Should you pay for writer's services?

There is a plethora of adverts aimed at writers, offering a range of services, from editing, to competition entries to evaluation of manuscripts, software to help improve your writing, formatting services for self publishing, and even submission services which offer to submit your work to appropriate publishers. So as a prospective writer, which, if any, should you be willing to pay for?

I must admit to a growing scepticism about the increase in these offers, which makes me very wary of opting for any. I also have a tight budget, and I am not adverse to doing my own hard work, such as the research into the right journals to pitch my work. I don't want to pay someone else to do what I know I'm perfectly capable of doing myself. But, if you're new to the craft, paying someone may be a way to learn how to do it yourself.

In my early days as a writer, I did get caught by a scam, which for a hefty fee offered a manuscript evaluation, and help finding a publisher. Frankly the evaluation was not particularly helpful, and they did nothing to help find a publisher.

I've also been offered 'publishing contracts' where I was expected to contribute to the cost of publication, and to do my own marketing. I opted out. I still have dreams of a traditional book deal, and see that acceptance as a validation of my work - frankly, if it's not good enough for a book deal, I'm not sure it should be published until it is good enough, which is also why I won't self publish.

If what you are looking for is good constructive feedback, there are ways to get it for free:

- Zoetrope: All story (https://www.all-story.com/) On this site, you can submit your work for feedback from other writers. Before you can read your feedback, you have to read and review the work of others. I have found the feedback from this site to be very helpful and constructive, and as it is from other writers, it is from people who know what they are doing.

- Some sites, like Everyday Fiction (https://everydayfiction.com/) who publish flash fiction, allow readers to post, and although the feedback is not always constructive, if enough people offer the same comment, then it is likely to be valid.

- Some editors will offer feedback, but these are rare. One of the best for this is My Weekly's Karen Byrom (assuming your submission is suitable for this publication)

- Join a writer's group - meeting with other writers and sharing your work is a great way to gain constructive advice.

The balance is that I do believe in investing money as well as time into my craft, and I will employ someone else, where I believe they offer skills I do not have. I am planning on employing an editor for my novel before I submit it to any publishers.

If you do decide to pay for any writing services then:

- Research them - do a Google search for any feedback about the company or person, both positive and negative. Are they legit or is this a scam?

- Read the fine print - see exactly what is being offered. If they are promising to help get a book deal, look at their previous successes and commendations.

- Consider whether you really need the service, or can you do this yourself, with some help. There is so much help and advice on the internet from writers, that you can learn most skills.

- Consider doing a writing course run by a reputable organisation - these often equip you with all the skills you need.

If you are serious about writing, there may be times you do want to invest in your work, but as with everything in life, look before you leap.