writing & creativity coaching

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I’ve listened to clients tell me what they need, and the ten steps below are what has worked best for them. If what you really need is someone to nudge you, help you be accountable, and help you get out of your own way, consider creativity coaching instead. If what you need is help with revision and you’re ready to dig in and work, this is the package for you.

1. A complementary phone consultation to see if we agree we're a good fit for working together.
2. If during the phone call we both agree to work together, I send an information sheet to the client about my coaching and critiquing.
3. The client emails me a manuscript as an attached Word document, and I make comments directly on the document. I go through the story initially in one reading, then set it aside and go back through it later a few more times. This process can take up to a couple of weeks because multiple readings, each in a different sitting, allows me to see the manuscript with new eyes. At times I'll send more than one set of comments, all still part of the initial readings.
4. In addition to comments on the manuscript, as a teacher, I often share my reasons for specific comments, point out recurring issues, or provide insight into those "rules" that no one tells you about. I want my clients to succeed not only with the manuscript we're working on at the moment, but also to learn skills and techniques they can use in future stories.
5. The client reads and reflects on my comments, taking time to sit with them, and incorporating only the comments that feel right and true to the client's vision of the story. The client is the author and has total control of their own work.
6. The client revises the manuscript thoroughly and thoughtfully before sending it back to me. There are no deadlines; "incubation time" is important. ​
7. We have a phone conversation about the manuscript, process, or other related topics (20-40 minutes or so). At that point, the client may choose to revise again, taking as much time as needed.
8. The client sends the manuscript back to me again for one last round of final comments.
9. After reading any closing comments from me, the client may email any questions they may have on anything I have suggested, and they will complete an evaluation to help me understand what worked best for the client and where they feel I could improve.
10. We end the package with one last phone consultation to determine next steps, discuss publication or other topics of interest to the client, and to cover any lingering questions or concerns. During this call, the client and I also decide whether we're done consulting for the moment, want to arrange another round with the current manuscript at a later date, or if we'll start the process over with a new manuscript.

Fee: $375