for outstanding text
Coaching and training
I provide coaching, tutoring and training to both authors and editors through a variety of teaching formats. I have also designed bespoke training courses for businesses. Examples of these are given below.
Coaching
An online meeting, following Gale’s written edit, was tremendously useful and gave me an opportunity to bounce ideas and explore ways to fix plot holes. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who wants a high-quality editor.
Jay Jones, author
Many authors, and editors, find it useful to access some coaching or advice on particular areas of their work. I am happy to provide this via one-on-one coaching sessions, tailored specifically to the individual’s requirements.
What's provided in each session?
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a one-hour, one-to-one Zoom/phone consultation
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an hour's preparation prior to the session
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an email conversation per week/fortnight (if required)
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feedback/notes on pre-agreed amount of text submitted in advance (if applicable)
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useful resources
How often does coaching happen?
Coaching can be a one-off session, or a pre-arranged weekly meeting over a specific period of time (e.g. once a week for an agreed number of weeks).
What does it cost?
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It depends on individual requirements. See here for a guideline.
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A 10% discount is available if coaching is combined with a critique or structural editing. These must be booked at the same time.
NB: All coaching is tailored to the specific issue at hand, as well as to the individual’s needs and what they feel would be most beneficial.
Why not get in touch and find out more?
Book coaching for authors
Who is coaching aimed at?
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Fiction and non-fiction authors
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Authors at all stages of their writing journey (i.e. drafting, revision, etc.)
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Writers requiring assistance with very specific areas (i.e. plotting, structure, writer's block, etc.)
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Those intending to self-publish or those wishing to submit to agents/trade publishers
What kinds of topics are covered?
Coaching is dictated by the author's needs, but can include one or more of the following areas:
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Revisions (can include feedback and suggestions)
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Plotting (i.e. critiques, brainstorming, help with structure, characterization, etc.)
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Drafting (practical support with writing your book)
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Querying (i.e. letters, synopses, submission guidelines, etc.)
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Publishing (how the industry works, what publishers are looking for, etc.)
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Accountability (providing motivation and strategies for writing)
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Author confidence (brainstorming, helping with writer's block and imposter syndrome, etc.)
Her knowledge of the publishing industry, her ability to whittle away until my novel had a punchy opening, her brilliant solution to signalling the time shifts in my book and her forensic approach to the smallest detail were all amazing.
Kathy Hopewell, author
Coaching for editors
Who is coaching aimed at?
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Fiction editors
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Newbie editors
What kinds of topics are covered?
Coaching is dictated by the editor's needs, but can include one or more of the following areas:
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Fiction conundrums: e.g. particular editing problems, how to deal with structural issues or queries, when to stop editing, etc.
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Mentoring: for editors who might be considering moving into fiction editing from another editing field, or who have just started fiction editing.
With a client's permission, this can also involve assistance on a specific project that is causing concern.
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General editing issues: help for newbie editors who might need a little reassurance or guidance about things such as: dealing with clients; how to comment on a text; getting help, etc.
She is always helpful and encouraging. In the mystifying world of the new writer she is an excellent guide.
Lesley Paton Cox
Author and editor training
She offered delegates a tempting blend of experience and pragmatism, and I find myself quoting what she said about the editorial process still.
Professor Alison Baverstock, academic, author and publishing consultant
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Tutor, HarperCollins Author Academy (fiction stream)
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Course leader, NKD, London. Bespoke in-house course. Quality Checking Masterclass
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Tutor, CIEP's Introduction to Fiction Editing course
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Mentor, CIEP's Proofreading Mentoring scheme
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Revised Publishing Training Centre’s (PTC) Editing Fiction and Editorial Style online courses
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London Book Fair, Insights Seminar Programme. Authors are our Business: The Collaborative Relationship between Editor and Author. With Margaret Hunter
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Project-managed and co-wrote the CIEP’s Introduction to Fiction Editing online course
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Training given at CIEP annual conferences:
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One-day, pre-conference training course. Introduction to Fiction Editing
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Live Editing Session (fiction)
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Workshop. An Introduction to Editing Fiction: Mind over Matter
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Seminar, How we got started. With John Firth and Richard Hutchinson
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Kingston Publishing Conference, Kingston University, London. Seminar.
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Chamber of Commerce, Edinburgh. Workshop.
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Consultant/trainer, SafeSpace charity write-athon
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Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (Scotland) (SCBWI). Summer retreat: Workshop.
Gale revised two of our most popular Publishing Training Centre (PTC) e-learning modules, Editing Fiction and Editorial Style. She did an excellent job.
Petra Green, Head of the Publishing Training Centre