THE DEAL: No BS about your MS
EDITING, PROOFREADING, CRITIQUE:
Need help editing your manuscript in order to submit it to an agent, publisher, or contest? I'd love to work with you on this project, helping to trim and clarify the work until only your best voice and compelling prose remains. I will critique your work by offering thoughtful, considerate, but thorough interpretations and suggestions.
You will receive a written evaluation of its strong points, as well as a detailed critique about characters, plot, voice, pacing, structure and quality of writing, pointing out where the writing went smoothly and was effective, and making suggestions on ways to improve the parts that need rewriting. Spelling, punctuation, grammar, diction, and sentence structure will also be addressed.
You work will receive the same energy, care, and attention I give my own. It deserves nothing less! It's very exciting to me when everything comes together and the best version of the piece is realized - one that reflects the voice and goal of my client. Helping you make that happen is my priority. Your book will be better and stronger, and you will learn a great deal about your style as a writer and how you can improve your skills.
FEES:
Full length books: $4/page.
Two thirds of fees are due prior to start, remaining one third at end.
Example: a 300 page book would cost $1200 (300 x $4.00). Two-thirds up front is $900.
Fees include a one hour meeting (by phone or in person) to discuss the manuscript, written summary of comments and suggestions, and a few follow up emails if you have questions.
Short stories: contact me for fee structure, up to 20 pages = $70/hour. Plus one hour for formulating critique and typing it up for you.
Poetry: this includes everything it should: syntax, grammar, punctuation, line breaks, pacing, consistency of figurative language (metaphors are the trickiest), title, stanza structure, successful use of form (if that's being used), voice, how poems interact with each other, the book as a whole, etc. Depending on your plans for the poems or book (contest, MFA portfolio, publication), my comments will be geared towards reaching that goal.
MENTORING:
Sign up for one-on-one mentoring sessions of one to two hours, your choice (once a week or twice a month). You and I will work together on your poems or short fiction or that novel or memoir (or blog entries - anything and everything!)
whatever your goal:
-experimentation, exploration, and FUN
-recording family memories and stories
-creating a portfolio for a MFA application
-polishing a MFA thesis
-submission to an editor or agent, or to a contest
-skill development
You don't need to have a plan to start working with me - we can discover and create one together, tailored to your needs and skill level. Our sessions can be as structured, or as fluid, as you like. I will act as your guide through the process, and promise to both challenge and inspire you, as well as respect your voice and style.
Please note that for a one hour session, I will need another hour to read and evaluate your work prior to our meeting.
For a two hour session, I will need two hours, as there will, naturally, be more of your writing to prepare.
I will work with people online who can't meet in person.
FEES:
The fee is $70/per hour and breaks down as follows:
One hour session/one hour prep = 5 poems or 20-25 pages of prose. (Cost = $140)
Two hour session/ two hour prep = 10 poems or 40-50 pages of prose. (Cost = $280)
Payment is required at the time of our meeting.
WORKSHOPS:
If you're local, I'm teaching a one day seminar on writing and delivery your pitch to agents and editors on March 31st for the Johns Hopkins Odyssey program. Email me for details on how to register or go here in the spring: Register for Pitch Class
Whatever service you choose, I'll help to sharpen your poetry and/or prose, help you with plot and structure or elements of form, tune your dialogue, teach you the fundamentals of craft, help prepare a manuscript for submission, or accompany you in an exploration of the art with exercises and projects.
Whether the goal is publication or simply gathering a record of a period in your life for yourself, family, and friends, I will respect and honor your unique voice and gifts. There's no time like the present to further your dream of being the best writer you can be.
It's never to late to be what you might have been. -- George Eliot
