Classes
Coming up:
Online Autofiction Writing Workshop with Sackett Street Writers
NEW: May 4 May
A journaling group inspired by May Sarton,
Creative Coaching
Stuck in a creative rut? There's something between going it alone and committing to an MFA program: this individualized coaching plan. Whether you're working on a book, or looking to commit or recommit to your creative practice, my coaching package can be tailored to your needs.
We'll have 6 weekly or biweekly meetings, which can be hour-long Zooms or calls.
In between our meetings, you can send me up to 5k words of writing -- either something you're working on, or responses to generative prompts I provide. I will add some light line notes. During our meetings, we'll discuss what you have and how to keep going.
If you'd like more editorial feedback, we can arrange this and the price will change according to how much of my time is required. And if you'd like to keep going after our initial 6 sessions, we can arrange that, too!
Clients have gone on to develop their creative practices, get into MFA grad school programs, sign with agents, hone their book proposals, and publish in outlets including Jezebel, LA Times, Tablet, Katie Couric's Wake Up Call, Funicular, and Human Parts.
“Amy’s feedback was essential in strengthening my writing and my pitch. She helped me get my agent!" - Dr Stacy Wentworth, author of Cancer Culture and creator of the podcast Less Radical
Contact me for more information and rates.
Developmental Editing
In today's competitive marketplace, you need to get your book as close to perfect as possible before querying agents or submitting to publishers.
When I do a developmental edit, I read the whole book twice, adding line notes and writing up extensive editorial feedback. The fee includes a meeting over zoom or telephone to discuss notes, and any follow-up questions writers may have.
I always read and edit with an eye towards what you, the author, want the book to be, and your specific publication hopes and dreams.
My specialities are upmarket and literary fiction and memoir.
I love well-written tales of life upheavals, LGBTQ stories, and women on the verge. I also happily edit narrative nonfiction, romance and other genre fiction, and YA and middle grade books.
Clients have gone on to publish with major publishers like Workman, Hachette, Macmillan, and Penguin Random House. I’ve also helped writers to query and sign agents, grow their newsletters, hone book proposals, and (maybe most importantly) get back on track with their creative practices after serious blocks.
"When I reached out to Amy, I felt like I was writing in a vacuum, unsure if my book was on the right track. During those moments of self-doubt, her time and energy were invaluable. Her keen editorial eye helped me avoid throwing out perfectly good writing, and her insightful feedback gave me clarity I needed when ideas felt scattered. On top of that, Amy generously shared ideas and resources to explore article opportunities that might build momentum towards my book launch!"
- Vanessa Chakour, author of Earthly Bodies: Embracing Animal Nature