Memoir & Nonfiction Book Consultant

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Memoirs

I consult on memoirs in progress and on complete manuscripts not yet ready for publication, helping authors determine what’s needed to make their book as good as it can be.

In a consultation for a manuscript in progress in a half-hour telephone or videoconferencing call we discuss your book and your specific concerns with it. Next, you email your manuscript as a Word or Pages doc (I respect your privacy and never share any of your material). I read the manuscript and return it to you with detailed written notes addressing its strengths and with suggestions for areas of improvement. I consider essential aspects of a book, including:

• storyline (plot)

• narrative arc

• use of theme(s) threaded through book

• effectiveness of scenes

• use of dialog

• story pacing

• character development and consistency

A 1-hour call follows the return of your manuscript with notes so I can answer any questions. If your manuscript needs significant development, we can discuss that next step.

In a consultation for a book idea, we discuss its development possibilities. Please see my coaching services for details on the one-on-one development assistance I offer.

Other Nonfiction Books

In the last 30-plus years, I’ve developmentally edited many published nonfiction books, including business books, travel books, cookbooks, gardening books, and regional guides. If you’re writing or considering writing a nonfiction book, we’ll follow the same process as with a memoir consultation, starting with a half-hour phone consultation and proceeding from there as needed.