Writing Mentorship Program

A big yes! I know what it was like to be starting out as a new nonfiction writer. I remember pitching and writing our first magazine articles and journal articles. I remember pitching and writing our first books. I remember editing our first books, and seeing our clients become first-time published authors. We know the steps that must be taken, and the order they must be accomplished. I know the hurdles beginning writers must cross over, and we know the advice that will help writers cross over them. I help new writers pitch articles and books. We help writers develop solid reporting and writing skills and habits.  We help beginning writers create nonfiction book proposals that get noticed by agents, editors, and publishing houses. With my guidance, you will realize your dream of becoming a published nonfiction writer. 

Book writing coaching happens via phone or video conferencing. The focus is on helping the writer create the first draft of their book. In the early stages of coaching, the coach helps the author get clarity about the topic they are writing about and how to structure their book. Next the coach teaches the writer effective strategies and tactics for completing the book. These teachings include key information about the craft of book writing as well as strategies that will help the author build habits and make consistent progress on--and ultimately finish--their book. The third thing book writing coaches do is provide accountability for the author. They create writing goals and provide frequent check-ins so that the author has the support they need to write, finish, and publish her book. 

An editor's feedback is given on the page in the form of written comments and corrections

Affirmative! I served as  senior editor at major national magazines, and, later, I served as contributing writer for various national magazines. I understands the challenges that journalists face in telling important stories in limited space. I help journalists find the most compelling story and then show them how to increase conflict, suspense, and narrative momentum. My journalist clients get more assignments and make more income. 

Yes! I help writers who have a manuscript in two ways: manuscript reviews and developmental edits. In a manuscript review, an editor reads the full manuscript and writes a three- to five-page letter of critique. This letter addresses the manuscript's overall strengths and weaknesses, as well as helpful advice that might help the author find a publisher and/or reach her intended audience. The manuscript review does not include written comments in the margins of the manuscript. The critique letter addresses big-picture issues such as structure, character development, plot, narrative momentum, and story coherence. The letter also includes helpful advice for revising the manuscript.  A developmental edit is similar to a manuscript review in that it also addresses big-picture issues. However, the difference is in how the feedback is given. In a developmental edit, the editor writes comments in the margins rather than in a letter.