Hit a block? Run out of steam? Lost confidence?
Mentoring gives you the space and support to take a step back, work out what’s holding you up, and experiment with some alternatives to give you a fresh perspective. It enables you to set new goals for your work in progress, and to set about achieving them with rejuvenated energy and purpose.
This is a completely flexible process, using an empathetic combination of mentoring, coaching and editorial techniques with plenty of feedback and discussion. If you’re uncertain about the way forward, I may well be able to help. And it will probably turn out to be fun!
How it works
The first stage is to get in touch. No need to provide masses of detail: we’ll schedule a time for an initial chat, and then you can send me some of your manuscript to read.
After that, if we both feel I can help, I’ll email you a letter of agreement. This will summarise the aims of the mentoring process for you, and set out the schedule we envisage. The agreement represents a commitment on both sides to the work ahead, but the process itself can be altered at any time if your needs or circumstances change.
Zoom is best for mentoring — although if you happen to live anywhere near Edinburgh, I’ll be delighted to meet up in person.
In our final session I’ll give you some tools to help you plan your next steps. Then, once you have a final draft, you have the option of coming back for a manuscript assessment (and/or input on your submission package if you’re planning to query agents) at 30% discount.
Concept and Story Development
Are you dreading the blank page, or wondering why your attempts at a book keep fizzling out? Do you have a fantastic idea, but no clue how to shape it?
The mentoring process described above can also be used if you haven’t written a word of your manuscript yet! This version of mentoring uses all the idea-building, story-mapping, creative decision making and advance troubleshooting techniques I developed for the Edinburgh Napier University MA. These techniques are purpose built for people who have never attempted a full length work, and enable you to take a structured approach to developing the book you want to write, whilst experimenting with potential stylistic approaches.
As with general mentoring, this is an entirely flexible process, adapted to your own pace and learning style. It’s like having a mini Masters programme created just for your book!
Fee
£175 in advance of each mentoring session, including preparation and follow-up notes. The initial consultation is free.