully encouraged my first steps and helped put my proposal together."
"I would describe Cornerstones as a doorway into the world of publishing (having first walked round the outside peering in through the windows)."
"Thanks to Cornerstones and their editors for helping me knock this one into shape. Ended up with two publishing offers!"
"My first experience of expert editorial advice came from Cornerstones. Cornerstones helped me shape my manuscript, which then landed me an agent. But through working with them, I wasn’t really just learning about line and structural changes on that particular story, instead the real learning was understanding the value of PAT – partnership; advice; trust."
!["It took me a while to realise there was no shame in asking for professional advice [...] My Cornerstones editor provided me with the perfect blend of enthusiasm and constructive criticism. My book went on to win a three-book deal with Constable, an](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6165a623a16ac72904564357/1634051652753-6UYEITR1T47O4VP97PYO/61K-afxzw6L.jpeg)
"It took me a while to realise there was no shame in asking for professional advice [...] My Cornerstones editor provided me with the perfect blend of enthusiasm and constructive criticism. My book went on to win a three-book deal with Constable, an imprint of Little, Brown. No literary consultancy can guarantee you will get published, but Cornerstones clearly have the calibre to help you get there."
"Without working with Alison as a mentor through Cornerstones, I'm not sure that I would ever have finished the book. She filled me with much-needed confidence and was a guiding light throughout the difficult first draft."
"When I contacted Cornerstones I was assigned the fabulous Steph Roundsmith as my mentor - she helped me to improve on my original manuscript with her winning combination of insight, knowledge, enthusiasm and a bit of tough love - and although it wasn't always easy, it was worth it as I now have a three book deal, and have at last fulfilled my ambition to become a published author!"
"Cornerstones paired me with a fantastic editor, Ben, who helped me to turn my raw draft into a submittable one. We worked on characters, storyline, and the essential suspense and goosebump readability. Helen then passed me through to my hands-on agent. We did further revisions and one year on, I have a dream two-book deal with Headline! Thank you so much to Cornerstones, I couldn’t have done it without you."
"Cornerstones's feedback was honest but encouraging and I got back to work. After a several more re-writes, I was over the moon to be picked up by one of my top-of-the list agents, followed by exciting publishing deals in the UK, US, and with sales of foreign rights. Thank you so much Cornerstones for the help and support!"
“For constructive and professional editorial advice, contacting Cornerstones is a very wise move for any aspiring author. Their reports pushed my writing in the right direction, and I’m so pleased I picked up the phone and said; “The thing is, I’ve got a first draft of a novel and…”"
"For the second time Cornerstone’s editorial work has licked my manuscript into a state that has attracted a publisher. Friends never tell you the truth – only a professional editor will. But more than the truth they improve your work in a way that is almost impossible to do on your own."