Writing Coach

Are you new to the writing world? Trying to write your first book and not sure how to put it all together? Joined a writer’s group and feel like you’re listening to a foreign language? Feel like your book is a confusing mishmash? Chris is here to help.

Chris has a passion for helping beginning authors learn the ropes of the craft of writing. She is a content editor (also called substantive or developmental editing). This means she looks at your manuscript to determine the “big picture.” She makes sure your message is getting through to the reader. Is it organized in a logical manner your reader can follow? If it’s a novel, she meets your characters and checks them out? Will your reader love them or hate them? Or even care? How is the pacing? Do the words match the actions? Will your plot and subplots keep your reader glued to your book? Fiction and non-fiction have some things in common. In both she’ll be watching for contradictions, inconsistencies, factual errors, or discrepancies. Are there satisfying beginnings and endings? What will make your book stand out in its market?

Content editing is more subjective than copy editing or proofreading. There are fewer hard and fast rules. Some things will have to be changed in your manuscript because they are mistakes you’ve made as every writer does. In addition, Chris will be giving you a lot of suggestions on ways to change, tighten, or build your writing. It will be your choice whether to accept or reject those changes. All these suggestions will be made with the goal of making your writing the best possible. There will be a great deal of communication between you and Chris, preferably in person, but by email and phone if necessary to make this happen.

Due to the contact and honest communication necessary for this to work best, Chris will review a portion of your work and you will have a free introductory meeting with her to determine if the two of you will be a good match for your project. And if not, she will use her networking skills to match you with  someone who can help you.

To start this process and discuss rates go to the contact page and email Chris.