Editing & Coaching

Start Here: Free Consultation

Writing isn’t a one-size-fits all endeavor. Each person and project has unique needs that can be best served in different ways. I offer a free 30-minute phone consultation to discuss your project—where you are, what challenges you’re facing, your goals, budget and schedule. I’ll point you towards the next steps you can take.

All prices listed are USD.

Canadian residents pay at par (if paying by e-transfer) and may be subject to 5% GST.

 

Please choose the scenario that best describes you,

then click on link(s) for more details.

Editing Services

If you…

Have taken your manuscript as far as you can and want high-level feedback before you query or self-publish

Have a collection of notes and scenes but need help figuring out what you’re trying to say

Have finished developmental editing and have refined to the best of your ability

Are writing a nonfiction book proposal or academic book prospectus
Are querying agents
Would like 1:1 guidance, with or without page reviews
Would like to brainstorm, get advice, or pick my brain
Are looking for a collaborator or book doctor
Cost
$1,500 for up to 60,000 words
$250 for each additional 10K words
$5,000 for up to 60,000 words
$500 for each additional 10K words
$5,000 for up to 60,000 words
$500 for each additional 10K words

$550

$300 for the first
$175 for each call thereafter

H
I

Manuscript Evaluation

You’ve taken your manuscript as far as you can, and now you’re not sure what it needs. Does the structure support the story you’re telling? What are your natural writing strengths, and where could you use different techniques to make it stronger? What should you amp up or add (or conversely, delete or tone down)? A manuscript evaluation is a high-level overview of issues that need to be addressed before you self-publish or begin querying.

You’ll receive:

  • Light Markup
  • A 7-10 page editorial letter analyzing structure, storytelling and composition
  • Answers to 3-5 questions you have about your manuscript
  • A one-hour follow-up phone call to discuss your questions and next steps
  • A recording of our call for your reference

Cost:

  • $1,500 for up to 60,000 words
  • $250 for each additional 10,000 words

Time frame:

  • 4-6 weeks, depending on length

Developmental Edit

Developmental editing is where we figure out what story you’re trying to tell and the most effective way to tell it. My approach with developmental editing goes deeper than the surface rules of structure and storytelling. My process includes both logic (the rules) and intuition (the issues that show up beneath the words). I dive deep into what’s working, and what’s holding you back. I give you the toolkit—and a tailored writing handbook—to get where you want to go.

You’ll receive:

  • An extensive editorial letter (10-20 pages) to guide your revision
  • Moderate Markup
  • A one-hour follow-up call to discuss your questions and next steps
  • A recording of our call for your reference

Cost:

  • $5,000 for up to 60,000 words
  • $500 for each additional 10,000 words

Time frame:

  • 4-6 weeks

Stylistic (Content) Edit

Also known as stylistic edit or line edit. This is a sentence-by-sentence edit to improve clarity, comprehension and flow. This process will tighten your writing and make sure readers can follow what you’re saying.

You’ll receive:

  • A brief editorial letter reviewing what I’ve done
  • Extensive Markup
  • A one-hour follow-up call to discuss your questions and next steps
  • A recording of our call for your reference

Cost:

  • $5,000 for up to $60,000 words (this may be lower if your manuscript is substantially shorter)
  • $500 for each additional 10,000 words

Time frame:

  • 6-8 weeks

Book Proposal/Prospectus Review

If you have a completed commercial book proposal, I will review it to make sure you’ve made an effective business case for your book. I’ll look at each section (hook/overview, target audience, competing/complementary titles, marketing plan and author bio/platform).  I’ll make suggestions for improvements, both in terms of writing quality and marketability of your book.

If you have an academic book prospectus, I’ll look at how well you’ve built a case for the scholarly contribution your book will make to your field. I’ll also make suggestions for how to improve what you have.  

These reviews include evaluation (but not hands-on edit) of one sample chapter up to 5,000 words. 

Prerequisite: You must have read and structured your proposal on Michael Larsen’s How to Write a Book Proposal.

You’ll receive:

  • An email with my overall feedback
  • A section-by-section analysis of your proposal
  • Light Markup of your proposal
  • A 30-minute follow-up call to discuss your questions and next steps
  • A recording of our call for your reference 

Cost:

  • $550 – One pass
  • $1100 – Three passes

Time frame:

  • One month (one pass)
  • Three months (three passes)

Query Letter Review

This is a review of your query letter, with notes about your opening hook, your manuscript synopsis as well as your bio paragraph.

You’ll receive:

  • An editorial letter outlining what you’ve done well and what could be stronger
  • Light to heavy Markup with suggested changes

Cost:

  • $175

Time frame:

  • One week

Writer, Story and Creative Coaching

Hone your voice, discover your strengths, and become a timeless storyteller.

Writing is not a standardized process. Although there are universal skills and techniques, no two stories are alike because no two people are alike. Whether you want to write a memoir about a specific period in your life, bring a ground-breaking concept to life with evocative storytelling, or learn how to use your writing time more effectively, writer coaching is about you and your goals.

Hiring a nonfiction writing coach is like having a personal trainer for your writing. I’m a cheerleader and champion for my clients, and I work with a very limited number at a time, in order to give each one my deepest attention. 

This is performance coaching (aka mentoring), not ICF coaching. I work with a number of clients who are leadership coaches. I’m more like a pitching coach in baseball, or an acting coach. The term “writing coach” is commonly searched, so that’s what I call it for SEO.

Beyond writing, I can help you with researching agents, writing queries and synopses and supporting you along your path to publication, whether that’s traditional, self-publishing or hybrid. 

Clients who complete three months of coaching receive a discount of 20% on full editing services (developmental or content)

Find Your Flow Coaching (no page reviews)

Renew your commitment to yourself and your writing with these phone-only coaching sessions. I can help you: 

 

  • Jump-start your creativity
  • Get the most out of butt-in-chair time
  • Maximize creativity while minimizing screen time
  • Feel more fulfilled creatively

    Coaching without Page Reviews is also for more advanced writers, if you are:

    • Looking for a brainstorming partner
    • Building your platform
    • Beginning to research agents
    • Querying

    Coaching with Page Reviews

    Custom packages and proposals for more intensive work available on request.

    You’ll receive:

    • Answers to your most pressing questions
    • A recording of our call for your records

    Cost:

    • $300 for the first call
    • $175 for subsequent calls

    Time frame:

    • You’ll usually be able to schedule our call within a week or two

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