Consultations and Coaching

Supporting the whole writer
Welcome, fellow writer! I’m happy you’re here. Working with writers one-on-one is one of my greatest privileges and joys. With consultations, we can take a few approaches, with the most common being either a higher level look at your project and one of my goals is to explore techniques that you can carry from project to project and working together on a more polished manuscript to determine if it’s ready to submit. I like what Seth Godin said in a blog post once: Are you looking for validation or looking to improve? If you’re looking to improve, you’ve come to the right place! At least that’s my goal – that together we can make your story soar a little higher.

AVAILABILITY

Here's my scoop for Winter 2018/2019:

NOVELISTS: Due to my own novel projects and teaching commitments, I need to push any novels to late fall 2019 unless we've already begun work together. I'm happy to provide referrals - just indicate that on the form.

PICTURE BOOK WRITERS: I am currently scheduling critiques and consultations for February and March 2019 and beyond. If that's too long to wait, check out my list of referrals on the Manuscript Critiques page.

Picture book writers: If you would like a fast, top level critique of a manuscript, you can receive that through my Fiverr Gig, which will remain active throughout 2019 except for vacation and travel times.

 

General Consultation

 

The general consultation is a “Pick My Brain” session that covers basic/general questions about topics such as writing, getting published, agents, etc. For more detailed information on Agents and Getting Published consider taking my Find a Publisher class either in-person in Denver, CO or online. It doesn’t include discussion of a specific manuscript. For that, check out Manuscript Reviews below or my Manuscript Critiques page.

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Writing

Strategies and suggestions
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Revision

Strategies and approaches
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Publishing

Common terminology
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Submission

Manuscript preparation

Manuscript Review

Here’s a chance to have me read one of your manuscripts and work with you on strategies to continue to develop the story. I read it once before our session and when we talk by phone or get together, we discuss your goals for the story, my high level thoughts on craft elements, and how you might want to move forward with it.

If you know you’d more support for your project, check out my multi-session packages below!

Save on a Query Review!

$25 off a Query Review if you also book a Critique or Consultation.

Picture Books

Review and discussion of your picture book manuscript up to a 1,000 words. For writers who are serious about their craft and are ready to take their work to the next level. See first page for single sessions, second page for multi-session packages.
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Novels

Review and discussion of your middle grade or young adult novel. For writers who are serious about their craft and are ready to take their work to the next level. See first page for single sessions, second page for multi-session packages.
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Picture Books

Here’s what you need to know when we have one or more sessions together.
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Novel Expections

Here’s what you need to know when we have one or more sessions together.
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SUCCESS!

It’s often a long road to publication, but authors I’ve worked with have gone on to secure agents and/or have their projects acquired by publishers. That’s very gratifying and exciting.

I hope your path will lead you to success, however you define it.

How do we connect?

By Phone

For those who live more than 10 miles from SE Denver or want to save the drive time, we can “meet” via phone or video (FaceTime, Skype, Google Hangouts).

In Person

In-person meetings enable us to use have a hands-on exploration of ideas and face-to-face communication. Ideal for those 10 miles or less from SE Denver.

CAN’T HAVE JUST ONE?

(like me and Ruffles Reduced Fat potato chips? Okay, other chips too.)

Multi-Session for Picture Books

If you are looking for ongoing support for a project, a package is a great way to stay committed to the project and also receive a discount off my hourly rate. These rates include a manuscript review during the first session. In subsequent sessions we will continue with manuscript review and feedback, along with answering questions that come up along the way. See second page for multi-session packages.
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Multi-Session for Novels

If you are looking for ongoing support for a project, a package is a great way to stay committed to the project and also receive a discount off my hourly rate. These rates include a manuscript review prior to our first session. In subsequent sessions, I may read revised chapters or scenes so we can continue developing your vision for the story. See second page for multi-session packages.
Download Brochure

QUESTIONS?

FAQ

Still not sure if a consultation is right for you or have additional questions?

Check out the FAQ and hopefully we’ve got your answer!

What's the difference between a manuscript review and a critique?
The manuscript review involves me reading your pages or full manuscript through one time and discussing first impressions and high level concepts like character, plot and theme. For a critique, I read the pages or manuscript at least twice, provide a detailed letter covering character, plot, and theme on a macro and micro level as well as scene development, voice and more. I also include comments and questions directly in the manuscript itself.
What's the benefit of a multi-session package?
The first is money. 🙂  You save a bit of cash when you book a multi-session right off the bat. Also, if I know we will meet more than once, we can spread out what we discuss over the course of your sessions so you don’t feel overwhelmed with too much to consider.
What happens after I send my inquiry?
I usually respond within 24-48 hours. I may ask a few questions to see if we are a good fit and if it’s a go, we’ll work out a day and time and I’ll provide instructions on submitting your project.
Do you read my full manuscript before each session?
I read the full manuscript before the first session.

For subsequent sessions:

  • Picture books: I usually read the manuscript again unless you want to focus on just one area of the story. If that’s the case, that’s what we’ll do.
  • Novels: I  read 2-3 revised scenes or chapters of your choosing to get a sense of where you are taking the story and how you have incorporated any feedback I’ve given or brainstorming we did. In addition to the revisions themselves, we will also discuss your approach to those revisions and how you can apply that approach to other parts of your manuscript.
What can I expect during a picture book manuscript review session?
In addition to me reading your manuscript in advance, we will also read it aloud together during the first session. Then we’ll discuss any or all of the following in our hour together (phone/Skype or in-person):

  • Your goals for the story (publication, etc)
  • Any specific things you want to work on in the story
  • My thoughts on the story’s strengths and things to consider exploring
  • Strategies for revision
  • Any other topics that arise

Subsequent sessions may include a look at a revised manuscript, more of the above, and discussing next steps such as: Does it feel ready to submit? What are the steps for submission? And so on.

What can I expect during a novel manuscript review session?
Depending on which option you’ve chosen, I will read an excerpt or full manuscript before our meeting. Then we’ll discuss any or all of the following in our hour together (phone/Skype or in-person):

  • Your goals for the story (publication, etc)
  • Any specific things you want to work on in the story
  • My thoughts on the story’s strengths and things to consider exploring
  • Strategies for revision
  • Any other topics that arise

Subsequent sessions may include a look at a revised scene or chapter, more of the above, and discussing next steps such as: Does it feel ready to submit? What are the steps for submission? And so on.

Testimonials

Denise frames my work with insightful questions that unlock the story within me and does so with authentic delight and encouraging clarity. Above all, she draws out my ability to share more of me inside each page! Barbara Lynn-Vannoy

Author

Denise brings an enthusiasm, passion, and insight that are invaluable to an aspiring writer. In addition to providing specific feedback, she also has the ability to make you see your story/writing from a different angle, which can really open up new opportunities and serve to help you develop as a better writer overall. Denise is incredibly easy, fun, and sincere to talk to and provides the support and guidance needed to continue pursuing your writing goals! Josh

Author

Thank you, Denise, for your insightful guidance on my story, its readers and the market! Every review was thorough, practical and even encouraging. I highly recommend your critique/[consult] session(s) to anyone who takes writing for children seriously. Cheryl M.

Author

Let’s Work Together

Let me know what you are looking for and we can begin the process!

Still not sure if this is right for you?  Under Session Type, select Free 15-minute call with Denise.

NOTE: Please verify your email is correct before submitting the form, as this is the only way for me to contact you.

Consultation Inquiry

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