services
Along with offering updates, revamps, rewrites and creative rethinks I also specialise in:
editing
This involves rewriting, tweaking, correcting or amending an existing text, be it company copy or a work of fiction or non-fiction. Along with all the obvious elements of copy-editing such as checking for typos and grammatical glitches, editing can also encompass a re-working to optimise the value and intention of a piece.
presentations, pitches and speeches
Hitting the right tone in the right way with the right words when speaking to an audience – whether to two or 200 people – can be daunting. With a focus on what you want to cause and what effect you want to generate, I offer help with writing your presentation, pitch or speech, and also direction in delivering it.
inspiration and brainstorming
I offer brainstorming and inspiration sessions on written communication to explore company message, branding and identity, brochure and website content, communication materials and strategies. Sessions can be one-to-one or in groups, in companies small or large, start-up or established.
ghost writing
Ghost writing is just that: writing for someone in collaboration with them, in their own voice. Along with company material, I offer ghost writing for works of fiction and non-fiction, autobiography or memoir.
book doctoring
Whether fixing the mechanics of a clunky plot or resolving character or plausibility issues, book doctoring involves diagnosing and remedying completed works of fiction, dramatic fiction and non-fiction.
literary support
This involves areas such as planning, structuring and plotting works of fiction and non-fiction. Focusing on practical elements such as where to start and how to finish as well as character and plot development, stylistic devices, formulaic tools and so on.
how to get published & self-publishing
Helping you to make informed decisions about the best route for you to get your work to market. This includes advice on choosing a publisher and/or agent, developing a pitch, writing a proposal and going through the sort of things publishers and agents might look for in a work. In terms of self-publishing I offer advice and options on printers, distributors and placement, jacket design, typesetting and bureaucratic mysteries like getting an ISBN.
creative writing courses & workshops
Held by request. Areas covered include developing language and style, creative expression, writing exercises, managing writing blocks and grounding an overwhelm of ideas.
mentoring
This can take many forms and is essentially tailored to specific individual needs. Some of my clients have been students, whether doing A-Levels or PhDs, some with English as their second language. Some clients are established novelists who check in on a monthly basis to get an overview of so far and a future view of where next. I worked for some years as a creative writing mentor with ex-offenders at Koestler Trust which involved monthly meetings over the course of a year to create a structure and regular point of reference for the mentee to produce works of fiction.
writing therapy
Written expression is a wonderful catharsis as well as a hugely useful method of self-expression and as such, a tool for furthering self-awareness. Over the last 15 years I have received client referrals from a number of mental health professionals. Some of the clients I have worked with have received diagnoses of personality disorder, manic depression/bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, dyspraxia, dyslexia and Aspergers. It’s a very creative space.
team of experts
I regularly work with highly experienced experts in their field of specialism, including media law, web design and build, graphic art and design, photography, typesetting, printing, management consultancy, marketing and communications consultancy and public relations.
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