Coaching Rates

Your novel writing coaching program starts here!

Whether you’re just starting the first draft of your novel or are well on your way to a full draft, working together we can make your writing journey easier (and a lot more fun!).

If you’ve found yourself halted in your book writing tracks, rest assured: We’ll create dynamic solutions to the most common narrative pitfalls and plot fails—and get your novel steadily heading toward the goal line!

If you have questions about what it’s like to work with a coach, you can learn more on the how it works page.

Writing coaching rates

Here are four ways we could embark on our work together.

1) DISCOVERY SESSION

This stand-alone writing consultation for new clients will allow us to get to know one another—while we address some literary issues. For instance, we might locate an obstacle to your writing practice or resolve an issue of plot, voice, or structure.

Whatever the focus of our attention, once I’ve reviewed your work, we’ll have a deep-dive writing conversation—in which we’re sure to discover a golden key to unblock your writing path.

At the same time, you’ll get a feel for my style: Am I supportive and encouraging? Am I knowledgeable? Do you find me generous with my insights, right from the get-go? All of this—and that undefinable quality called “chemistry”—will let us know if we might continue to work well together.

If it’s feeling right (yay!), at the end of our Discovery Session, we’ll decide what’s next. We might agree to start by developing a solid outline for your book. If you already have an outline? We’ll launch a draft. Have a draft? Let’s talk revision!

$250: Your Discovery Session includes my review of 5 pages of your work + a one-hour in-depth phone or video meeting.

2) PLOT TALK: INTRODUCING THE PLOT CLOCK!

I firmly believe your plot is the single most important element of your book. What can you do as a writer to keep your reader riveted—unable to look away?

A good plot is not actually magic, although it can feel like it. A well-wrought plot systematically applies universal story principles to your specific character, situation, and concept.

In our Plot Talk, an in-depth Plot Clock consultation, I will guide you in applying these principles. And I believe our time together will up your plotting game significantly! The Plot Clock: It’s simple. Profound. Story-changing. Tell your characters to buckle up. The Plot Clock is a wild ride.

$650: Your Plot Talk: a Plot Clock consultation (like a great party host) gives us a wonderful introduction to one another, allows me the opportunity to get an up-close-and-personal look at your story and give you a tour around the Plot Clock. This stand-alone session includes my review of your synopsis, outline, character list, and plot questions + a two-hour in-depth phone or video meeting.

3) FIRST-50-PAGE REVIEW

Those first 50 pages. You’ve written and rewritten them countless times! Good for you. Those pages let an agent (or reader) know whether or not to invest in the rest of your book. Those same pages also tell your writing coach how you can improve your book’s chances of getting past an agent and into the marketplace!

That’s why, if you’ve got a solid start on your novel—or even a full first draft—I suggest we start with my review of your first 50 pages. After I read your pages closely—considering your outline and synopsis, too—we’ll meet by phone or video call and discuss your story at many levels. For instance, we’ll talk about

• style, tone, and theme
• plot, pacing, and structure
• character development and point of view,
• and audience and genre.

With your notes from our call, you’ll be prepared to map out either a solid full first draft or a significantly strengthened revision.

$850: Your First-50-Page Review (average 250 words per page) includes my close consideration of your materials—your first 50 pages, synopsis, character list, a list of your questions and concerns—and a two-hour phone or video call to collaboratively discuss your next novel writing steps.

4) TEN-SESSION PACKAGE

This package gives us the opportunity to look at a wide range of narrative elements—and bring them together for best effect. Over the course of our 10 sessions, we’ll your clarify point of view, advance your plot, and make certain your main character is fulfilling their arc. And, always, we’ll be honing your writing style so it’s the sharpest tool in your writing kit.

In addition to reviewing your pages, we’ll also take a broader view. This means that at any given meeting we may address your novel as a whole, how it’s fulfilling the requirements of its genre, or what will make your story more appealing to agents and editors.

This package allows us to collaborate at deep and meaningful levels as we evolve your novel toward the best expression of your concept, your character, and your writerly self.

$3250: Your 10-Session Package includes my regular review of your work in progress + 10 in-depth phone or video meetings + office hours access + next-steps consultation.