Faber offers manuscript service as Hassan steps up

Faber is launching a new programme of manuscript assessment to run in conjunction with its Faber Academy range of creative writing courses.

The move comes as three recent graduates of Faber Academy’s six-month Writing a Novel course—Nick Clark Windo, Felicia Yap and Chloé Esposito—all bagged multiterritory deals at this year’s London Book Fair.

The manuscript service will offer writers (not just Faber Academy students) professional feedback, ranging from an initial assessment to a “full manuscript MOT”. Prices range from £225–£500. The Writing a Novel course is priced at £4,000.

Ian Ellard, head of Faber Academy, called the service “a natural next step”, adding: “Our writers trust us to give them impartial advice and proper practical support to help them write what they want to write.”

Meanwhile, Faber has promoted Laura Hassan to the new role of editorial director, with a remit to acquire “a broad range of non-fiction”.

Hassan currently heads non-fiction list Guardian Faber, which she will continue to work on with the help of a new editor, who will be appointed in due course. Faber publisher Mitzi Angel said: “[Hassan] is an immensely talented editor. I look forward to the lively, thought-provoking, authoritative books she’ll bring to the list.”