Having Laurie as a mentor is like having a writing guru as your best friend. He’s not only an excellent teacher of the craft but an extremely supportive and encouraging ally against fear, doubt and disappointment. He is genuinely there to cheer you on and help you in any way possible.

I was lucky enough to receive his much-needed guidance on my first manuscript when I was starting out and didn’t know what I was doing. Instead of Googling ‘amateur writing mistakes’, his feedback was exactly what I needed: definitive, constructive yet sensitive, thorough yet not overwhelming. Since then, I have sought out his input for my short stories in order to upskill. In addition to this, Laurie has continued to offer advice and words of wisdom for which I truly owe a great debt.

I am proud of the improvements in my writing and feel immense gratitude towards this generous man and his tutorage. Laurie has never stopped believing in me, even when I have stopped believing in myself.

Esme Wilmot, author, Parralel, shortlisted for the 2024 ASA/HQ Fiction Prize for unpublished manuscripts.

At the time I approached Laurie Steed for support I had no idea of the impact he would make in my writing and in my life. Laurie was recommended to me at a time when I was having difficulty in meaningfully progressing my work. I was working on several projects but continually shifting my focus between them. I was quite lost. It took Laurie one coffee and less than an hour to understand who I was, what matters to me, and why I am a writer. As my mentor, Laurie was challenging and patient, insightful and motivational, exacting and caring. And he helped me find my way, by asking questions and listening to my answers, and I will always be grateful for that.

Mark Keenan, author, Legacy, and Fellow, Four Centres Emerging Writers Program 2021 - 2023.

When I joined Laurie’s Subcommittee, I was in a state of crisis with my second novel. Self-doubt was crippling my progress and the chapters I'd written felt dead on the page. Laurie's combination of astute feedback and support, coupled with his insightful (and hilarious) lessons into writing craft helped me find the way forward. Laurie gave me the confidence I needed to sit back down at the desk, finish my first draft, then chapter by chapter, sculpt that draft into a manuscript ready to submit to my publisher. Laurie’s magic is that he looks beyond what he would do as a writer to who you are and what you are trying to do. Working with Laurie did far more than help me finish my novel - by the end of his mentorship, I’d levelled up as a writer.

Rachael Mead, author, The Application of Pressure and The Art of Breaking Ice, Affirm Press.

When I began my mentorship with Laurie as part of the Four Centres Emerging Writers Program, I knew my manuscript wasn’t completely working, but I was at a loss on how to fix it. Laurie is a story whisperer - he understands the bones and interworking structures and systems like a surgeon knows the human body's complex muscular and skeletal systems. He didn’t just help me to improve my manuscript and to believe in the idea but, more importantly, to believe in myself as a writer and to keep going even when it felt impossible. I know I would not have achieved my writing dream - a two-book deal with Penguin Random House without Laurie’s expertise and guidance. If you don’t know what your manuscript needs or what the next step is in your writing journey, the answer is simple: you need Laurie Steed!

Emma Pignatiello, author, Last Shot and Last Breath (forthcoming), Penguin Random House Australia.

I loved my protagonist, and believed the premise behind the manuscript had potential, but I intuitively knew the pulse was weak, and could not see why. At this point I approached Laurie to do a manuscript assessment. His approach was holistic.

The best way to sum up is to tell you the advice Laurie offered which was the biggest turning point, a true ‘plot-bolt-of-lightening-sucker-punch-aha’ moment.

Watching a car crash is more dramatic than being told about one.

My protagonist stopped looking back, the events occurred in real time, Audrey’s supporting cast were modified and came alive, and the over-haul suited Audrey’s voice. You could say I found my stride after Laurie’s assessment.

Annie de Monchaux, Author, Audrey’s Gone AWOL, Ultimo Press.

Laurie's Manuscript Assessment was exactly what I needed when I needed it. He took the time to understand the story I wanted to tell, and then read my manuscript and gave me honest feedback on where that story was working - and where it wasn't. Where it wasn't, he provided helpful tips and suggestions - from the structural to the line level. Laurie is motivated by a genuine desire to connect with, support and guide other local authors, and to see us all succeed together. I absolutely recommend him - as a manuscript assessor, mentor, critical friend - and human!

Jay Martin, Author, Vodka and Apple Juice (TAG Hungerford award) and Boomtown Snap (forthcoming), both Fremantle Press.

I had worked with Laurie Steed before, so when I felt my manuscript needed another, more professional, set of eyes, I didn’t hesitate to contact Laurie. He was prompt, professional and extremely helpful. He highlighted the strengths of the work and pointed out the weaknesses, always in a respectful and constructive way. He encouraged me throughout, and his wise words and constant support helped Lou and I get shortlisted for the 2023 HarperCollins Banjo prize. If you get Laurie Steed for a manuscript assessment, you’re assured of a detailed, honest and constructive report that will help propel your work forward.

Anna Fursland, author, Lou and I (shortlisted for the 2023 Banjo Prize)

Laurie was an absolute pleasure to work with. From start to finish, his assessment of my manuscript was professional, thoughtful and showed great empathy for the integrity and overall vision of the story, and for myself as an emerging writer. I found Laurie to be sincere and dedicated in offering detailed and often practical advice, feedback and even exercises for me to work through. He was generous with his time and his knowledge and wisdom for story and eye for detail were so very appreciated. I came upon Laurie's assessment services via word of mouth from a fellow writer, and I hope my own words inspire you to choose the same path.

