Coaching and Consults
“Working with Danielle has changed my writing life. Not only does she bring with her the knowledge and wisdom of someone who has been writing and deeply thinking about writing for over two decades, but she brings the empathy of those years of experience too. As well as her craft expertise, I have been additionally grateful for her ability to shine light on deeper, longer-term issues that might be holding me back in my work, and to offer methods of successfully moving through those kinds of blocks. The results are real; learning from her is truly a gift that keeps on giving. ”
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Writing coaching is a conversation-based approach to shifting you into the right mindset for working on your work. My coaching style is firm but gentle, structured, yet designed to meet you where you are in your arc as a writer and show you how far you can go.
Coaching is the support system you need to get your work done — or, often, to get to a place where you can even begin. Whether it’s discovering new approaches to process or craft or clearing aside psychological or practical blocks, coaching is designed to improve not only your work, but your relationship to it. I'll be your honest, expansive, realistic (yet encouraging!) guide for learning how to integrate writing into your actual life — and how to stay connected to your work in a way that feels meaningful and productive.
Together we'll decide on a structure, direction, and set of shared goals based on your needs.
Ways clients have used my coaching services in the past include:
developing a sustainable writing practice
project organization and strategizing
getting unstuck in or seeing through a project to completion
deciding which projects to pursue
considering best approaches for applying for MFA programs, seeking agent representation, or submitting stories for publication
private instruction for previous courses, such as Reverse Outlining for Fiction Projects, Creating a Sustainable Writing Practice, Essential Processes for Your Writing Practice, Generative Writing, or Envisioning Your Story Collection
PRICING
$200/single session
$550/3-session packageSessions are an hour and are offered via Zoom or phone. Private instruction is only offered as a 3-session package.
Interested in forming a coaching group? I’m available for pre-committed groups of 4 or more. Email me to discuss rates and scheduling.
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I work with individual short stories, personal essays, novels, memoirs, and short story collections at all stages. My approach to working with you and your manuscript is question-based, intended to set you on the path to making the next set of choices. I always have lots of ideas about how to approach the next draft, but I believe most firmly that you have the answers you need for your book and my job is to help you get to them.
Rates include detailed margin notes and an hour on Zoom (half an hour for flash), to discuss a revision plan, answer questions, and talk it all through.
I don't do line edits, copyedits, proofreading, or other line-level work concerned with grammar and spelling.
If we’ve not worked together before, I will ask that you send me the opening page of your manuscript to ensure we’re a good match once we’ve established contact.
PRICING
$200 per flash piece, complete stories under 1,500 words
$450 per story up to 8,000 words
$.05/word* starting at word 8,001*lower rates are available for longer works only without margin notes; please reach out using the form below
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Applying for something: an MFA program, a fellowship, graduate school? Do you dread the part of the application that asks you to describe yourself, your work, your plans, and where the three overlap? I can help you confidently and clearly articulate your purpose, project goals, and key moments in your personal history in your own voice.
Package includes:
Two coaching sessions. During the first, we’ll brainstorm statement strategy and content, and I’ll answer any questions. During the second, we’ll discuss notes and a revision plan. Sessions are an hour by Zoom or phone.
Statement read, including extensive margin notes (up to 2,500 words; multiple statements above this count can be added on at a per-word rate)
$400
+ $150 (optional add on)
Revision read, with notes and follow up call as needed
FAQ
For manuscripts, turnaround time is typically 3-6 weeks, depending on manuscript length.
Payment is due for coaching or personal statements at the time of booking. Manuscripts require a deposit when you send me your manuscript, with the remainder due when I am ready with your notes. I prefer Zelle or Venmo, and credit cards if you cover the fees (usually 3% ish). I’m happy to set up payment plans as needed.
Scheduling: For multiple coaching sessions, we can work at your pace, whether that's once a week or once a month or some variation in between but I do ask that sessions are put on a calendar at time of purchase. I book as many as 6 sessions in advance.
Cancellation, lateness, and no-show policies: We’re both humans in human bodies. Things happen, including illness, emergencies, and having so many things in our brain we forget or mix things up from time to time. If you can give me a 24 hour heads up on cancellations, I’m happy to reschedule, and am understanding about last minute emergencies that make this notice impossible. Consistent cancellations, lateness, or no-shows will result in a termination of the working relationship without refunds of collected fees.
Unsure if we’re a fit? More questions you don’t see answered here? Email me, or schedule a complimentary 15 minute Zoom to talk through your needs by filing out the form at the bottom of this page.
“After working with Danielle on just two revisions, I transformed a rambling, self-conscious, and avoidant first draft into a clear, concise, and authentic personal statement for my MFA applications. By poking and probing, suggesting areas of clarification, specification, or simplification, Danielle helped me identify what it was I really wanted to say. In some ways, it was a reflective coaching session in disguise. Danielle’s questions led me to greater clarity on my intentions for an MFA.”
“If you’re considering working with Danielle, DO IT. As a writer of color, who had no idea how to go about MFA applications, or a writing career in general, Danielle was nothing but supportive, kind, accessible, and attentive during my MFA application journey. She is a phenomenal coach who will be there with you when you burst into tears of anxiety or excitement. At times I even felt it was more than assistance in my applications, but a coach for my writing and personal journey as well. Therefore, Danielle will always hold a special place in my writing heart because of the experience I had with her. So, do the work and do it with her! It’ll be worth it.”
To inquire about working with Danielle, please fill out the form below
I usually respond to inquires within 5 working days. If you haven’t heard back from me by then, check your spam folder!
Image by Sylvie Rosokoff for Girls at Library