Overview
Thanks for checking out my services. I look forward to hearing your goals.
First task: getting the most bang for your buck.
Maybe you’re not sure what you need right now...? Read on.
JUST STARTING YOUR BOOK?
Books need to sell, and the publishing industry has pretty rigid "rules"...so let’s talk about getting your book positioned best for agents who need to sell it to a publisher.
NOVEL IN PROGRESS?
It's WAY too soon for line edits on paragraphs you might end up deleting! What you want is a concept editor. Is the story premise strong enough? What characters/scenes work, and which don't? Do the chapter endings pull the reader forward?
FINISHED YOUR MANUSCRIPT?
You've typed "The End" (congrats, whew!) But…is it great? Could it be better? A good "beta" (test) reader can tell you what it's like to read your book…AND YOUR FRIENDS SHOULD NOT BE YOUR TEST READERS, lol. Choose someone who knows the industry. Like me. Just sayin’.
IT'S SLEEK and GORGEOUS and YOU'RE READY TO SEND YOUR BOOK BABY OUT?
Now you need a kick-ass query letter. Look up lots of stuff free on the internet about "how to write a great query letter." Once you've done that, I’ll help you fine-tune it...and I’ll teach you ways to improve query letter success.
THINKING of SELF-PUBLISHING?
There are so many pros and cons to self-publishing your book--and I can walk you through them. If you decide to self-publish, there's lots to decide: covers, how to set up your files, tips for success, available formats, and how to position your book for the best market access. (We can talk MARKETING after that--it's a whole separate topic, and one you need to know, no matter whether you self- or traditionally publish.)
SUMMING UP:
From concept editing to beta reads and all the way to publishing, I can help with your book project. Think about your budget, and we'll find something that works for you.
*OTHER WRITING:
Besides novels, my writing career has spanned everything from tech white papers (making complex IT stuff interesting to non-tech readers, lol) to private-school fundraising, from green-architecture speechwriting to magazine and news stories. Whatever writing project you need, I can probably help. Shoot me an email.
BOOK GENRES I've worked on:
Novel about displaced Japanese Americans during WWII
YA science fiction
Cozy Victorian mystery series
Sales Guru non-fiction guidebook
Architectural monograph for international design+build firm (translated into three languages)
Commemorative booklet, business school
Sickle Cell Anemia awareness project
Awareness/marketing book for niche pet owners
I'm looking forward to hearing your questions and concerns. Getting started is free. Let’s talk!
Member, Historical Novel Society
Member, Historical Novel Society, Chesapeake Chapter
Member, Eastern Shore Writers Association
Member, BCPL Writer Group
Promotions, Manor Mill Gallery
Panel discussion, ChatGPT
Workshop Leader, ‘Seasons of Writing’ for Baltimore County Public Library
Workshop Leader, Wild Women in the Woods retreat session
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Works with
Awards
- 2017 Pirate's Alley Faulkner Competition Finalist
- 2016 Alabama Writers Conference Novel Award
Work experience
Gateway Technical Services
Consultant to organizations in the full range of written and spoken communications.
Project management from initial planning, conceptual design, draft review, final review and implementation.
SAMPLE PROJECTS INCLUDE:
- article on alumni entrepreneurs for a Pennsylvania college
- speech for Russian and Azerbaijan Green Building Councils
- technical case studies for New Jersey IT database consultant
- speech for South African Council of Shopping Centers
- monograph for an international architecture, planning, design and development firm
- copy editor for commemorative booklet for a Baltimore university
- web content for Baltimore B2B web design services company
- children's book for a non-profit in California
PLUS:
• feature writer for regional magazines and newspapers
• design/copy editor for B2B book
• web content and storytelling for non-profits
• editor/writer of alumni newsletter for private day school
• writer/publicist for Oregon Ridge, Baltimore County’s largest public park
Self-employed
You have an idea for a book, or maybe a rough manuscript--and you need help with the words and the project plan. Or you need a speech...or a killer fundraising letter.
I love working with words and ideas. From concept to finished product, I have the experience to help guide you to success.
I offer deep understanding of what makes writing work: character arc, plot, dramatic tension, timing, word selection.
I work hard. I meet deadlines.
I'm clear with feedback.
I'm thorough.
I'm friendly, with an easy-going personality.
You might have a tiny budget or a huge one. My biggest writing project was over $50K, and my smallest was a day rate. Don't worry about the money. We'll decide together how to use your budget--whatever it is--best for you.
Oldfields School
I had the distinct pleasure of working Oldfields School alumni, staff and students, designing and writing communications to encourage giving in support of the School's day-to-day operations. By aligning donor goals with awareness of their gift impact, I exceeded established giving goals and implemented new (and still ongoing) programs.
The Zone Magazine
Conceptual editor and primary writer for regional print publication THE ZONE MAGAZINE during launch year. Developed strategic focus and editorial feature calendar in addition to regular departments for a deeply-divergent readership. Wrote lively and compelling content based on human interest. Promoted green focus, built volunteer writer and photographer teams, and collaborated with production and operations teams.
Gateway Technical Services
Worked with mid-Atlantic private and public sectors. Consulted on information technology options and business development program designs, and generated value propositions with a successful close ratio. Project management for IT systems integration, implementations, and database designs. Internally, I oversaw the implementation of a new 401k plan and improved accounts receivable processes.
Portfolio
