My passion lies in nurturing creativity in all people, not just those who consider themselves artists. I do this because I believe self-expression leads to wholeness, and the world needs whole people.
Me and my wonderful client Mai Donohue at the book launch of her memoir "Crossing the Bamboo Bridge: Memoirs of a Bad Luck Girl" in Sept. 2016 (photo by Aileen Brown)
I’ve been working with writers of all kinds for more than 15 years - as a teacher, developmental editor, and coach. I create the conditions needed for people to bring their projects to light in a safe, productive, motivating, and inspiring way. When providing manuscript notes, I celebrate what’s working and question what isn’t. My goal is always to help the writer speak in their clearest voice.
Bringing things into form is a magical, beautiful, difficult process. Inevitably, all sorts of tough stuff will arise - insecurities, doubt, anxiety, confusion, avoidance, and more. Sometimes we succumb to discombobulation and lack of time management, other times it’s the ennui one feels after wrestling too long with a manuscript.
Because everyone is different, the services I provide are highly specialized and based on each writer’s needs and desires. I take into consideration the words on the page, yes, but also get to know them as an individual to see how I can best support them.
Recent work for clients has included weekly coaching calls for an essayist, notes on a script pitch, formatting notes for a poetry book, script notes on a dark comedy, structural notes on a yoga teacher training manual, formatting notes for a cookbook, strategy sessions for a memoir project, manuscript notes on a work to be republished posthumously, and a consult on a query letter.
Below are my most popular services for writers. Oftentimes what I do is a combination of several of these things, but they’ll give you a good idea of where I can support you. Have a gander, then shoot me a note using the form at the bottom of the page if you think we’re a match! And, please check out my testimonials page for things my clients have said about me.
DEVELOPMENTAL & STORY NOTES: These super duper, detailed notes are for completed non-fiction manuscripts and feature-length screenplays (of any genre). They offer an in-depth analysis of all the parts of your work (structure, plot, character, voice, style, theme, etc.) to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the work. I give a detailed overview of issues as well as page-by-page suggestions on how to tighten up the work. Kinda like having X-ray eyes, you know? For manuscripts: $500-$1000 depending on length; For screenplays $250-$350 depending on length.
CREATIVE COACHING: This is for folks who want someone to walk the path with them, or just hold their hand from time to time. If you need support in bringing a piece from concept to completion, I can provide the accountability needed to stay on track. I can also help with time management, creative blocks, insecurities and fears about being seen, connecting to audience, and more. We do weekly or monthly check-ins to discuss where you’re at, where you wanna be, and how to get from points A to B. Each coaching call is 1 hour in length and includes a follow-up email with notes and homework. $65/hr. including notes and homework.
PERSONAL NARRATIVE/LIFE STORY: Everyone has compelling stories to tell. I can help you uncover, transcribe, and edit yours. It begins with recorded interviews [in-person (locally) or over-the-phone]. The interview process is one of deep listening, and often feels cathartic for the client. I am especially sensitive to stories that include abuse, physical challenges, oppression or marginalization. If your story includes these aspects, we make sure to create a safe and loving space before, during, and after the process. I then transcribe the interviews and work with you to find the narrative within. I don’t do any writing in this process, but rather help you to guide and shape the story’s narrative as the process unfolds. It’s collaborative, but you retain your voice and vision all the way through. Rates depend on project. Please contact me for more information.
BOOK LAUNCH & EVENT PLANNING: You’ve written a book. Yahoo! It’s exciting, but planning a book launch and related events can be daunting. If you want to create a master plan for your book launch, need help with finding and booking a venue, or would like someone help you plan and execute the entire creative event from soup-to-nuts, I’m your gal! $45/hr. or project rate.
BOOK MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT: This is the stuff that lots of artists find boring, but weirdos like me enjoy! I can help you conceive of print and web marketing materials, create a snappy bio, develop blurbs and summaries about your project, put together engaging social media content and web copy, and more. $45/hr.
RESEARCH: I love me some rabbit holes! I can provide story research for film, TV, and book projects or articles. I can also research things like bookstores in your region, agents you’d like to query, or anything else, really. You tell me what you want to know and soon thereafter you’ll receive a handy document of web links, book and article titles, and more with short summaries describing each. $30/hr.
