Turn your idea into a Novel!
Writing Is Challenging
Once I learned what it took to write a novel, I’ve always compared it to rocket science. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never built a rocket or studied the science of it, but it’s intimidating––and so is writing a novel. And just like some people learn to build rockets, you can learn to write a novel. However, in both professions, you need some help, and every creative writer can benefit from knowing they’re not alone on their writing journey.
Let Me Help You
With an MFA in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University, a Certificate in Copyediting from Emerson College, and memberships in the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society, The National Society of Leadership and Success, the Authors Guild, and the Alliance of Independent Authors, I understand how to navigate the literary community. After decades of writing, publishing, and editing for Adams Media (an imprint of F&W Publications, now owned by Simon & Schuster), I have plenty of knowledge and experience in writing and editing. As a Transformation Academy Certified Master Life Coach with a Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing from Southern New Hampshire University, I know how to help you succeed. I have a keen eye for perfection and a proven track record guiding and teaching other successful writers. Let my expertise help you achieve your writing goals.
I’m Kind and Dedicated
Consider me a friend who’ll help guide you through the writing process based on your individual needs and goals. I’ll offer honest, positive feedback and constructive criticism, share craft techniques and resources, provide suggestions for revision, and offer plenty of support and encouragement. My goal is to help you experience joy and excitement when writing, editing, and revising your work.
Let’s get you on the write track
Learn about my services
-
Manuscript assessment is a high-level written edit and can be completed on a work in progress or a completed draft.
If you've heard the term beta reader, you have an idea of a manuscript assessment. However, there is a noteworthy difference between beta readers and professionals who offer manuscript assessments. Beta readers are usually friends, relatives, or avid readers who read a manuscript and provide general feelings and impressions about the story. And while these readers are worthwhile and necessary, so is a seasoned professional who can read your manuscript and give you light feedback based on the overall plot, characters, writing style, and story structure.
This feedback will provide insight into how the readers in a specific genre will perceive the story and includes resources to help writers learn how to fix any craft issues within the manuscript.
This assessment comes in a three to six page letter, and there will be no additional markups on the manuscript.
The fee for this service is $50 per hour.
If you are interested in this service, please get in touch with me here.
-
Developmental editing is a deep-dive written evaluation and can be done on a work in progress or a completed manuscript.
I’ll examine storytelling and craft elements over the entire manuscript, its chapters, and scenes during this process. This often results in rewriting and reworking significant portions of the manuscript. This editing is for writers who may not understand how to implement specific storytelling and craft techniques. Sometimes writers learn they need help in certain areas based on feedback from beta readers, manuscript assessments, or agents and publishers who reject the manuscript for publication.
Developmental editing includes but is not limited to craft elements such as story structure, plot, pacing, setting, point of view, world-building, characterization, showing not telling, dialogue, tension, climax, head-hopping, fact-checking, genre tropes and clichés, exposition, backstory, flashbacks, and more.
This assessment will come in a ten to twenty-five page letter and include markups on the manuscript and resources to help the writer fix storytelling and craft issues within the story.
The fee for this service is $75 per hour.
If you are interested in this service, please get in touch with me here.
-
Coaching and mentoring can happen at the idea stage or the developmental editing phase and is offered to writers who want to learn how to improve their craft.
My philosophy as a writing coach is to develop a customizable coaching plan including the writer’s needs and goals by building upon strengths and helping identify and overcome areas that need improvement. Together we will co-create clearly defined and attainable writing goals with an accountability plan. We will also work to combat imposter syndrome and any writing insecurities by turning negative thinking into positive affirmative thoughts based on proven successes. All coaching will reinforce positivity, sensitivity, and respect for the writer’s personal goals.
Coaching and mentoring is for a writer with a novel or memoir idea who has not yet begun to write or one who finds themselves stuck during the writing process. Here coaches can help the writer during every step of the process, including but not limited to character sketches, plot outline, story structure, character arcs, world-building, settings, tone, genre trope and convention expectations, point of view, dialogue, scenes, etc.
However, coaching and mentoring will benefit any author, even one with an already-written manuscript.
In the case of a written manuscript, I’ll begin by providing the writer with a developmental editorial letter detailing my findings. After giving the writer one week to read it over, I’ll schedule a one-hour meeting to discuss the results and what’s most important for the writer to work on with a coach. Together we will devise an action plan with attainable goals for each agreed-upon area.
Then we will establish a weekly day and time to meet for one hour. I’ll guide the writer by listening to their questions and concerns and by providing resources, tasks, and both short- and long-term goals until they feel they are ready to apply the changes to their writing with confidence.
When the changes are complete, we’ll look at them together at our next meeting and determine if any additional revision in that area is necessary. If yes, we’ll continue. I’ll offer an ear to listen to concerns and frustrations, answer more questions, provide extra help, and point to resources that can expand understanding of craft elements and how to use them.
Throughout this process, I’ll offer positive encouragement and will celebrate every accomplished goal along the way until the writer is happy with the revisions they’ve made to the manuscript. Then, per the writer’s request, we will move on to the next element needing revision and will continue this process until the writer is satisfied they no longer need the help of a writing coach.
The fee for this service is $95 per hour.
If you are interested in this service, please get in touch with me here.
-
As both a traditionally and indie-published author, I understand that crafting a compelling manuscript is only half the battle. The world of publishing can often seem like an impenetrable fortress shrouded in mystery. Here, I offer comprehensive guidance on navigating the publishing ecosystem. I’ll demystify every stage of the process by helping you understand the nuances of traditional publishing versus self-publishing. I’ll guide you toward the path best suited for your goals and teach you how to pitch your manuscript effectively with a persuasive query letter and synopsis.
In addition, I understand the importance of building a strong author brand in today's digital age, so I include training on developing a robust online presence, cultivating an engaged audience, and leveraging social media platforms to your advantage.
Don’t be just another writer lost in the crowd. Learn to become an empowered author with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make your mark in the publishing world. Your story deserves to be told, and I’m here to help you reach those in the world it’s meant to touch.
The fee for this service is $95 per hour.
If you are interested in this service, please get in touch with me here.
-
Query Letter
Synopsis
Back Cover Copy
Social Media
If you are interested in any of these services, please get in touch with me here for pricing.