Bianca Millroy, author, The Solitary Light

Laurie has been a constant source of support since I started my writing journey in Melbourne. A short story master, his feedback is insightful, honest and inspiring. The insights and personal experiences he shares keeps you going, despite the setbacks that come with this line of work. He has been an invaluable source of encouragement in a writing and publishing world that can otherwise often be very cold and impersonal.

Su-May Tan, author, Lake Malibu and other stories (Spineless Wonders, Highly Commended in the 2021 Carmel Bird Digital Literary Award)

Having used Laurie's manuscript appraisal service, I highly recommend him to both new and more experienced writers. He is insightful, intuitive and honest, and as a published author himself, he knows how to tread gently while also challenging his clients to make their work stronger.

Zoe Deleuil, author, The Night Village (Fremantle Press)

Laurie helped me to let my manuscript grow into itself. I didn't have the power to do this alone, not at all. Now that manuscript has been accepted for publication, and whenever I remember that, I pinch myself and think of all Laurie's encouragement along the way. He believed in my work when I didn't, and that has changed me for the better. If you want your writing to come into its full potential, I guarantee Laurie will be able to show you the way.

Melanie Hall, author, The Little Boat on Trusting Lane (Fremantle Press)

Dig deeper. Go further. Write till it hurts and find the heart of story. Working with Laurie Steed is a masterclass in perfecting technique and ablating words till they express what you truly want to say. His steady, wise counsel guided me to see that the goal of writing is our soul's expression, going to those deeper places to find the meanings our words hope to magnetise. Do that and the rest takes care of itself - but it's much easier if you have a Laurie Steed to light the way.

David Allan-Petale, Shortlistee for The 2017 Australian/Vogel's Literary Award and author, Locust Summer (Fremantle Press)

I was fortunate enough to be mentored by Laurie for a year as I worked on my collection of linked short stories, The Bend in the Road. Laurie read the ms with care and insight to identify places where more work was needed in a constructive and encouraging way. If I was blocked on a particular story, he made suggestions or sent me links to other stories which had tackled a similar problem. Nothing can replace the special joy of discussing writing – my writing – with a caring and insightful mentor. Thank you, Laurie.

Penny Gibson, author, The Bend in the Road

I came to Laurie with a set of loosely connected stories, and it was his gift of asking profound and challenging questions that led me to unearth the heart of my work. Along with the questions, he often gave helpful references to other writers to demonstrate his point and for me to explore further. I appreciated the careful and attentive respect he gave my work, including his gentle but firm insistence that the work always be as good as it could be. In this lonely business of writing, where self-doubt eats away at a writer’s confidence, it was invaluable to be working with such a good mentor.

Janey Runci, author, River, Winding Through

I had the pleasure of working with Laurie Steed in a combined mentoring/editing capacity as I prepared my first collection of stories for publication. Laurie’s approach was tough but fair, and pushed me to get the best possible results out of my work. His editorial report was thorough and easy to understand. He also gives a great pep talk! When I had to think about who I would like to work with on this project, Laurie’s name was the first that came to mind, and his reputation as a great writer and teacher is well-deserved. This is an author who knows his craft, and by the time you are finished working with Laurie Steed, you will too.

Emily Paull, author, Well-Behaved Women (Margaret River Press)

A sentence in Laurie Steed’s assessment pointed out that he may be suggesting things that would make me run for the gin. He was (!) but in doing so he nailed what was wrong with the manuscript. His assessment was insightful, detailed and constructive. His feedback highlighted a structural weakness I hadn’t considered as well as areas that needed fleshing out and made me see the work in a new light. I had been low on the rungs of despair, and Laurie made that negativity go away. Every writer should have a Laurie Steed in their life.

K W George, Author, Sargasso (Harper Collins), shortlisted for the ASA/HQ Commercial Fiction Prize, and short fiction published in numerous Australian literary journals.

I worked with Laurie Steed on a manuscript I had been developing for a long time but that still just wasn’t working. A true professional, he was patient with my words, and with me! His report was thorough, and his feedback was tough but fair. What's more, he was always open to further discussion to help me get the most out of his comments. Laurie knows his craft and he takes his role as a mentor very seriously. He is a wonderful source of support in this often solitary occupation and I'm glad to count him among my writing allies.

Rachel Watts, Shortlistee for the 2020 Penguin Literary Prize and author, In The Morning, I Rise

Laurie mentored me over a number of years, helping me identify the next steps in my career and how to manage them. He took an incredibly flexible and kind approach, helping me navigate whatever came up, building industry relationships, advocating for me and my work, and (not least) reading and providing insightful feedback on my work along the way. Laurie's mentoring and friendship arrived at a crucial point when I really needed someone to have faith that I could do it - Laurie was, and continues to be, a phenomenal cheerleader and wise counsel.
- Sam Van Zweden, Author, Eating With My Mouth Open (NewSouth Books)

Laurie Steed has been a long-listing judge since we launched the Peter Carey Short Story Award back in 2017 and continues to be an integral part in our search for Australia’s most perfect short story. An essential element of trying to establish a national competition of both quality and weight is finding judges who can recognise worthy winners. Laurie not only understands the intricacies of the artform, but is himself a master.

Jemma Tyley-Miller, Organiser and Founder of The Peter Carey Short Story Award and author, Gone From My Sight

Laurie Steed has tutored our online Short Story Clinics and in-person workshops, given industry advice in mentoring sessions, and assessed manuscripts. Laurie’s encouraging, generous feedback has helped to develop the work of countless writers, many of whom have gone on to publish pieces they workshopped with him. Whether in person or online, he creates positive spaces in which writers feel comfortable sharing their work. We highly recommend Laurie and look forward to working with him again in future.

Writers Victoria