“A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.”
Speaking
I'm available for speaking engagements, workshops for children and adults, and lectures on a variety of topics.
Lectures
I frequently lecture for creative writing and children's literature courses. Topics might include: exorcising writing blocks and unleashing creativity, technology and writing tools such as Scrivener, various issues and topics related to picture books and children's literature, as well as discussions of graduate education in creative writing.
Workshops
Small group workshops are my favorite way to engage young and adult authors. I've worked with all ages from elementary to adult and have led workshops on many topics, a few recent workshops being:
Writing from Randomness: The Poetry of the Unconscious Mind
Truth and Lies: Life Inspiring Story
Unlocking Your Voice: Writing as Healing
Early Lessons: Basic Story for Beginning Authors
School Visits
I welcome the opportunity to share my books with school groups. What might a visit include?
Brief introduction and details on the publishing process.
Dramatic reading of a recent release.
Optional time for Q&A.
Optional craft/activity (host provides supplies—many downloads are available on my website!).
Individualized book signings (books may be pre-ordered and signed at the event or sent to me with return postage).
I'm also available for Virtual visits!
Why schedule a visiting author?
Workshops and author visits create powerful connections between students and the written word, boosting confidence and encouraging curiosity. Are you interested in a live or virtual visit? Contact me!
Editorial
I offer a full line of editorial services from cohesion reads to in-depth story reviews.
Congratulations on a completed manuscript! Nothing can match the pleasure of typing The End after months (or years!) of labor. I provide full manuscript reviews of completed works in almost* any genre. Be aware that I do not do line or copy edits—spelling and punctuation errors might be noted if they are consistently problematic, but I’ll primarily look at story, characterization, structure, dialogue, logic, and any other element that needs attention.
What do manuscript services include?
I offer two options: a Deep Dive into your work, or a Quick Dip. What you can expect from each:
Deep Dive
A thorough and attentive read of the full manuscript.
Detailed feedback on major elements such as plot, character, dialogue, structure, rhyme and rhythm, theme, voice, style, gravitas, and more.
Analysis of trouble spots, and insights and suggestions for potential improvements.
A resource list of links, videos, and book recommendations tailored to your individual needs.
Publishing and marketing advice.
An annotated digital copy of your manuscript.
Includes a Quick Dip of one revision.
Quick Dip
Attentive reading of the full manuscript.
Feedback on potential trouble spots.
Global feedback on overarching literary and story elements.
Resources tailored to your genre.
Picture Book Critique
What is this beast, the picture book? They're short, they're sweet, they should be easy. Shouldn't they? I consider picture books to be one of the most challenging forms—more challenging even than a sestina! And after writing close to a hundred, reading thousands upon thousands, I now know . . . there's magic in revision. Let me evaluate your manuscript and you'll receive detailed notes on theme, gravitas, conflict, pacing and everything else I can provide. (1500-word maximum)
PB Deep Dive ~ $350
PB Quick Dip ~ $200
Short Works (Under 40K words)
I would love to provide editorial feedback on your poetry collection, children’s book, novella, short story, or book proposal. I have experience reading and editing virtual all genres, and have written poetry, middle grade, early middle grade, short stories, and many, many book proposals.
SW Deep Dive ~ $950
SW Quick Dip ~ $650
Long Works (40k-100k words)
Your full novel or work of nonfiction, short story collection, longer book proposal, or other works in the 40k-100k word range would be in good hands with my editorial review. I’ve written multiple genres including literary, fantasy, young adult contemporary, novel in verse, mystery, nonfiction, and plays. I have experience editing all of those genres and more.
LW Deep Dive ~ $1800
LW Quick Dip ~ $1100
Epic Works (100k-300k)
Do you need feedback on an epic fantasy, completed series, or several full-length novels? If the total word count is under 300k words, bundle them in the Epic Works package!
EW Deep Dive ~ $2800
EW Quick Dip ~ $1500
Screenplay Story Evaluation ~ $1550 (no quick dip available)
I worked as story editor on the screenplay for the 2017 release, Milada, and am familiar with structure and elements specific to screenwriting. I can provide detailed critique on all things screenplay.
*I can’t provide editorial feedback on graphic novel scripts or erotica.