Frequently Asked Questions

Write Your Book in 4 Months Program

Novel, Memoir, and Business/Self-Help Streams

When can I start the program?

Right now! The moment you sign up, you receive your first email, including your first lesson, downloadable files, and a link to our private Facebook group where you can chat with other writers in our community.

If you choose the weekly or bi-weekly coaching options, you will be matched with your mentor at the beginning of the second week. In your private team in our editors’ platform, you can chat, upload files, and schedule your weekly or bi-weekly mentor meetings.

What if I already have a partial or completed draft?

The 4-month programs are designed for those who are beginning their first draft, with lessons and mentorship designed to carry you through this stage of the process.

If you are beyond this stage (for example, you already have a substantial amount of your manuscript in place) but would benefit from having guidance and insights to carry you through to the end of your draft, visit our Personalized Writing Coaching page for further details and to contact us about the work you’re looking to do.

Our Writing Coaches & Editors work with authors of all levels and interests on their creative projects, from learning the basics and staying accountable, to providing developmental feedback on existing pages, through all levels of editing, proofreading.

They can also help with submission materials as you aim for traditional publication or provide formatting and support for self-published authors.

How am I assigned a mentor?

You will be matched with a mentor on our team whose availability, area of specialization, and any other criteria match yours. If when you begin with us you would like to request one of our team specifically, we will do our best to accommodate you!

Our One Lit Place Writers & Creative Team is made up experts who are published authors, hold either an M.A., MFA and/or Ph.D. in writing and literature, have worked extensively as a writing coach and editor with writers of all levels, and consistently provide valuable, compassionate, and educated service to our creative, academic, and business clients that boost our clients’ productivity, confidence, and inspire them to do fantastic things with their writing. (You can see some of the glowing reviews our clients have left us HERE).

What is the benefit of a weekly or bi-weekly mentor meeting?

Continuous regular contact with your mentor and/or fellow writers in our private Facebook group is what sets this program apart from others. The chief reason writers fail in their novel writing is lack of consistent dedicated support from a fellow writer or editor.

Our weekly mentor program (16 30-minute meetings) and our bi-weekly mentor program (8 30-minute meetings) ensure you are partnered with an invested mentor, who is alongside you to ensure your success. Your regular meetings will enable you to develop a relationship with your mentor, who can come to know your book, your process, and you personally. This intimacy ensures you get the exact support you need in ways that are most relevant. It’s like having a direct hotline to your own seasoned literary professional!

Further, once you have your completed draft, you’ll automatically have a trusted editorial partner and guide who knows you and your work and is most effectively able to easily step in and support you with bringing your project into publishable shape. 

If you cannot make one of your meetings, or you would like to custom design a program mentorship that suits you best, you are welcome to reschedule, double up meetings, or use them in bulk as you like (see Terms and Conditions or your Mentor Relationship Sheet (located in your private team in our editors’ platform)).

Who is the Independent Program best for?

Our self-guided option is best for those who are looking for a boost in their writer’s craft knowledge and some help structuring their writing schedule, but who feel comfortable using the program infrastructure to make strides in their work. This option is our most budget-friendly program and is additionally beneficial if you already have a writing community or trusted writing partner. 

If I sign up for the Independent Program and find I could use some help, may I buy a little bit of time with a mentor for advice and to discuss strategies?

You bet! We’re happy to support you however you need. Individual mentor hours can be purchased in any amount, and all 4-month program participants receive a 15% discount off the hourly rate. You’ll have access to your discount code once you’re enrolled, and you can add as many hours with a mentor as you need.

PLUS, all program participants receive a 15% discount on writing coaching & editing following your program, which will help you launch right into the revision process!

I want to write my book, but 4 months is too fast/too slow. Can the time frame be changed?

The reason we designed the program to take place over 4 months is to balance a reasonable length of daily writing given most people’s lifestyles and to keep the pacing energetic and motivating, so you can see the finish line not far in the distance.

That said, if you’re a teacher who has the summer off, have particular job or family parameters, or you simply require a shorter or longer time frame (2, 3, 5, 6, or up to 8 months), we’re happy to adapt the program to suit your needs. Please contact us, and we will accommodate you with a tailored program length.

Lengthening the program: If you find you will be unable to maintain the pace of the daily writing (average 3 pages/day) and need to reduce your average, we can adjust your lessons and accountability calendar to suit your needs.

Weekly and Bi-weekly mentored participants may wish to spread remaining Mentor meetings wider apart to continue receiving consistent support or may like to purchase a few additional hours to bridge you to the end of your new program length.

Independent participants will continue to have access to your lessons and the Writers Lounge. You can continue to enjoy and lean on the craft, instruction, and ideas-sharing amongst your fellow writers for guidance and support for the longer period.

