MENTORING:
I offer a minimum 3-month package for $1000/10 hours a month. I also offer a pre-paid, 10-hour, package with a savings of 10%; the package must be used within a 3 month period and unused time is non-refundable
We can tailor that time to your specifications: for example, zoom conversations to discuss strategy, revision, outlining; email check-ins/questions; ongoing critique/notes on pages you submit.
A single one-hour consultation is $125, with a 2-hour minimum.
I’m also happy to work out a combination coaching/full manuscript edit–or any package that works for you.
Email hdking719@gmail.com for a free consult!
EDITING:
I can help shape personal essays, short stories, novels, and screenplays. I’m open to ghostwriting. But I’m way into memoir. We can go about your project in one, or a combination of, the below ways.
I prefer completed book-length projects but will consider shorter works on an ongoing basis; e.g. consulting on a regular column. I’m also fine with editing works-in-progress and consulting as the work moves toward completion.
1. SIMPLE TWO-PAGE WRITTEN EVALUATION OF PROPOSAL:
For tips on writing a great sample proposal (i.e. pitch letter, 1-2 page synopsis, list of chapters, and sample chapter, click here. Fee: $1500.
2. SIMPLE MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION:
The evaluation comprises 3-5 pages of notes on content structure, flow, chapter breaks, point-of-view, tone, voice, and dialogue. Up to 200 pages double-spaced, 12-pt. Fee: $2000.
3. FULL MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION:
The evaluation comprises: 8-10 pages of notes, including: Overall feedback, questions, and notes on story, theme, character, structure, dialogue, point-of-view, tone, and marketability.
Line editing: grammar, syntax, spelling, usage.
Rewrite: After taking my notes into consideration and re-writing, you may re-submit for a second read and an additional 3-5 pages of notes.
Phone conference to discuss notes if desired.
Fee: $5000 for a maximum 250 pages double-spaced, 12-pt. (rate for longer work negotiable).
4. GENERAL OVERVIEW/FEEDBACK:
Say you want to submit 30 or 40 pages of a manuscript for general observations about tone and authenticity, or to get my expert take as you start your own blog, or to discuss how to find an agent, or any other smallish project: $375 per hour with a four-hour minimum.
FIRST HALF OF FEE PAYABLE UPON ORDER; SECOND HALF PAYABLE UPON DELIVERY.
And of course we’ll talk first, to get a feel for each other, so you can tell me what you need, want, and expect.
CRITIQUE:
For feedback on work you’ve already written, the cost for critique services is $150 for the first 20 pages and $5 per additional page. In return, I offer line editing for the complete manuscript plus your choice of a critique (500-2000 words, depending on the length of the manuscript, outlining what’s successful and what can be improved) or a one-hour in-person meeting with the editor. I use the industry standard of 250 words per page to calculate the final cost.
TESTIMONIALS:
Heather is one of the country’s premier writing coaches. Just when I was ready to give up on my project and myself, she rescued me. It’s amazing to sit back and listen to her brilliant mind spill forth as she shapes my rambling thoughts and pulls out all the good stuff. Heather can look at a piece of my writing and give me more insight into what it’s really about than I even knew was there. My fear, anguish, and head-banging (so to speak) have turned to confidence. I’m eternally grateful.
–Karin Esterhammer, author of the 2017 memoir So Happiness to Meet You, based on an L.A. Times Travel section article about her two years in Vietnam that received the most hits of any piece that year.
“Heather’s firm command of the tools of her trade, those practical nuts and bolts of storytelling was invaluable to me. She is eager and encouraging, and her ability to share her deep love of writing inspires me every day.”
—Patrick Kerr, film, TV, and stage actor, among many other parts Noel on Frasier and Blind Guy on Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Heather King is queen of encouragement for new writers. She has helped me to be consistent and confident in my work.She is a writer’s companion.
–Rita A. Simmonds, Winner of the Catholic Press Association Award, Best Original Poetry, 2010, 2011, and 2012
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Heather’s Writing Workshop dropped in my lap in such a manner that I can only describe as, Divine Providence; after years of delaying an inner prompting to write, her 8-week course gave me the confidence I needed to begin my journey as a new writer!
Ms. King’s experience and love for the craft and art of writing preceded her, but what struck me the most was the length to which she nurtured all of us for the duration of the Workshop. Heather approached each student with a profound tenderness, sensitivity, encouragement, and generosity of spirit that spilled over into each one of us, creating a safe space it seemed we all needed.
I highly recommend Heather King’s Writing Workshop to writers of all levels, and at all stages in the development of their work!
—Natalia Ferreiro, opera singer and actress.
When I first heard of Heather’s writing workshop I thought, “I wish!” I desperately needed something, but I didn’t think Heather’s workshop would be possible for me. It was a financial commitment, but more than that, it was a time commitment. I brought it up to my wife, fully expecting her to shoot down the idea. Instead, she said she thought I should do it. I was floored… and very grateful. You see, I’m a writer who has been writing for years, but I’ve been stuck for the last two or three years. Over the last decade I’ve authored a book, contributed to other books, and have been published in various periodicals (including my own monthly column for three years), and created weekly content for podcasts and radio. But the last few years I have been in a rut. Stuck. In short, I’ve been a frustrated writer… frustrated because I wasn’t writing. One of the things I hoped to receive out of the workshop was new fire for writing, a reignited passion for writing. And on this point, Heather’s workshop did not disappoint. The experience of meeting weekly with other writers for the sole purpose of helping each other with both the art and craft of writing was… well, priceless. I am so grateful to have been a part of the workshop, and I look forward to participating again in a future workshop. Thank you, Heather, for putting your gifts at our service and for always calling us onward and higher!
The last few years I have been in a rut… I’ve been a frustrated writer… frustrated because I wasn’t writing. One of the things I hoped to receive out of the workshop was new fire for writing, a reignited passion for writing. And on this point, Heather’s workshop did not disappoint. The experience of meeting weekly with other writers for the sole purpose of helping each other with both the art and craft of writing was… well, priceless.
–Jeff Young, The Catholic Foodie
Thanks to the editing and the mentoring skills of Heather King, my book, The Oxygen Mask Rule – How My Struggle With Anorexia Taught me How to Survive, is a finalist in the International Book Awards and was given Honorable Mention in the New York Book Festival awards in 2012.
–Martha L. Thompson
“Heather King is an incredibly honest and insightful critic. She helped me see the issues in my new poetry manuscript and suggested ways to correct the problems in tone, image, and even at the level of the word. Heather is an astute and generous reader. She is also very responsive and clear. I’m so glad I asked for her help!”
–Leslie Williams, author of Success of the Seed Plants (Bellday Books, 2010), winner of the Bellday Prize, and Even the Dark (2019), winner of the Crab Orchard Series in Poetry Open Competition.
