FAQs

What kind of writing do you work with?

My speciality is fiction, and I delight in working with novelists and short story writers in any genre. I also consult on creative nonfiction projects such as essays and memoirs.

How much do you charge for your services?

The price will depend on the size and scope of the project, as well as what type of feedback you’d like. When you contact me to talk about your project, we’ll negotiate either an hourly fee or a price for the project as a whole.

What is the process like?

After I receive your name and information through my contact page, I will reach out to you for your free consultation. Then:

• If you’re ready to send your whole project to me, I’ll read it within a few weeks and send you detailed feedback about what parts of the manuscript are working well and what parts could be improved. After you’ve had time to read and mull over it, we’ll set up another call to discuss next steps and to answer any questions you might have.

• If you’re still in the planning process, we’ll set up a series of conversations to talk through ideas, plot out a structure, and even (if you like) set up a writing schedule. I will read batches of pages or chapters as you complete them.

What is your guiding philosophy?

There is no single right way to tell a story. My job is to figure out what kind of story you want to tell, and to help you tell it better. To this end, I rarely “insist” on specific changes. Instead, I ask questions that are meant to help you recognize, explore, and ultimately justify the choices that you’re making as a writer.

Can you guarantee that I’ll get published?

Sadly, no. If only! The truth is that it’s really hard to get published, particularly in today’s market. While I can’t offer you that guarantee, I can promise you that you will be a stronger writer after working with me than you were when you began.