Who You Are + Why I Can Help
You…
… are a multi-hyphenate and you defy easy classification. Or, you are someone, Pygmalion-like, who has dedicated a lifetime to a singular devotion — playwright, poet, songwriter.
If you have found yourself here, then you are probably curious about what a freelance editor or creative coach can do for you. There is no one way that a writer can benefit from either of these services, because of course, all art is so personal to the one creating it. But here are a few notions I can dispel: you don’t need to have a particular profile, and it does not matter whether you are new to this, or have been doing this for years and years. It does not matter if you have an academic background that has fine-tuned your career as a writer, whatever form that writing takes. Whether you are self-published, trying to publish traditionally, or have never published at all, I can meet you where you are at.
Whatever help it is that you need, I more than likely have the skills to help, as someone whose creative expression takes many forms, and who has had traditional and non-traditional experiences to underline that vision.
Please take a look at the What I Offer + Rates and Working Together pages for a more in-depth rundown of what a collaboration with me would look like, and please reach out, whether you already know what you are interested in, or don’t know at all and have many questions (you might also find the FAQs page useful).
Otherwise, please read on, for an overview of the “why” behind Virago Editing & Creative Services.
Philosophy + Statement
The greatest recurring compliment I’ve been given as an editor is that I write the kindest rejections. As an artist who is often on the receiving end of critiques, comments — and yes, also (the more than occasional) rejection, it means a lot to hear that. It means that what I set out to do, namely give the same compassion I hope to get, is working. Let us face it: the artist’s path is one rife with doubt that can make even the most outwardly successful person believe their voice does not matter, and that they have nothing to contribute in the grand scheme of things.
I am here to tell you that that is not true, and I know this because I have been there — and still am! Impostor Syndrome is, after all, an albatross not so easily gotten rid of. I have felt out of place among my peers, have felt my work was not significant, no matter how many positive feedback or publications I got. I have felt adrift, stuck in liminal spaces from an Identity and creative perspective; I have felt as if I had too many interests, too many passions, and not enough direction to justify this unconventional life I wanted to live.
What has made the most difference to me, over the years was:
a) finding community with others,
b) daring to go through the door when it was opened for me by fellow artists, mentors, and friends, and
c) leaving that door open behind me when I was bestowed with that same power.
Navigating any artistic path is confusing at best, downright opaque at worst. There is no roadmap, for better or for worse. But finding conviction in one’s unique insights is the best way for us to truly step into our potential. I want to help you find that potential, and if you work with me, I can promise to always approach with curiosity and compassion, and to offer the kind of help I was offered in the most unexpected moments of my life.
Virago Editing & Creative Services was borne out of this desire to validate those who have not had the seat at the table; anyone who has been marginalized, felt alienated, been disillusioned in the process.
If that is you, I see you and I cannot wait to meet you.