Coaching
From blank page to publication
I offer bespoke coaching by telephone and face to face. Drawing on thirty years experience as a professional wordsmith, my advice will be tailored to your goal, and your personality. You will find me your most honest critic, but also your most dedicated supporter.
As well as initiating you into craft secrets, I’ll bolster your confidence and motivation, assist you with goal setting and time management and equip you with strategies to market and publicise your work.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a professional author I’ll delve into the detail of what you need to succeed. This means everything from turning a memoir into a story that sells, to role-playing telephone pitches to newspaper editors.
You haven’t yet started writing, or have still to find your niche?
I’ll apply my interviewing skills to uncover your gifts, insights and knowledge and will then advise on how to make the most of them. Together we’ll look at everything and everyone holding you back, including yourself, and devise solutions. Starting with practical assignments relevant to your specific objectives I shall guide you easily and enjoyably across the threshold into a writing life.
Already committed to writing as a beginner or as an experienced author?
As a published novelist I know how to provide precisely the support you need at every stage. Naturally I will give you constructive criticism. But I will also identify the emotional and practical problems preventing you from producing your best work and help you resolve them. I will guide you through negotiations with agents and editors and initiate you into winning strategies to publicise your work.
You have a brilliant idea for a blog, a website, a non-fiction book?
Using my expertise as a commissioning editor I’ll help you sift your ideas to elicit the best material and to spot the angles that will sell. Depending on your goal you’ll discover how to research like an ace, turn notes into authoritative copy, write scalpel sharp prose for the web. You’ll also learn how to produce a persuasive pitch for agents and publishers.
Your ambition is to break into journalism?
As an award-winning writer I’ve worked for tabloids, broadsheets, magazines and the web. I’ve also been on the other side of the desk as a commissioning editor. I’ll share the inside story on every aspect of the business, help you decide which branch is for you and then guide you towards your first byline. I’ll also arm you with the skills and the ruses you’ll need to make your mark in this fiercely competitive world.
You want to impress colleagues and clients with your writing skills?
In my years as a translator for international companies I met many executives who were brilliant at their job and yet struggled to write effectively in their own language. Whatever your field, I can teach you how to ensure that your reports, proposals and letters reflect the quality of your ideas. Acting as your 'invisible editor' I will teach you how to write with clarity and authority so that you always make a positive impact.