Creative Words… For Writers Who Want More Than Pages covered in Red ink.

** Editing, coaching, and long-term guidance for the author who wants to grow as a writer—not just publish. **

If you’re looking for quick fixes or the type of edit where you receive pages and pages filled with red ink that you’re expected to fix on your own, I may not be the right fit for you.

But if you want someone who will work with you to help you strengthen your skills and your process—you’re in the right place.

I work with writers who want:

• Clear, honest, detailed editorial feedback

• A plan—not just comments in the margins

• Accountability and forward momentum

• Support that respects their energy, life, and limits, as well as their creative voice

• A teaching-based approach that helps them improve with every newly finished manuscript.

Although most authors are anxious to see their words in print, before they begin submitting their work to agents and publishers, it’s important for them to take the time to polish their manuscript to the best of their ability.

At the same time, there are a lot of great writers out there, and the competition is tough. Publishers only have so many new-release slots available each year, and readers only have so many dollars to spend on new books.

One of the best ways for an author to increase their chances of landing a publishing contract or making a book sale, is to strengthen their writing skills.

Each book they finish and release into the world should be a little (or a lot!) better than the last.

An author doesn’t need to be the best writer, but they should study writers’ craft, learn new skills and techniques, with an eye toward becoming their personal best.

Additionally, an author who plans to make a career out of writing needs to create a routine they can sustain over the course of months or years. Although it’s helpful to think of your writing as a business—and that is a part of the equation—the creative aspect adds another element to the mix. One that makes the entire process a little more complicated. Achieving your writing goals may seem like an impossibility sometimes, but with a lot of hard work and the right coach or guide to help you learn and grow, you can turn your dreams into reality.

I offer different levels of services designed to give all writers access to some degree of editorial feedback, as well as empower them to reach their full potential as a writer.

You Deserve to Succeed

Don't let self-doubt hold you back. Through personalized mentor coaching sessions, I’ll help you work your way through the sometimes confusing and frustrating creative process and provide you with the information, tools, and support you need to succeed. Finishing a chapter or an entire novel is a lot easier (and more fun!) if you have someone in your corner to motivate you, inspire you, and answer questions or give advice if you get stuck.

Go After What You Want

It's time to take control of your writing journey. I’ll work with you to identify your goals and then develop a customized plan and process to help you achieve those goals. This will enable you to pursue your writing aspirations with confidence.

Believe in Yourself

Believing you’ve got what it takes is the first step toward success. By combining coaching or mentoring services that incorporate author self-care with extensive, teaching-based, all-inclusive edits, I’ll help you achieve a more positive, confident, calmer, and clearer mindset. As you master the writer’s craft skills an author needs to advance their career, you’ll explore new depths of creativity and overcome any obstacles standing in your way.

With a Little Help, You CAN Make It Happen

You don't have to take this journey alone, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for a little help. As your editor, I’ll offer feedback, advice, guidance, and support to keep you motivated, inspired, grounded, and on track.

Contact me now and let this be your first step toward turning your dreams into your reality.

Scroll down to discover what services I offer, and remember, customization of services and financing are available.

Services

Content & Copy Editing Services

• Extensive, in-depth edits that include, but are not limited to, comments & suggestions on plot, structure (at the story & scene level), conflict, pacing, characterization, goals & motivation, dialogue, setting, clarity/readability, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

• This service should result in a fully revised manuscript, ready for a final proofreading before submission or self-publication.

• Includes two rounds of edits. The first review is the most extensive. During this phase, I’ll give the client feedback on everything from story structure and pacing to grammar and punctuation. For each scene, the client receives comments on what works and suggestions on how to improve issues that still need revised. Additionally, I’ll provide overall feedback on the manuscript as a whole.

• Includes a second edit after the client completes their first revisions. If the client needs further assistance—for example, second revisions result in many long paragraphs of new material—I’ll be happy to complete a review of any new material.

• Please note, depending on the condition of the original manuscript at the time it’s submitted to me for the initial edits, I may need to perform more than two rounds of edits. For example, if the original manuscript has large plot holes or is in “rough draft” condition, I will break the process down into smaller chunks and address the larger items individually. This means I may need to revise my original estimate regarding the length of time it should take to complete all edits. Additionally, while I’m happy to teach my author clients the basic elements of writing fiction or non-fiction—and in fact, this is part of the service—and I often provide examples of how a sentence can be smoothed or clarified, I will not rewrite the manuscript or make changes to large portions of the author’s work.

• If the manuscript is in very rough condition or the author is struggling to make the required revisions or asks for more help, I may recommend that we switch over to a mentoring/coaching program (see below).

• When a client signs up for mentoring, I provide more intensive, one-on-one help and guidance. The mentoring program includes lessons and resources on various writer’s craft elements, targeting those areas where the client needs to brush up on their skills and covering topics they may have missed. This allows the client time to learn the basic elements of writer’s craft and story structure. During the mentoring process, the client works on their manusceipt, incorporating the things that he or she has learned. Then, once the story is ready for the editing process, we can switch back over to the basic editing service.

Manuscript Review (Version 1):

• A full review (7-10 pages) of the first five chapters of the author’s manuscript. The review includes personalized comments and suggestions on the author’s writing techniques (craft) and overall story concept. Also includes feedback on the structure, plot, characterization, pacing, protagonist’s goals and motivation, conflict, and pacing. The written review will be delivered via email within 7-10 days. This review is ideal for authors who want to make certain they’re on the right track—the manuscript does not need to be complete—as well as receive feedback on writing skills.

Manuscript Review (Version 2):

• Same as above, except the author will receive feedback on the entire manuscript. The review (10+ pages, as needed) will be delivered via email within 14-21 days of submission.

coaching Services, Plus

• Monthly. No long-term commitment. Pay as you go!

• Includes an initial 30-minute call to discuss the author’s knowledge of writer’s craft and the basic elements of their work-in-progress. We will also discuss any difficulties the author may be experiencing and their current goals.

• Includes a manuscript critique (first 5 chapters) with personalized feedback. If the author continues to renew the mentoring services, I’ll continue to provide chapter-by-chapter feedback.

• An emailed list of writing exercises, personalized activities, readings, educational material, and customized guidance based on the information the author provided during the initial call. May include access to online courses or ebooks, as well.

• Once-weekly, 15-minute calls to check on the client’s progress and to help them revise their game plan and/or set new goals.

• Ability to email me with questions or for advice at any time. Ability to send portions of the manuscript, an outline, or a synopsis for targeted feedback. Emails are answered within 24 hours, but targeted feedback may take longer to produce.

• Duration is one month with the option to renew indefinitely.

For now, the services “booking” buttons are disabled. I hope to have online scheduling available soon. Until then, please email me at j

To ask questions, find out the cost of each service, or to schedule one of my services, please send an email to jillshearer@creativewords.me. *If you’re interested in the complete editing service, please include the total word count of your manuscript when you contact me. Thank you!