Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can anybody be a writer?
A: Anybody who writes is a writer. As my mentor, the brilliant Pat Schneider said, “Talking is writing on the air. If you can talk, you can write.” That said, few of us have learned to practice writing as an art form — to use craftsmanship to achieve a particular effect–to inspire, persuade, entertain. Many of us have to unlearn much of what we were taught in school.
Q: Can anybody get published?
A: Yes and no. Anybody can create a blog or use other platforms to share their writing. If you want a traditional publishing house to buy your manuscript, the first thing you must ask is, am I ready to seek publication? If you’ve just started to write, the answer is probably no. Just as, if you had just started taking tennis lessons, you wouldn’t try to qualify for Wimbledon. Beware the tendency to rush things. If you’re just learning the craft (and your work will show it!) no amount of storming the gates will get you published. Also, remember that the publishing industry is changing incredibly fast. Many well-known authors are now choosing indie publishing (what used to be called self publishing), because they can make more money and publish faster. There are lots of other formats besides the traditional book offered in a brick and mortar bookstore.
Q: Will you help me find an agent or editor?
A: If you skipped right to this one, please read the previous answer. Otherwise, let me observe that my role is to help you get to the point where an agent or editor will be genuinely interested in your writing. That’s basically where my role ends. I can lead you to resources but I do not find you an agent or a publisher.
Q: I’m in California! How will you work with me?
A: I hold conferences by telephone or Zoom–when we’re getting started. Once we’re into the process–you’re sending me work and I’m critiquing it and sending you edits and comments–we can often work by email with occasional phone or Zoom check-ins. Occasionally, I use google docs with clients.
Q: Will I need any special computer software?
A: Yes. I use email and email attachments extensively.I ask all clients to submit their work by email, in the form of a Microsoft Word document file attachment. I do my reading and commenting on the computer, so it’s vital for my clients and me to be on the same word processing platform. Since I use Word’s commenting feature to deliver my critiques and suggestions, clients must be using a current (updated) version of Word. Otherwise, when I return your file with full comments, they may be invisible to you. I also use Google docs.
Q: Can you edit my manuscript?
A: I will read your manuscript and provide you with comments and a written report of what’s working well and any suggestions I have for improvement. My comments will cover structure, characterization, clarity, pacing, voice, and language. I will read book-length manuscripts, essays, and articles, and will include concrete examples to illustrate what I’m commenting on. If you want me to make major editorial decisions and change your writing, we can discuss that.
Q. What if I just want to write for myself and/or my family? Will you work with me?
A. Absolutely. I love working with people who want to explore their lives on the page but have no great desire for publication. I offer targeted prompts, suggested readings, and constructive critiques.
Q: What do you charge?
A: I base my overall fees on a standard rate of $100 per hour, for coaching, critiquing, and editing. In special cases, limited financial aid may be available.
Q. How do we get started?
A. After an email exchange, I offer a free 15-minute introductory phone conversation.
I'm happy to be part of this collection of personal stories, a collaboration involving over 60 teachers of memoir from around the world. The book is published independently by the Birren Center for Autobiographical Writing, through which the authors are certified to teach.
A unique and beautiful exploration of Helen Keller's abiding friendship with prominent journalist Ed Chamberlin–and much more about Keller's struggles, passions, and values. The author is Chamberiin's great-great-granddaughter.
On August 8, 2020, in pandemic heat, I introduced Kristen Rademacher (via Zoom)at the launch party for From the Lake
House, A Mother’s Odyssey of Loss and Love, her wrenching memoir. Flyleaf Books, our hopping indie bookstore here in Chapel Hill, NC, hosted the event. A large crowd from across the country and around the world tuned in for the inspiring multi-media event.
This poignant memoir gives a boy's view of life in Nazi-held Prague and his escape to freedom in a challenging America.
An award winning collection of powerful stories about serving the many needs of elderly and indigent patients, as one of America's first gerontological nurse practitioners.
Essays by women ministers about their challenges and victories in answering the call to ministry.
A mother's 40-year struggle to raise an autistic son – and to grow up herself.
This idyllic memoir recollects the sweet and simple summer pleasures of family life in mid-century Cape Cod.
If you love your pets and make sacrifices for them, you will adore this lively book about a family's needy cats.
The history of a women's shelter in Birmingham, Alabama, as told through many voices.
William Buffett's short essays on nearly everything, arranged as an alphabet book.
Essays about one man's dimensional life including some of his favorite recipes.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hi Carol!
My name is Sarah. I am interested in working with you in a group setting if you are offering anything in 2023. Tomorrow is May 1st. I am seeking creative writing workshops and inspiration among peers. Very new to writing minus constant journaling. I’d very much like to develop my writing as a sort of creative outlet for myself. If you have offerings or know of other local happenings, please do share. I am based out of Mebane, NC. Thank you so much!