Book Doctor Services

 Dr Nicky -


has published nine YA novels with Bloomsbury, has twice been nominated for the Carnegie medal, as well as other awards. She has a doctorate in creative writing and has taught  BA, MA and MFA students at several universities. Her other website is here: http://nmbrowne.com/
She has also tutored on several Arvon courses and helped several published novelists to hone their manuscripts.

Dr Nicky says

If  you want me to look at your novel and for structural and content edits

 I charge £100 per 10,000 words

I will advise on plot, setting, characterisation, pace, structure, language.

You will receive a report with suggestions on how to improve the text and an hour's tutorial is included for novels up to 40,000 words and three hours for up to 80,000.
This can be by phone/facetime/skype or face to face if you live locally.

Some of the writers she has worked with have said nice things about her usefulness.

-- Nicky has helped me understand so many aspects of writing from plot to complex points of view. She is very direct and immensely encouraging, and her greatest skill (in my opinion) is knowing why a scene/chapter/book isn't working." Sue Wallman Author of ‘Lying about Last Summer’ (Zoella Book club pick) and ‘See how they Lie’ (Scholastic)

'Nicky was my dissertation supervisor during my MA in Creative Writing at Kingston University. She has an extraordinary depth of knowledge in the craft of storytelling and an innate ability to both nurture and teach fledgling writers. I learned so much from her about plot, character, setting, and dialogue vs narrative. Her insightful comments and notes helped me hone both my manuscript and academic essay to a standard of 'Distinction'. Since then my manuscript has been published as a part of the 'Nat Walker' series in a three book deal with Nosy Crow Publishing.' Susan Moore, Author - 'Crimson Poison', 'Emerald Secret'.

Nicky is inspiring and insightful. She has the gift of helping you see your own writing through new eyes. She was able to help me with all aspects of my work from plotting through to editing because she has a real understanding of how fiction works.’  Ruth Fitzgerald MA MMU author of  Emily Sparkes series published by Little Brown

'I remember the day I showed Nicky my fantastical plot ideas for a children’s adventure story. I was so nervous she’d laugh at how crazy they all sounded. Not at all. Instead, she complimented my creativity, and enthusiastically showed me how I could twist them into a complete story. Nicky’s insights gave me the courage to keep going and improve my writing.'  Julie Pike Lumb Bank

I was privileged to have Nicky supervise my dissertation for my MA in Creative Writing. Her careful reading of my work and insightful criticism helped me truly understand my characters and write something I'm proud of. I've had a lot of creative writing tutors. Nicky really knows what she's talking about, and her absence of ego and ability to nurture talent are refreshing.’  Cat Cuthleban MA Kingston

"Nicky is that rare thing: A successful and experienced writer who is both generous and enthusiastic about the writing of others. I have attended her workshops and been lucky enough to receive feedback on a couple of my manuscripts. Nicky motivates writers by keeping writing fun and her criticism of work is always spot on – sharp and to the point but always encouraging. She seems to be able to give the same amount of energy to teaching, listening and helping others achieve their best as she gives to her own writing, which is truly brilliant – and often weird and wonderful. To be creative you need to maintain a certain level of play - not let the inner critic destroy too much too early, and Nicky creates safe situations where this can happen in her workshops. Equally she is brilliant at spotting where a book might be diverging from what the writer wants, or believes it to be."Sarah Day

"Nicky is an absolute marvel! She can see right to the nub of the issue with your writing and help you tease it out to get to the solution. She has helped me no end and I really can't praise her highly enough."  Camilla Chester, Children's Author

‘Nicky is an excellent tutor. Her knowledge of children's books and relevant academic teaching experience is commendable and she is able to teach in an affable manner that is encouraging and engaging. She devises exercises that force a writer to stop and reflect and draw out the best in their writing.

Her critique is always spot on and in line with current industry professionals. In my opinion, she is the go to person if you want to become a successful children's writer."
A. M Dassu - Writer and SCBWI British Isles Events Editor