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Gemma
- Rate R1307
- Response 1h

R1307/h
1st lesson free
- Creative writing
- Modern Literature
- Proofreading
- World Literature
- Publishing
Hay Festival Author & Professional Editor with a PhD in Creative & Critical Writing | Creative Writing & Publishing Mentorship
- Creative writing
- Modern Literature
- Proofreading
- World Literature
- Publishing
Lesson location
About Gemma
Hello, I’m a published novelist, poet, cultural reviewer, editor, and lecturer with a PhD in Creative & Critical Writing.
I have 20 years’ experience working in the literary and creative arts sector, supporting writers at every stage of the creative process. Alongside teaching, I work as a developmental editor for an independent press, helping authors shape manuscripts from early drafts through to publication.
My work includes one-to-one consultancy with prize-winning authors, and I have mentored emerging writers who have gone on to achieve significant success, including a Foyle Young Poet of the Year. I have also written and edited several books across creative non-fiction, academic writing and fiction.
I am the founder of a Books Council–funded network for writers in Wales, which connects emerging and established writers with publishing professionals. Through this work I have developed a broad network across the publishing industry, including editors, publishers, reviewers and literary professionals.
As a writer, my own novel was launched at the Hay Festival, and I was selected for the Hay Festival Writers at Work programme.
Alongside my editorial work, I am also the fiction editor of a new magazine dedicated to emerging writers, where I support and showcase new voices.
This combination of publishing experience, editorial expertise and teaching practice allows me to offer clients not only creative writing support, but also practical insight into the realities of the publishing world — including manuscript development, positioning a book for the market, and strategies for promoting and selling books.
About the lesson
- Primary
- Secondary
- Matric/GCSE
- +9
levels :
Primary
Secondary
Matric/GCSE
AS Level
A Level
BTech
Adult education
Undergraduate
Masters
Diploma
Doctorate
MBA
- English
Languages in which the lesson is available :
English
My creative writing sessions combine craft development with professional editorial insight.
Clients learn not only how to write compelling work, but also how manuscripts are developed and evaluated within the publishing industry.
Sessions may focus on:
narrative structure and storytelling
poetry and imagery
character and dialogue
editing and redrafting techniques
developing writing portfolios
preparing work for competitions or publication
Because of my work within publishing and connections via a national writers’ network that I founded, I can also offer insight into:
publishing pathways
literary competitions and opportunities
marketing and positioning a book
developing a professional writing profile
Sessions are tailored to each student’s ambitions — whether they are developing creative confidence or craft, structural and/or line editing, preparing proposals or working towards publication.
Recommendations
Recommendations are written by the tutor's friends, family, and acquaintances.
I met Gemma when studying for my A levels in 2025 and she helped so much!
I was studying English Literature and Gemma made this course so much more interesting, she always encouraged me to do my best and to keep gong when it was hard.
She not only provided me with advice for my English A levels but she was also a friend that I could talk to and she is so kind and listened to everything I said in all my sessions and every session was engaging and I learnt so much! She made studying fun and helped me to write my personal statement too! With this I was accepted to study Speech and Language in Cardiff Metropolitan.
I have Gemma to thank for so much and I am so appreciative for her!
She’s the best English tutor you could get! She is a powerful women!
See more recommendations
Rates
Rate
- R1307
Package rates
- 5h: R6535
- 10h: R13070
travel
- + R15
free lesson
The free first lesson with Gemma allows you to get to know the tutor and discuss your needs and expectations.
- 1h
online
- R1307/h
Details
Discounts are available for single-parent households, university students from lower socio-economic backgrounds and I also offer a 10% discount on block bookings of ten sessions.
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