Mentoring for writers

One of my greatest joys in the past few years has been the opportunity to work with and nurture emerging writers through my role as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland.

I didn’t expect to love it so much - but after more than 30 years of working as an author and being edited by some of the best and most brilliant minds in the publishing industry, I’ve picked up tips and techniques that are useful for other writers too. After 30 years of giving writing workshops, I know how to share the craft.

So – to my surprise – I’m offering three new services for writers of all ages and experience levels: 

• Mentoring: Let’s work closely on your story and assess its strengths and improvement. 

• Coaching: Allow me to guide you through the different stages of writing your project. We can talk through research, plot, character, structure and more.

• Manuscript help: Send me your manuscript and I will provide feedback on its strengths and any areas where it could be made even better. 

Writing isn’t always easy. On the toughest days, it can feel like a slog - and a lonely one at that. But those of us who do it do so because we couldn’t imagine doing anything else. 

Want to learn more? I’ve answered a few questions below. 

What kind of writing can I ask you to help me with? 

Having written everything from picture books and gardening columns through to big lectures and blockbuster historical novels, I am comfortable with pretty much every genre and category of writing you can think of. 

I’m a beginner writer, is it still ok to reach out to you? 

Absolutely! We’re all beginners at some point, and working with an experienced author is as good a way to improve as any. 

What are the benefits of working with a mentor/coach/manuscript assessor?

Having the chance to talk through your story or project with someone who can listen, ask the right questions and make some suggestions of their own, is exactly what we need to get started or get unstuck. 

I have benefited enormously from working with editors and publishers over the year, who have helped me to make sure my work is the best it can be. I would like to offer you the same kind of wisdom I’ve been lucky enough to benefit from over my career. 

What would our working together look like? 

This is something we would agree on between us before we began. A typical experience might look like sending through your manuscript for me to read and provide feedback, or we could chat on the phone about whatever you’re working on, and what you need. After that it depends of what works for you: a chat every few days, or a break for weeks while you do draft 54. Many people with an extraordinary story to tell don’t know where to start: but if you tell me what you want to say I’ll take notes, whoosh it together – and you’ll find you did know how to tell a story all along.

How much are you charging?: 

My rate is $262/hour plus GST. UPDATE **: The first three spots using the 'snickerdoodles' code word to receive my introductory rate have already been claimed. Thank you!

How many mentees are you taking on?

I'll only work with one mentee at a time, apart from giving advice now and then, so you'll need to email me to book your place.

I've just taken on three mentees. One has a first draft novel, which may take awhile: but the second has a draft picture book and the third wants to discuss industry and opportunities, so if you book now there should be a place for you in a few weeks.

Can I request a certain number of hours?

Of course - together, we can establish a package that works best for you. Please note that the hourly rate will also cover reading and assessing your project as well as providing feedback. If you just want to know how to write a brilliant essay to wow everyone in an exam, a single hour’s intensive work may be all we need. 

How can I find out more?:

Please write to me at jackie@jackiefrench.com or visit this page: https://www.jackiefrench.com/writing-services