You want to WRITE but don’t know where to START…

You've STARTED but can’t seem to FINISH…

You've FINISHED but still want some POLISH…

You've POLISHED but don’t know where to PUBLISH…

One-On-One Manuscript Consultations

First: I carefully read your material.

Second: I make comments , edits, and suggestions on your manuscript. (My preferred method is using MS Word's "Track Changes" feature.)

Third: We discuss. Either in person or by phone.

Macro Feedback includes what I see as your:

• Vision for the material.
• Major areas of conflict.
• Overall characterization.
• Plot: pacing & ordering.

Micro Feedback Includes:

• Areas to & suggestions how to:
• Sharpen conflict.
• Effectively use place, atmosphere, setting.
• Opportunities to deepen characterization with:
• Dialogue.
• Concreteness of detail.
• Precision of emotion.
• The comments on your manuscript outline the discussion.

Our conversation is focused to achieve two things at once:

• Address specific issues within the story, chapter, or excerpt.
• Give you an improved comprehension of craft applicable to ALL of your work.

COACHING

I can help you:

• Articulate writing goals.
• Devise realistic & practical plans to achieve goals.
• Set and keep deadlines.
• Formulate strategies for slow periods or blocks.

For all clients, I offer:

Tailored reading suggestions, including: essays on craft, relevant/model short stories, novels, and narrative non fiction.

MFA/MA GRADUATE PROGRAM APPLICATIONS

Having served on the admissions committee for the MA and MFA programs at San Francisco State, I have a good idea of what makes an application and fiction sample stand out from the rest. Graduate programs have become so competitive, that working with a private coach might give you a competitive edge. I've completed an MFA program, been accepted to others, and have read hundreds of graduate school applications.

HOW I CAN HELP:

• Help you decide where to apply.
• Share my Experience as an MFA/MA student and teacher.
• Read a body of your work.
• Suggest a particular short story or an excerpt to use for your writing sample (based on where you're applying and their requirements).
• Once a sample is selected, I can work with you as described above.

WHAT I CANNOT DO:

• Guarantee that you'll get published, find an agent, get a book deal, or that you'll get into a MA or MFA program (though many of my clients have).
• Give you an extra “in” at SF State (I have never and will never evaluate a manuscript for admissions that I've worked with professionally).

RATES: Hourly. Discounts available for packages. Please contact me for details.