Short Consult
This Short Consult is a three-hour consultation package which includes reading time and feedback, in person and/ or as a written report and in-line comments.
The consultation can focus on, for e.g. the first 10 pages and chapter outline; OR a complete short story or creative nonfiction essay; OR the first pages of a couple of projects; OR development and planning for a new manuscript idea, grant applications, decisions about further writing studies, etc.
Note: For writers applying for grants, I use my experience as a peer assessor with major literature organisations, as a literary judge and successful grant recipient to best advise you.
One size doesn’t fit all. Sometimes it’s more important to have detailed close written feedback, other times it is more important to have an in-depth conversation about your writing, how to progress with a particular work or your writing career or discussion on how best to apply for a literature/writing grant with a review of your draft application.
It’s suitable for both established and early career writers or writers just starting out and wanting help to navigate forward.
The 3 hours are individually designed to suit your needs.
Contact me to discuss what you and your project need.
Manuscript Development Mentoring
Packages: 5, 10, 20 hours
Manuscript Development Mentoring includes
- Close reading and in-line feedback and comments
- Developmental advice – structural editing
- and professional mentoring, in whichever combination works best for the writer.
Together we plan the Manuscript Development Mentoring to suit your needs. Sometimes it’s more important to have detailed close written feedback, other times it is more important to have an in-depth conversation about your writing, your process and how to progress with the work.
Before the first meeting I will have read some or all of your manuscript which we’ll discuss at the first meeting, along with making plans for the next weeks or months. Each meeting will include in-depth discussion of your work. The mentoring might also focus on structural editing and feedback, with only 1 or 2 meetings. Flexibility is key.
As an experienced teacher and learning designer, I may also suggest readings and exercises to help you develop further in your writing. For writers whose work requires historical, archival, library or ethnographic research, I can offer suggestions and guidance based on my extensive research experience.
Mentorship Rates
- 5 hours $900
- 10 hours $1,750
- 20 hours $3,000
Reading time is included in these hours. Reading times vary because sometimes a work is a rough, early draft, other times the work might have gone through a series of close edits. Manuscripts are very varied and individual. A working estimate (based on Australian Society of Authors estimates and my own experience) is up to 10K words— 2-3 hours, 35K words —8 hours, 70K words — 16 hours.
Please contact me for an introductory chat
I’ll read a few pages of your work before we meet (via Zoom or phone). This is your opportunity to ask questions, and for us both to be sure the ‘fit’ is right.
Background information on developmental editing and manuscript mentoring.
- Jo Ponepinto’s article ‘Is Developmental Editing the right move for your work‘, Beyond Craft, on Substack.
- My interview with Jacqui Brown, ‘Your Own Personal Yoda?’, Women’s Ink, Winter 2021, pdf here.
- Testimonials from writers I’ve worked with.