First Draft Boost
I’ve had people who are working on first drafts ask me for feedback and support this week, so I’ve created a First Draft Boost package:
This is for you if you:
are committed to writing a book - fiction, memoir, non-fiction or a blend of all three
have written a good chunk of the book (at least 20k words)
want reassurance that you are going in the right direction
would like to talk about plot development, characterisation or other bigger picture, structural elements.
When you get in touch to say you’re interested in this package, I will:
ask to see your first three chapters plus an outline (can be rough!) and brief notes on your characters (if you have them)
keep all of your ideas and writing confidential
have an initial read then ask any follow up questions I have - this could be related to publication plans or ideas for story development or anything else I’d like to clarify before I begin to think about your project
ask you to confirm you’re happy for me to go ahead with the work and we’ll plan in a one-to-one meeting on Zoom or in person if you’re local. I will use this meeting as my deadline to get the work done, so we can fully discuss the work then. Once we’ve had the meeting, I’ll follow up with my notes by email
ask for a 50% deposit. Once this has been paid, I’ll begin work and you can pay the balance when you receive my final email with notes.
The package will include:
bullet point notes on your work so far summarising my thoughts and our conversation in our meeting
an hour-long one-to-one meeting on Zoom or in person
a full read of your first three chapters plus outline and brief character notes
suggestions for next actions
signposts to any further resources that I have or links that I think will help.
The First Draft Boost is not:
editing. I might make a few notes on your draft using comments if there is something specific I think of while reading. But I won’t be checking anything for consistency or doing any deeper dives on your character or story development.
harsh criticism. I will be gentle, supportive and encouraging and tell you everything you are doing well (while mentioning things that need working on next - usually in order of importance) because this is what I believe is needed to finish a first draft. There is plenty of time in later drafts to be really doubling down on language, style and tightness of plot.
The First Draft Boost costs £250. If you are interested, then please email me.