Why would I need a writing coach?
How do I get started?
What will we talk about?
How much does it cost?
How many sessions will I need?
Where will we meet?
What if it’s an emergency?
Can you get me a book deal?
Why would I need a writing coach?
Maybe you’re caught in the jaws of procrastination. Or writer’s block has you in its evil grip. Sometimes you need to cut, but you can’t figure out where. Sometimes you need to add, but you can’t figure out what. Maybe you just need to talk it through or to remember why you got into this project in the first place. Whether you’re stuck at the start, in the middle, or at the end, I can help you get where you need to go.
How do I get started?
First, we’ll have a quick conversation on the phone about what you’re working on. We’ll figure out a timetable and decide on a fee. Then you’ll send me whatever you’ve got (whether it’s a manuscript or just some scribbled notes), and I’ll start reading. After that, we’ll be ready to do our first coaching session.
What will we talk about?
If you’ve already got a manuscript or a shorter piece in the works, we’ll begin by looking at its overall strengths and weaknesses. Then we’ll brainstorm strategies for tackling the tough spots. If you’re in the planning stages, we’ll focus instead on your notes, ideas and goals. We’ll talk about how to make sure it all comes together as a coherent whole. Either way, you’ll leave the first session with solid next steps and a concrete action plan.
If we’re meeting together for longer, we can then take a deeper look at what you’re struggling with and start hammering away at it. Sometimes that will mean working on big picture, structural thinking. Other times we may need to concentrate on the micro level of sentences and paragraphs and how they can better support your vision. Occasionally, we’ll also turn our attention to the world outside your project and how to negotiate its unwriterly demands while still making a deadline.
How much does it cost?
The first session is generally $150. If your piece is longer than 50 pages, add $30 per every additional 50 pages. (If it’s really long, we can also just work out a fair, flat rate.) On the other hand, if your piece is very short, or you’re just getting started, you can knock $30 off that initial fee. After the first meeting, sessions range in cost from $100–150, depending on what we’ll be working on and how much additional reading I’ll need to do.
How many sessions will I need?
Each session is 90 minutes. Since every project is different, it’s hard to tell exactly how many sessions you’ll need until we talk. But here are some estimates: If you just want an overview and some fresh insights into your work, a one-shot deal is probably enough. If you’re feeling really stuck and could use some help breaking free, you’ll need about 3 sessions. If you’re looking for someone to stand by you every step of the way, you’ll probably need between 7 and 10 sessions. It’s also possible for us to schedule a block of sessions together and turn it into more of a retreat.
Where will we meet?
Odds are, we’ll be talking on the phone. But if you’re in New York City (or you’re going to be in town), we can also plan to meet up in person.
What if it’s an emergency?
If your piece is due in just a few hours and you’re in a total panic, don’t hesitate to email me. As long as my schedule accommodates it (and I’m still awake), I’ll do my best to help you make it to the finish line.
Can you get me a book deal?
While some writing coaches promise to hook you up with a big-money book deal, alas, I can not offer that service. I can’t guarantee you’ll get published either. But if you need a passionate, patient reader who will remind you of your strengths and help you out of a jam, you’ve come to the right place.
How do I get started?
What will we talk about?
How much does it cost?
How many sessions will I need?
Where will we meet?
What if it’s an emergency?
Can you get me a book deal?
Why would I need a writing coach?
Maybe you’re caught in the jaws of procrastination. Or writer’s block has you in its evil grip. Sometimes you need to cut, but you can’t figure out where. Sometimes you need to add, but you can’t figure out what. Maybe you just need to talk it through or to remember why you got into this project in the first place. Whether you’re stuck at the start, in the middle, or at the end, I can help you get where you need to go.
How do I get started?
First, we’ll have a quick conversation on the phone about what you’re working on. We’ll figure out a timetable and decide on a fee. Then you’ll send me whatever you’ve got (whether it’s a manuscript or just some scribbled notes), and I’ll start reading. After that, we’ll be ready to do our first coaching session.
What will we talk about?
If you’ve already got a manuscript or a shorter piece in the works, we’ll begin by looking at its overall strengths and weaknesses. Then we’ll brainstorm strategies for tackling the tough spots. If you’re in the planning stages, we’ll focus instead on your notes, ideas and goals. We’ll talk about how to make sure it all comes together as a coherent whole. Either way, you’ll leave the first session with solid next steps and a concrete action plan.
If we’re meeting together for longer, we can then take a deeper look at what you’re struggling with and start hammering away at it. Sometimes that will mean working on big picture, structural thinking. Other times we may need to concentrate on the micro level of sentences and paragraphs and how they can better support your vision. Occasionally, we’ll also turn our attention to the world outside your project and how to negotiate its unwriterly demands while still making a deadline.
How much does it cost?
The first session is generally $150. If your piece is longer than 50 pages, add $30 per every additional 50 pages. (If it’s really long, we can also just work out a fair, flat rate.) On the other hand, if your piece is very short, or you’re just getting started, you can knock $30 off that initial fee. After the first meeting, sessions range in cost from $100–150, depending on what we’ll be working on and how much additional reading I’ll need to do.
How many sessions will I need?
Each session is 90 minutes. Since every project is different, it’s hard to tell exactly how many sessions you’ll need until we talk. But here are some estimates: If you just want an overview and some fresh insights into your work, a one-shot deal is probably enough. If you’re feeling really stuck and could use some help breaking free, you’ll need about 3 sessions. If you’re looking for someone to stand by you every step of the way, you’ll probably need between 7 and 10 sessions. It’s also possible for us to schedule a block of sessions together and turn it into more of a retreat.
Where will we meet?
Odds are, we’ll be talking on the phone. But if you’re in New York City (or you’re going to be in town), we can also plan to meet up in person.
What if it’s an emergency?
If your piece is due in just a few hours and you’re in a total panic, don’t hesitate to email me. As long as my schedule accommodates it (and I’m still awake), I’ll do my best to help you make it to the finish line.
Can you get me a book deal?
While some writing coaches promise to hook you up with a big-money book deal, alas, I can not offer that service. I can’t guarantee you’ll get published either. But if you need a passionate, patient reader who will remind you of your strengths and help you out of a jam, you’ve come to the right place.
