Some people prefer introductory conversations over email exchanges, and others may simply have additional questions not covered in the FAQ or the Services sections. I offer 45-minute calls for that purpose, to address any and all, such as, but not limited to: are we a good fit to work together? how can you help develop this particular project of mine? what is the best service for me? how does your background qualify you to help?

Rate: free

Whether you are interested in the traditional route to publication or the less conventional path; whether you are fresh out of a literary program or MFA, or have never taken a creative class in your life; whether you are experimenting with your ideas or are midway in your artistic career and feeling adrift; whether you have a clear vision of what you want to be (essayist, magazine writer, small press founder, songwriter, poetry editor, agent…) or want to craft a life that combines your many interests and talents: the creative industry can feel as opaque as it is daunting. Many don’t know how to start, only that they want to start. As someone who has worn innumerable hats, is astride multiple identities and interests, and has had fingers in almost all the creative industries, I have often fielded questions on how to navigate a creative life that feels true to who you are. I will be happy to sit with you for 1h to 1h30 and in as many follow-up calls as needed, to talk it out.

Rate: $125, follow-up calls are $100

I offer 1h to 1h30 calls for anyone who has an idea, or a work-in-progress they would like feedback on. Maybe you are on the verge of querying agents, and want to make sure your work is compelling, or maybe you are still trying to bring separate works into a cohesive whole, and need some direction. You may have a standalone piece (essay, article, poem, story) you’d love a second opinion on, or are trying to get a sense of your stylistic strengths and/or struggles, before you embark on a new project. This may be a way for you to get a feel for my editing style, in case you are interested in some of the more comprehensive editing services listed above. Send me any of the below, I’ll take a look, and we’ll sit down together with my feedback and discuss where you could go from there:

- Stories: your choice of max 3, or up to 3000 words;

- MS sample: max 5000 words;

- Poetry or flash fiction: up to 10;

- Essays or articles: your choice of max 3, or up to 4,500 words.

For any forms you’re not sure of, feel free to contact me. 

Rate: $175, follow-up calls are $150

In many cases, a standalone editing service or call may not be enough, and you need more ongoing guidance to see you through a particular project, a series of projects, or something still in the ideation phase. Each week, you’ll send me an excerpt of what you’re working on, if that applies (10 pages of an MS or brain dump/3 essays or stories/5-8 poems, 2 articles, critiques, and/or reviews), and we will have a 1h30 call twice a month to discuss either the feedback I will send you ahead of time, or various questions or concerns or anxieties you may be struggling with during the process. As long as you need the helping hand, I will walk alongside you, and offer clear and compassionate advice — no question is too big or too small. For instance: is the thematic throughline in my poetry or essay collection coming through? why am I hitting the same creative wall? how can I better organize my research? how do I write with utmost care about an experience I am unfamiliar with?

Rate: $450/month, ongoing