Aims of the 'Work Bench' and the 'Lab'

The Work Bench highlights some of the best new writing available today. talented writers are encouraged to develop their work with other members of the Book Shed and when they feel their work is ready, apply to display it in 'Work Bench' - a shop window of high quality work that is deemed ready for publication.

Before featuring on the front page of 'The Book Shed', work is usually developed in a part of the site known as 'The Lab'. Where other talented writers can read and critique. Unlike some sites, 'The Lab' encourages writers to enter into dialogue to get the most from this experience.

Access to the Lab

Access to the Lab is controlled. Would-be members need to apply by posting an extract of work. This is reviewed by at least four other existing members. The best writers gain access. We never simply dismiss any application without providing constructive critiques.

All Rights Available

All rights are available for all work posted on the Work Bench. Publishers and agents are encouraged to contact the authors through this site. The Book Shed is a collective and acts as a go-between, but after putting author and would-be agent or publisher in touch, we step out and have no further part in any negotiations, not do we take any fee. We might though boast about any done deals in our news articles - what else do you expect. We're good and we want people to know this!

Available for Public Review

Any work posted on the Work Bench is available for comment by all users of the site, not just those who have been granted access to the Lab. This is because a published author would expect his or her work to be generally available too. Authors cannot insist they will only make their work available for comment by peers alone.

• Site users can critique and review posted work at will, there is no 'allocation' process to worry about.
• Work Bench members can decide whether to keep or delete comments without having to justify their actions.
• Purely negative or destructive comments and critiques will be deleted as soon as they are spotted.
• Abusive comments, links to other sites and postings which in any way breach our terms and conditions of use will be deleted and the poster may be banned.

Writing Reviews

When writing a review, it helps if you can be constructive. Try pointing out what works as well as what doesn't work. Keep the following in mind:

• Say why you think something works or may benefit from development and give examples.
• Review in the way you would like to be reviewed

Questions?

Use our contact form to get in touch. We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.