I read a sample of your work to assess your writing’s strengths and weaknesses. We discuss your goals for the work, such as whether you want to submit to a periodical/anthology, publish independently, or find an agent to help you into traditional corporate publishing.
We schedule video sessions where we read through your story or chapters together and I identify problems and offer solutions. I will often read your work aloud because your ears can tell you so much about your own writing, but they need to be trained to do so. I go through your work as a professional line editor would, marking places where your language interferes with the reader’s ability to follow your story. Then we fix that language together.
This includes strengthening your knowledge of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary. Then we move to the next level, which includes the mechanics of paragraphs, dialogue, scenes, tension, and how to use language to invite your reader to invest emotionally in your characters and conflict. I can teach you how to use language to develop and reveal your characters, advance the plot, generate suspense, and resolve it in a way that satisfies your readers.
Most people started their writing journey in high school English classes and with freshman composition in college. The paths diverge from there into business, science, humanities, journalism, and the arts, including writing itself. Each of these have their own vocabulary, bad habits, useful habits, challenges, and successes. With the exception of creative writing, and sometimes journalism, these paths are not the best route to a creating gripping narrative. You’ll need new tools specific to shaping fiction.
Our goals are:
- help you internalize these skills so you produce better first drafts and know how to revise them into solid manuscripts ready for the attention of a professional editor or review by an agent.
- help you outgrow my coaching. I want you to develop the tools you need to carry you forward in your craft, and to learn where to go for intermediate and advanced instruction.
- help you find real joy as your improved language skills bring your stories alive.
Testimonials
Anne has been tremendously helpful as an instructor and editor. Her comments are very insightful and specific. She has a way of drilling down into the problem and addressing weaknesses within the writing and the writer at the same time, making both stronger. Several of the stories we have worked on together have sold thanks to her hard work and dedication to her clients.
Lauren Lang, Denver, CO
I approached Anne because I didn’t know how to fix the broken parts of my novel. I desperately wanted to publish something that I was 100% proud of. And let me tell you, Anne was worth every penny. She’s a phenomenal teacher. She helped me learn to use language in a way that was powerful and packed a punch. My prose improved, my use of grammar soared, and I learned the art of telling a fantastic story. I cannot sing the praises of her coaching enough. Don’t wait. Let her help you today!
Megan Chromy, FL