Manuscript & Consultation
Allison’s one-on-one lessons on key points of craft have been invaluable. With her patient and knowledgeable feedback, I’ve finally managed to write my novel, and even placed as a finalist in the 2019 Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society’s writing competition. Allison’s ongoing coaching has helped make my writing dreams come true.”Elisa Speranza on Allison Alsup
Developmental Edits & Critique
What We Offer:
A close read with thorough comments and a meeting to discuss. We offer substantial feedback on the manuscript itself–what’s working and what’s not, via line edits and margin comments. We address specific points of craft as well as conceptual elements, such as: cohesion, language, theme, development, structure, pacing. In short, we’ll offer any specific, actionable items we think will strengthen the piece and by extension, you as a writer. For longer works, we’ll also offer typed global comments concerning critical patterns we’re noticing around the work as a whole. Finally, we’ll meet for roughly an hour, either via phone or if local, in person; this friendly discussion is a back and forth and allows for the writer to ask questions.
Note: while we will indicate any obvious errors we spot, we are not a proofreading or copy-editing service.
Global Read
What We Offer:
The same service as above but without line edits or margin comments. A close reading of the work with an eye towards all those elements that make for a successful manuscript, including: voice, language, focus, theme, conflict, stakes, cohesion, character, pacing, structure and arc, as well as writing craft. Comes with one-two pages typed of global comments addressing the work’s most significant strengths and areas for improvement, and a one hour call or if applicable, in-person meeting, to discuss the work.
Individualized Coaching
What We Offer:
Customized meetings designed to hone ideas as well as supply regular written feedback and discussion of relevant writing craft. Sessions generally center on building the work forward in chunks–scenes, sections, chapters, etc.; assignments and deadlines are used to keep writers on track and steadily working towards their goal. Because of the intensive nature of mentoring, writers can expect to significantly improve their writing chops.
MFA Portfolio Review
What We Offer:
Special package: $250 includes line edits and margin comments on a statement of purpose/letter of intent plus prose or poetry portfolio submissions. 10,000 words max. Also includes a one hour phone call or in-person meeting to discuss all items.
Our rates
With the exception of the MFA portfolio package, we charge a flat fee of $54/hour.
No two projects are ever the same, but in general, we can read and comment on ten double-spaced pages of prose an hour. Because poetry varies so widely, more information may be needed before we can give an accurate estimate of cost.
Approximate costs:
Developmental edits & critique, including one hour meeting for:
5,000 word story or essay = $150
80,000 word novel or non-fiction book= $1750
Global Read for an 80,000 word novel: $850
Note: Shipping costs for manuscripts (if applicable) not included in the above.
As practicing writers, we understand the effort that goes into a manuscript, and we’re excited to discuss yours. In order to determine how we can best help–and so that we can give you an estimate, if possible–please tell us a little more about your project.