Creativity Coaching for ALL!

Writing in rhyme is not easy. There’s more to it than ending with rhyming words. Writing about how to rhyme is never as effective as having someone work with you on a rhyming manuscript. You need more than nudges and accountability—even more than helping you get out of your own way, all of which my creativity coaching can do. But rhyming takes so much more, as you’ve probably figured out since you’re reading this, and if you’re ready to dig in and work with a definite advantage, let's talk! 

"But I heard you say you didn't want any rhyming manuscripts!" That's what I said to the editor who ended up publishing my first dinobooks. 

"We all say that because all we get is bad rhyme!" 

Ohhhh... Let's change that, shall we? 

Why would I do this instead of using the time to work on my own projects? Because kids’ books are important, and it’s hard for me to see the rhythm and rhyme not quite there, as is often the case in many books I read. Books encourage empathy, connect families, and help kids see themselves with new understanding. They change lives, and it’s annoying and unfortunate to find rhyming errors that could have been easily fixed. This is a way I can make a difference for the little kids who experience them, and the much bigger “kids” who create them. Besides, the editors who know the difference between the best and "just okay" rhyming manuscripts don't always have or take the time to work with you to get it just right. If you're getting more No's than Go's, let's talk.

I'm here when you're ready. Ready now? You have two Rhyme Time options—the quick and easy "On the Spot" review, or the more comprehensive "Picture Book Package."

ON-THE-SPOT RHYME TIME

A read-through with comments on what I see in the manuscript, on-the-spot, including an evaluation of the rhythm, rhyme, word choice, and more over Zoom or phone. I read your manuscript aloud (you have your own copy for taking notes) and discuss it on the spot. This can take 30-45 minutes, including time for questions, and you'll have plenty of material and ideas for revision. It's a blast—and effective!

RHYMING PICTURE BOOK PACKAGE

For a more comprehensive look at your writing in rhyme, we'll start with a complementary phone consultation to see if we agree we're a good fit for working together. Once that's established, we'll set up a plan, which generally follows this format:

1. The client emails me a manuscript as an attached Word document, and I make comments directly on the document after several passes through it.
2. 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.
3. The client reads and reflects on my comments, incorporating only the comments that feel right and true to the client's vision of the story. 
4. The client revises the manuscript before sending it back to me. Clients have up to three weeks for this step—incubation time is important. ​
5. We have another conversation about the manuscript, process, or other related topics. At this point, the client may choose to revise again, taking up to another week. The client sends the manuscript back  for one last round of comments.
6. After reading my closing comments, the client may email questions they have about my suggestions, and complete an evaluation of the process.
7. 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 may also decide whether we're done consulting for the moment, or if they want to arrange another round with the current or another manuscript. 

You may sign up below or schedule a time to talk about these options.