What's included

• Defining your story and goals

  We'll start with a discussion that defines your project. First we'll review your current assets: Do you have an idea, an outline, or a rough draft? Are we adapting a screenplay? (I've done several of these.) Then we'll talk about your plot, characters, and themes. And who's your audience? Are you working in a genre with specific audience expectations for tropes or character types? Finally, we'll talk about your goals for publication. Are you seeking traditional publishing or self-publishing? This conversation will define your personal goals, the assets we have to work with, your expectations for deliverables, and the metrics that will define success for you.

• Creating an outline

  If we're starting from scratch, we'll need an outline to work from to define the structure, themes, and voice of your novel. It'll be designed so that your plot is well-designed, keeps your reader engaged, and moves your characters causally through their journey. Every chapter will be defined, so we know what needs to happen and how the story is moved forward.

• Chapter One

  Then I'll deliver your first chapter for you to review. This should reflect the structure, style, and voice that best represents you and your unique ideas. Once you're satisfied, we can move on to the rest of the book.

• Ongoing milestones

  I'll deliver the balance of the book in milestones that we define together. A chapter at a time, a certain word count, whatever keeps you confident that progress is being made. You can review the milestones and offer feedback along the way. I'm happy to do research via appropriate, vetted resources. If necessary, we can meet up on Zoom calls for collaboration.

• Final pass

  Once all the milestones have been delivered and we have a completed manuscript, you can do a final front-to-back review and provide any final notes. I'll integrate those notes, and you'll have a completed manuscript. Generally, clients then take that to a line editor for a final "second set of eyes" on spelling and punctuation, and to doublecheck adherence to any style guide you prefer. From there, you can pursue approaching traditional publishers, or self-publish.