Time frame:

• You’ll usually be able to schedule our call within a week or two

Developmental Editing 

Developmental editing is where we figure out what story you’re trying to tell and the most effective way to tell it. Does the structure support the story you’re telling? What are your natural writing strengths, and where could you use different techniques to make it stronger? My approach with developmental editing goes deeper than the surface rules of structure and storytelling. My process includes both logic (the rules) and intuition (the issues that show up beneath the words). I dive deep into what’s working, and what’s holding you back. I give you the toolkit—and a tailored writing handbook—to get where you want to go. To use a real estate analogy, this is where we make sure you have the right blueprint, materials and tools for the house you want to build.

This is for one round of developmental editing. Some of my clients then move into coaching, and I work through the revisions with them; others go off and revise for 6-9 months and then come back for a manuscript evaluation. Clients who have completed a developmental edit with me receive a 20% discount on coaching or a subsequent manuscript evaluation of the same project.

Time frame:

• 4-8 weeks, depending on length

Manuscript Evaluation

You’ve taken your manuscript as far as you can, but you’re not sure if your manuscript is the strongest it can be. A manuscript evaluation is a high-level overview of issues that need to be addressed before you take the final steps to self-publish or begin querying. A manuscript evaluation does not replace any level of editing. Rather, it gives you a summary assessment of where you are on your path to publication. To continue with the real estate analogy, an evaluation is akin to having someone tell you how to stage your home for sale.

Time frame:

• 4-6 weeks, depending on length

Nonfiction Book Proposal Review

If you have a completed commercial book proposal, I will review it to make sure you’ve made an effective business case for your book. I’ll look at each section (hook/overview, target audience, competing/complementary titles, marketing plan and author bio/platform).  I’ll make suggestions for improvements, both in terms of writing quality and marketability of your book.

These reviews include evaluation (but not hands-on edit) of one sample chapter up to 5,000 words. 

Prerequisite: You must have read and structured your proposal on Michael Larsen’s How to Write a Book Proposal.

Time frame:

• Two weeks (one pass)
• Three months (three passes)

Query Letter Review

This is a review of your query letter, with notes about your opening hook, your manuscript synopsis as well as your bio paragraph. 

Time frame:

• One week

Writer, Story and Creative Coaching

Hone your voice, discover your strengths, and become a timeless storyteller.

For writers of all stripes (fiction, nonfiction, screen, playwriting, etc.)

Writing is not a standardized process. Although there are universal skills and techniques, no two stories are alike because no two people are alike. Whether you want to write a memoir about a specific period in your life, bring a ground-breaking concept to life with evocative storytelling, or learn how to use your writing time more effectively, writer coaching is about you and your goals.

Hiring a nonfiction writing coach is like having a personal trainer for your writing. I’m a cheerleader and champion for my clients, and I work with a very limited number at a time, in order to give each one my deepest attention. 

This is performance coaching (aka mentoring), not ICF coaching. I work with a number of clients who are leadership coaches. I’m more like a pitching coach in baseball, or an acting coach. The term “writing coach” is commonly searched, so that’s what I call it for SEO.

Beyond writing, I can help you with researching agents, writing queries and synopses and supporting you along your path to publication, whether that’s traditional, self-publishing or hybrid. 

Clients who complete three months of coaching receive a discount of 20% on full editing services (developmental or content)

Writer Coaching with Page Reviews

Custom packages available on request.

Page Reviews Only (No Calls)

Custom packages available on request.

Some people thrive on written feedback alone, especially once they’re in the thick of revision. These packages are ideal for experienced writers and authors who are looking for ongoing editor support and accountability without the added expense of calls. In these packages, I provide a full edit (heavy Markup) of your pages, along with a brief editorial letter that summarizes the unique strengths and challenges in each set of pages. 

Find Your Flow Creativity Coaching (no page reviews)

Renew your commitment to yourself and your writing. I can help you: 

• Jump-start your creativity
• Get the most out of butt-in-chair time
• Maximize creativity while minimizing screen time
• Feel more fulfilled creatively

Coaching without Page Reviews is also for more advanced writers, if you are:

• Looking for a brainstorming partner
• Building your platform
• Beginning to research agents
• Querying