Mentoring packages

I write fiction, poetry, plays and nonfiction and have supported countless numbers of writers with both written and verbal feedback. I provide flexible mentoring based on what you need and the stage you’re at in your writing journey.

Mentoring is about receiving advice and support so you can make progress with your writing and work towards the results you want. Some people want an accountability buddy or help structuring a book, for example.

I also offer manuscript reads through Jericho Writers.

How does it work?

  1. I offer a 15-minute discovery call on Zoom when you can ask me questions and we can work out whether we’re a good fit. The discovery call is completely free with no commitment on either side. I usually do these outside term time, as I work as a university lecturer 3-4 days a week.
  2. Based on our meeting, I’ll send you a proposal by email. Write back to confirm if you’d like to go ahead with the mentoring.
  3. If we’re both happy to go ahead, I’ll draw up an agreement which I’ll send to you by email, stating the dates/times of the meetings and the cost and include any reading I’ve agreed to do.
  4. We’ll meet regularly on Zoom at a time agreed in advance. If you would like me to read work ahead of the call, please send that three working days before our call.
  5. You will get a written summary of our meeting together and any recommendations/actions we’ve agreed, but I don’t annotate your work.

Some questions to consider

  • What are you hoping to achieve? What’s your ambition for your writing?
  • What are you looking for? For example, someone to bounce ideas off, to read your work and give feedback, or someone to offer general accountability and support. Do you need help pitching your work to publishers or would you like to work on the structure of you book? It will help to focus on one of these things.
  • How often do you want to see me? Every 2 wks or once a month, for example.
  • What time period would you like to work over? 6 wks, 3 months, 6 or 12? We will set this up in advance with the option to extend.

Caveats

Please note that reading a full manuscript is not part of the mentoring service. I generally only read full manuscripts through one of the manuscript reading services, such as Jericho Writers. Occasionally I make an exception but usually for people I’ve worked with before.

I have to be quite strict about the number of words read as I am reading work from students all the time for my day job.

You need to use the mentoring within 2 months of the time specified.

No refunds are provided. However, you can cancel the 6 and 12 month mentoring packages with one month’s notice.

Investment

I charge £65 per hour including reading time. 2000 words = half an hour reading time.

For instance, a 45 min call costs £48.75. The call plus 2000 words read costs £81.25.

My packages are outlined below. I am happy to negotiate the timeframes and the amount of words read.

Packages

I offer the following packages. Longer packages include a discount of (roughly) 10%:

  • One Off Power Hour: 1 hour call plus up to 2500 words read in advance. Includes an admin charge. No requirement to book follow up calls. No follow up questions. £99 paid in advance.
  • 3 mentoring calls of 45 mins over min 6 weeks, no reading. This is the most flexible and the most popular option. You buy the calls in blocks of three and have up to 3 months to use them. Cost: £146.25 paid in advance.
  • 3 months mentoring plus reading. Each month we’ll have a 45 min call, and I’ll read up to 2000 words in advance. I’ll also respond to questions by email up to once a week. Cost: £220 paid in advance.
  • 6 months mentoring plus reading. Each month we’ll have a 45 min call, and I’ll read up to 2000 words in advance. I’ll also respond to questions by email up to once a week. Cost: £438.75. Can be paid in three instalments.
  • 12 months mentoring plus reading. Each month we’ll have a 45 min call, and I’ll read up to 2000 words in advance. I’ll also respond to questions by email up to once a week. We don’t meet in August or December, so the price includes 10 calls. Cost: £730. Can be paid in three instalments.

How to book

Contact me to find out more, letting me know what you’re writing and what you’re hoping to achieve through mentoring.

Happy writing,

Lou