The Novelists’ group is an integral part of Leeds Writers’ Circle. Our aim is to provide a space for more in-depth feedback on submissions than time constraints allow in Monday evening Manuscript nights.

There is no attendance fee for the group, though all writers need to be paid-up members of Leeds Writers’ Circle. Our aim is to provide an atmosphere of support, encouragement, honesty and camaraderie.

Meetings are held monthly, usually on the second Saturday from 10 am for approximately 3 hours. The current venue is on the second floor Leeds Playhouse restaurant area.

While no minimum number of submissions are required to form a viable meeting, less than four might elicit e-mail feedback. More than five or six submissions could require the group to split into two, each giving feedback to their own allocated group, and others – time permitting.

Manuscripts are submitted via the Google group email page, into the relevant month folder, at least ten days before a meeting so that members have enough time to read and consider constructive feedback.

When submitting pieces members are asked to add their name and novel title to the email document. The text should have numbered paragraphs and page numbering can also be useful and a total of no more than 4,000 words if possible.

Feedback is oral and also written on printed scripts or on a separate sheet. Sometimes members choose to give comments from laptops and email it to the correct monthly folder.

We also like to share what we have learned about courses, competitions and how to submit our finished stories for potential publication as members tend to have differing experiences, writing styles and genre preferences.

New members always welcome. You can be put in touch with the co-ordinator through emailing enquiries@leedswriterscircle.org.