Writing, Editing, Developing, Platform Development, Marketing
I work with writers as a book writing coach and advisor, editor, developmental editor, co-writer, ghost-writer—whatever a writer needs to bring a piece to publication. I have expertise in a broad range of topics and work with writers on books and articles covering diverse subjects including health, food, business, healthcare and medicine, memoir, how-to, self-help, and marketing. I also provide assistance in platform development and marketing. My in-depth knowledge of the publishing world and my expertise as a professional writer have helped my clients secure representation by top literary agents and write books that have attracted the attention of major national media including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and National Public Radio.
Book Proposals
A well-written, professionally produced book proposal is your key to acquiring representation by a literary agent and a good contract with an established publishing house. I can work with you to develop and write the proposal from start to finish, or help you with sections as needed. I can also help you determine to whom you should send the proposal, and why.
Book Manuscripts
Once you have a contract with a publishing house to write your book, you will have a deadline to produce the manuscript (until your book is published, the document you are writing is referred to as a manuscript). I can help you write it, edit it, or polish it after you’ve completed it.
Query Letters
A query letter is the term used in publishing for the letter you write to a literary agent, requesting representation; or to an acquisitions editor, requesting review of your book proposal; or to a magazine editor, pitching a story (article) you would like to write. Also referred to as a cover letter, a well-written query is essential to beginning a conversation with professionals in the publishing world. I can help you understand the elements of a good query, help you write the query letter, or review and edit yours as needed. I can also help you determine to whom you should send the query, and why.
Magazine Articles
I work with writers to develop topics for consumer magazine articles and to pitch the idea in a query letter. Once the writer has a contract to write the article, I can help write or edit it as needed. Often, the initial idea for an article contains concepts for follow-up articles; I can work with you to determine what they may be and how to pitch them.
Media Releases
A media release can help you promote yourself, your business, or your book. I can help you write the release, or write it for you, and help you identify to whom you should send it.
Newsletters, Blogs
A newsletter or blog can be a good way to build platform. I can help you develop a concept, write or edit it, and help you target an audience.
Newspaper Column
A monthly column in your local newspaper can help you build platform. I can help you develop a concept, write or edit the column, and help you query an editor.
Websites
I can help you develop content for your website, and understand things like search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine advertising (SEA) as well as how to analyze the effectiveness of your site.
Platform Development
Platform is a buzzword in the publishing world. I can help you understand what it is and help you develop yours.
Marketing
You may have written a terrific book, but if no one knows about it, it’s not going to sell. I can help you create a powerful marketing plan for your book prior to its publication so that it gets attention and sells. I have extensive experience in the marketing world in general—and in book promotion in particular—and work with writers and authors to help them achieve greater visibility, platform, and increased book sales.
Writing and editing go hand in hand. I can write, edit, or develop as little or as much of your project as you determine is needed. Projects include: