This year, I had the great pleasure of working with Ginny Porter of Osborne Porter Literary Services, who published my book in November 2009. The book is called Healing In A Maximum Security Prison A Life Skills and Kinesiology Handbook. This book was the result of three years working with and designing workshops for inmates. The original script I gave Ginny was a total mess (in hindsight!) and she patiently helped me sort it out into a marvellous, well constructed book, worthy of publishing. I am so grateful to you, Ginny. You have become a true friend and I treasure the time and experience of knocking this book into shape, under your careful eye. You were always positive, inspiring and happy to go the extra ten miles to make sure each page was perfect. I do not know how you had the patience! I do know, though, I am eternally grateful to you as I know in my heart, if it weren't for you, this book would not have reached the world. A big heartfelt thank you! If you have a book to publish, Ginny is the person to speak to. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Gabby Fels

What it's like to be published by a non-mainstream publisher - a few thoughts:
What do Osborne Porter Literary Services call themselves? Publish on demand? Self-publish on demand? Non-mainstream? Whatever. No matter... I call them 'my publisher'. Second question: what is it like to have them as your publisher - compared to 'mainstream', say? Well, I have had two books published by OPLS in the last 12 months and, compared to my painful experiences with 'mainstreams', it has been an absolutely painless experience. More than that, it has been an ongoing pleasure. Both Ginny and Helen have been full of good ideas and shrewd suggestions which have been proved to work - I haven't got space to list them. Oh, I have likened Ginny to a slave-driver on occasion, but perhaps that is what us authors need, to keep us honest, you know? Last point: author and publisher have to trust one another, otherwise there's absolutely no point in the exercise. And the high point in my writing career is what this exercise has turned out to be. Trust me.

Patrick Coyne

Reference on writers’ course

Since commencing with your Writer’s Workshop, I have gained fresh insight into writing and have improved my skills tremendously. I have enjoyed all the assignments and have read the accompanying book twice already. Many thanks for this exciting Workshop which I believe represent excellent value for money.

Review of the online writing course

As far as the workshop goes, I am very pleased with it! I've picked up tons of information! I feel more than a bit saddened to know that it's coming to an end. This was the first time I've been provided with an opportunity to submit work and receive comments. And how refreshing was that! It was the first time I could get answers to niggling doubts and concerns, honest opinions not just sugar-coated.

I feel like I've come a long way since last year June. You probably won't recall but I submitted a draft of a manuscript to your agency for consideration for representation. I was rejected, which was undoubtedly one of the best things that could have happened.

I finished writing that story 4 years ago. Then I sent it in to a literary agency in New York. They put it in a database where publishers can approach them. After a few months they try direct mailing. In both instances, you have to pay. I received a 'professional' critique on the story (which I had to pay for), telling me how amazing the story is. Basically, I got ready to buy myself that island paradise I always wanted.
But, surprise, nothing happened.

Up until last year June I was just sitting around in limbo. I had a story out there that I was told was fantastic, yet nothing was happening. I wrote one or two things, but not in earnest--because I didn't know where my writing required improvement. I knew I was doing something wrong but my agents told me I'm fantastic!
So, after some goading from my then-girlfriend (now, wife), I fished around for local literary agents (why I didn't come across your site 4 years ago blows the jelly in my head) and found you. My critique I received (for free!) on the first 3 chapters gave me some of the most valuable advice of my life.

I ploughed through that manuscript, cutting about a 100 pages (from 148 000 words to about 105 000 words). I would like to send it in again at some point, if I may. I believe it to be infinitely better than before, although that might just be my view. I believe that my future writing will be even better after the workshop.

I would like to thank you, Ginny and Helen, for all your support and fantastic workshop. I will also include a small note of thank you to the persons that reviewed my work in my final workshop submission.

Roulon du Toit