For writers of any experience level – In person or by phone
- Connect with your inspiration
- Write with clarity and confidence
- Create a body of work that expresses your unique voice
Please contact us for a free 20-minute initial consultation.
Below, Johannah Racz answers some frequently asked questions about writing coach services. Please also feel free to contact us with your own questions.
What is a Writing Coach?
Good, authentic creative writing combines superb technique with a writer’s unique sense of inspiration. A writing coach offers methods, tools, and constructive feedback in one-on-one sessions to develop your technique and help you access your own authentic voice. Please see manuscript critique and proofreading for additional information.
What is Your Coaching Style?
I aim to spark your inspiration, excite you about the writing process, and support your development. Feedback is most effective when done with honesty and sensitivity. I tell you the complete truth about what you need to work on—as well as your writing strengths.
What is Your Coaching Philosophy?
I believe that anyone who feels a genuine and abiding motivation to write has the talent to be a writer. It is my job to provide the tools and techniques you need to help those talents emerge.
Whom Do You Typically Work With?
I work with anyone interested in authentic self-expression in writing. Whether you are a beginner or already have a list of publications under your belt, I’ll work with you to:
- Focus your talents
- Expand your knowledge
- Develop your style
- Polish your work
How Will You Help Me Meet My Goals?
We decide together how I can best facilitate your development as a writer. Whether you need one-time-only feedback or longer-term coaching, my services are flexible to meet your particular needs.
The following table lists coaching structure options. We define your needs and goals and then choose from one of the following structures. Please note that you can switch coaching methods whenever you like or use a combination of two or more methods.
|
Method |
Description |
Meeting Frequency |
Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
On-Call Coaching |
We meet on an “as needed” basis when you have particular questions or need feedback on a specific piece of writing. |
As needed |
Help with a particular piece of writing Answers to specific questions Highly focused instruction in concepts and methods most relevant to you |
|
Adaptive Coaching |
We move forward based on natural connections between topics and your developing inerests. |
Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on your preference |
Achievement of learning objectives through a relaxed, intuitive structure that adapts to your development An expanded body of work that is developed through emergent writing objectives (specific number of words, pages, pieces, etc.) A thorough education in the writing concepts and methods most relevant to you |
|
Structured Coaching |
We follow a customized coaching plan that defines goals, lessons, resources, and time frame, much like a class syllabus. |
Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on your preference |
Achievement of pre-defined learning objectives through rapid, predictable progress An A thorough education in the writing concepts and methods most relevant to you |
What Happens in a Typical Session?
If you’re located in the Northern Front Range area of Colorado, I’d be delighted to meet with you in person. If you live elsewhere, please phone me at the time and number we’ll have pre-arranged.
Sessions follow one of three formats (we will decide on the format when you arrange your appointment):
|
Format |
Description |
Benefits |
|---|---|---|
|
Reading and Discussion (Onsite Sessions Only) |
Bring your writing to the session (five pages, double spaced, 1” margins OR two poems max per session). During the session, I read your work and give constructive feedback. |
Ability for you to work on your writing right up to your arrival to the session Very immediate reaction to your work Specific suggestions for how to strengthen the piece |
|
Discussion and Instruction* |
This method combines manuscript critique with a one-on-one session. Submit your work at least five business days before the coaching appointment. Critique fees apply in addition to the session fee. I read and critique your work and return it to you for review before our coaching session. In the session, I explain my comments in depth, answer questions, and offer instructional materials, readings, and writing exercises relevant |
Greater depth of discussion about your writing Deeper explanation of my comments Specific suggestions for how to strengthen the piece Time for me to offer resources and exercises Notes, activities, writing exercises, and relevant readings that you can take with you |
|
Instruction Only |
I present a lesson, complete with instructional materials and suggested independent work, that introduces a topic or technique that is key to |
Maximum instruction time and materials Extensive notes, activities, writing exercises, and relevant readings that you can take with you |
* PLEASE NOTE: Unless I read and critique your work during our session, payment for manuscript critique and proofreading is separate from and additional to the coaching session fee. If you’d like me to critique your work before your appointment for discussion during the coaching session, please pay for that separately and submit your work at least five business days before our appointment. I will provide an estimate for your review and approval before I begin critiquing. For creative writing coach appointments by phone and manuscript critique/proofreading services, you will receive a payment request e-mail that includes details about your purchase and a link to PayPal to complete payment.
What Are Some Typical Coaching Topics?
Typical coaching topics include (but are not limited to):
- Poetry (specific detail, metaphor/simile, word choice, form, etc.)
- Fiction (character development, dialogue, plot, dramatic tension, structure, etc.)
- Creative nonfiction (character development, dialogue, plot, dramatic tension, structure, etc.)
- Getting published and the “business” of writing
- Motivation and time management
- Overcoming writer’s block
- Grammar
Making An Appointment
Setting Up Your Free Initial Consultation
Contact me to set up an appointment. I offer a free initial 20-minute consultation to explore how I can help you attain your writing goals.
Setting Up a Session After Your Initial Consultation
Contact me to set up an appointment. For phone coaching appointments, payment via PayPal is due 48 hours or more before the appointment (details below). I will send you an e-mail to confirm your appointment time that includes a link to PayPal.
Payment
For creative writing coach appointments by phone and manuscript critique/proofreading services, you will receive a payment request e-mail that includes details about your purchase and a link to PayPal to complete payment.
For in-person sessions, please make payment at the time we meet. For phone sessions, please pay in full via Pay Pal at least 48 hours before our scheduled session. If payment isn’t received by then, the session is automatically canceled.
Please note: Unless I read and critique your work during our session, payment for manuscript critique and proofreading is separate from and additional to the coaching session fee. If you’d like me to critique your work before your appointment for discussion during the coaching session, please pay for that separately and submit your work to me at least five business days before our appointment. I provide an estimate for your review and approval before I begin critiquing.
Please see Policies for information on cancellations and refunds.
