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
NOVELISTS: Due to my teaching and writing load, I am only reviewing first chapters from novelists at this time unless we've worked together before. I'm happy to provide referrals - just indicate that on the form.
PICTURE BOOK WRITERS: I am open to critiques and consultations so feel free to fill out the form! OR, if you want more "high level" feedback fairly quickly, check out my Fast & Lite Picture Book Feedback which, unless otherwise noted on that page, is always open for business! Please note: If you are new to picture books, I require that you have some basic knowledge of picture book foundational elements before we work together on your manuscript. This can be other classes, workshops or possibly books you've read--you can share your experience with me and we can discuss that before you sign up for anything. If you want to explore my foundational options, see my Consultation and Coaching page for more information.
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 in-person in Denver, CO. Note that the General Consultation does not include reading and commenting on a specific manuscript. For that, check out Manuscript Reviews below or my Manuscript Critiques page.
Writing
Strategies and suggestions
Revision
Strategies and approaches
Publishing
Common terminology
Agents
Pros and cons
Submission
Manuscript preparation
Marketing
Strategies and approaches
Consultations and Coaching
Picture Book Foundations
When I first started out, I didn’t realize I was writing short stories for kids, not picture book stories! These sessions contain the information I wish I’d had when I was starting out. They will give you a solid understanding of the unique aspects of a children’s picture book and tools to look at your own stories through a picture book lens. I’ve worked with dozens of writers over the years and I see a marked difference in the quality of the story from those who take the time to learn the basics–whether from me or someone else.
These sessions are designed for in-person (Denver-area if COVID-19 is no longer an issue) or online Zoom meetings due to their interactive and visual nature.
Children's Picture Books 101
$150
This 90-minute session is designed to give you an overview of the unique aspects of the children’s picture book so you can begin to think about your own story in new ways. What makes a children’s picture book story a picture book story and not another type of story? We’ll cover types of picture books, structure, approaches to story, language, and more.
Illustrations Considerations for Writers
$100
This 60-minute session explores the interconnectedness of the text and illustrations in a picture book, helping you understand what to leave in and waht to leave out of your story to enable illustrators to do their jobs. We also cover how to include art notes in your manuscript.
101 & Illustrations Bundle
$200
Sign up for both the Picture Books 101 session and the Illustration Considerations for Writers session and get a deeper and broader dive into children’s picture books and save 20%! The sessions can be scheduled consecutively or on different days.
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 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 are new to writing picture books, please see my Foundation sessions above or the “I’m New to Picture” books programs here.
If you know you’d more support for your project, check out my multi-session packages below!
Read and Review Consultation
If you are interested in having me read your full or partial story and have an hour-long phone or video call conversation about where it might fit in terms of children’s book categories, the children’s market in general and what steps you might consider, rates start at $100, depending on manuscript length.
Save on a Query Review!
$25 off a Query Review if you also book a Critique or Consultation at the same time.
"I'm New to Picture Books!" Immersion Program
Picture books are a fun and unique type of book!
I strongly recommended this program to ensure you have the background and understanding of picture books to write effectively, this is a six-session instructional and consultation program for writers who are new to the world of children’s picture books.
"I'm New to Picture Books!" Shorter Programs
Though I strongly recommend you choose the 6-session Immersion program if you are new to children’s picture books, I understand that not everyone can commit the time and resources! These shorter programs will give you the start you need to get a basic understanding of what makes a picture book unique and help you get a story written!
Picture Books
Review and discussion of your picture book manuscript up to a 1,000 words.
For writers who have a strong foundation in picture book writing fundamentals (required!), are serious about their craft, and are ready to take their work to the next level. The brochure inclues single and multi-session packages.
Novels
Review and discussion of your middle grade or young adult novel.
For writers who have been studying novel writing and 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.
Expectations: Picture Books
Here’s what you need to know when we have one or more sessions together.
Expectations: Novels
Here’s what you need to know when we have one or more sessions together.
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.
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.
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?
What's the benefit of a multi-session package?
What happens after I send my inquiry?
Do you read my full manuscript before each 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?
- 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?
- 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!
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!
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.
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.
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