Frequently Asked Questions

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My area of expertise in coaching and editing memoir, personal essay, and creative nonfiction.

Coaching can meet several different needs of a writer. I've coached writers as they've worked through very specific pieces, offering developmental advice, and editor's eye and a reader's heart. I have also coached writers who like to meet regularly to keep accountable, to have a deadline, and someone counting on them to show up as they work through their creative process.

Editing happens at many stages of the writing process. Developmental and substantive editing provides questions and insights intended to guide you to fully develop your story. If you have draft of a memoir or personal essay, my work as your editor can look at the big picture issues such as pacing, tension, story arc, character development, voice dialogue, and readability. 

Think of your project like building a bicycle, developmental editing is like assembling all your parts, the wheels, the chain, the seat and handle bars, getting them all in the right places and sizes. Line editing is tightening all the screws and bolts so it holds together and rides smoothly. It occurs later in the writing process, and takes more time. It includes looking closely at paragraph structure, anachronistic language, and some grammar. 

The best thing to do is to see if we are a good match. Schedule a 15 to 20 minute complimentary consultation (via phone or zoom) to learn about your project and needs, and we can go from there. Coaching pricing is by the hour, while editing services are priced at a reading fee based on the project's length and stage of development.