Alan Smith

I am a published writer and multidiscipline creative with years of experience conducting workshops and advising mentees. As an autodidact who spent forty years refining my craft through masterclasses and retreats before attaining my MFA, I offer a unique perspective that blends decades of real-world experience with academic rigour.

My approach is entirely individualised. I recognise that every writer’s journey is unique, and I adapt my instruction to your specific needs, whether you require line-edit suggestions to polish a final draft or a high-level overview to identify structural problem areas. I read every piece of work you send me, ensuring that our sessions are spent on meaningful, deep-dive discussions rather than surface-level observations.

I specialise in bridging the gap between creative instinct and academic requirement. Whether you are a GCSE or A-Level student navigating narrative structure or a university student (BA, MA, MFA) refining a dissertation, I tailor my feedback to your goals. For younger students, I focus on building the confidence to trust your own creative instincts while mastering clarity. For those at the degree level, my instruction leans into technical and theoretical depth, ensuring your scripts, poetry, or prose meet your highest standards.

One of the most common challenges writers face is the nagging feeling that something in a piece "isn't quite right," yet they cannot pinpoint why. My specialty lies in identifying these elusive issues and exploring solutions together. My feedback style is honest and perceptive, or as one of my long-term mentees put it, "critical without criticising." I believe that true creative growth happens in a safe, conversational environment where your work is challenged but your unique voice is always nurtured.

I believe quality mentorship should be accessible. While my mean rate is listed as £50, I operate on a tiered sliding scale based on the level of study and depth of prep work required. This typically ranges from £30/hr for foundational high school support to £70/hr for advanced MFA-level or professional manuscript development.

I offer an Initial Review for a flat fee of £25. This is a low-pressure way for us to meet and see if my style suits your vision. Before we talk, I will review up to 1,500 words of your work (or a project outline) so that our hour together is spent on meaningful feedback rather than catching up. Whether you decide to continue with regular mentorship/tuition or simply need a one-off second pair of eyes, this session will provide you with a clear roadmap for your next draft.