Shortening the program: If you’ve come into the program with a deadline and need us to cinch the program so it can be completed in 2 or 3 months, you will still have access to the full program but in an accelerated time frame. You can work with your Mentor to increase your meetings per week or can use unused time to go toward editing or a manuscript evaluation.

What if I have to take a break from the program? May I pause it and return at a later date?

Yes, we well understand that life can get in the way (or that you may have plans that will take you away from your computer for a while). Your lessons can be paused and re-started, and your mentor time does not expire. Simply let us know approximately how long a break you’ll need, and we’ll regroup at the end of that time to get you back to work!

I signed up for a 4-month program and have not received my first email. What should I do?

Within 15 minutes of your payment going through, you will receive your first “Welcome!” email. If you do not see it, check your spam/junk/promotions folders to see if it landed there. If it did, please move the email to your inbox and add “contact@onelitplace.com” to your contacts.

If our “Welcome” email never arrives, please reach out to contact@onelitplace.com straight away so we can troubleshoot and fix the issue.

Your program emails are all delivered by email to make them easy and convenient for you, so it’s essential they arrive with no hiccups!

Program Payments & Cancellation

How does the payment plan work?

The program begins with a FREE 7-day trial. On the 8th day, your credit card will be charged the first of the 4 program payments. Each month of the program thereafter, your credit card will be billed until all 4 payments have been made.

If you wish to make private payment arrangements with us or pay for the program in full, please contact us.

If you wish to change your payment method or credit card information, please access “My Account” located on the receipt you received upon registration or visit your program’s admin page for instructions. *Check the bottom of your first email for instructions as to how to access the admin page. 

What if I need to cancel my program entirely?

We would be very sorry to see you go, but we understand that sometimes life has to take precedence over writing a book. You may cancel your program at any point in the program:

  • During your 7-day FREE trial, you may cancel your program and your credit card will not be charged.
  • After your payment subscription begins, you may cancel your program by stopping future monthly payments.

Please see our Terms and Conditions and Terms of Service for details.

In all cases, we are happy to chat with you about how we can best accommodate you, so you can continue to work on your book and see it become a reality.

Can I get a refund if I cancel the program?

The free trial period is designed to give you a comprehensive taste of the program. If the program is not what you’re looking for, you may cancel for free any time during that week. All the materials are yours to keep.

After your monthly subscription begins on the 8th day, no refunds will be provided. Your monthly payment subscription may be cancelled at any time, which will stop all future remaining payments of the subscription and cancel your program.

Write Your Screenplay Programs

Short Film in 2 Months & Feature-Length in 4 Months Streams

When can I start the program?

Any time! As soon as you sign up, you’ll receive your first emailed lesson, the link to The Writers Lounge, our private Facebook group, where you can chat with other writers in our community, and your first writing assignment to begin preparing you for the work ahead.

Mentor: you will be matched with your mentor by the end of the first week and provided a private team in our editors’ platform. Here, you will find a scheduling link for your weekly or twice monthly meetings, live chat feature, and other useful documents.

Can the timeline for the program be customized?

We carefully designed the programs to take place over 2 months for the short screenplay program and 4 months for the feature-length program so your writing time could be a manageable length, while keeping the program length energetic, so you can see the finish line not far in the distance!

That said, if you need to shorten or lengthen either program, we’re happy to adapt the time frame to suit your needs. Please contact us, so we can accommodate you with a tailored program length.

What if I don’t want the program and would rather work one-on-one with a writing coach & editor?

Absolutely- please visit our Personalized Writing Coaching page for further details and to contact us about the work you’re looking to do. Our Writing Coaches & Editors work with authors of all levels and interests on their creative projects, from learning the basics and staying accountable to striving for publication with proofreading and more.

May I choose my mentor?

All of our screenwriting mentors are writing coaches & editors from the One Lit Place Writers & Creative Team. Each is a published author, holds either an M.A., MFA and/or PhD in writing and literature, has worked many years as a writing coach and editor, and consistently provides valuable, compassionate, and educated service to our creative, academic, and business clients of all writing levels and genres.

You will be matched with a mentor on our team who is available to begin the program when you are; however, if you would like to request one of our team specifically, we will do our best to accommodate you!

Do I need to maintain the program schedule for meetings? 

There is tremendous benefit to maintaining continuous, regular contact with your mentor for consistency of support and helping you keep up your workload. That said, if you can’t meet regularly for the duration of the program, you’re welcome to create a customized schedule with your mentor that works for both of you.

Ultimately, when you have regular contact with your mentor, you’re best able to develop a relationship, which will serve you as you draft your screenplay and carry on in an editorial capacity with them once your program ends.

If I need more time with my mentor, may I buy extra hours?

You bet! We’re happy to support you however you need. Individual mentor hours can be purchased in any amount, and all participants receive a 15% discount off the hourly rate. You’ll have access to your discount code once you’re enrolled, and you can add as many hours with a mentor as you need.

*Another perk is all program participants receive a 15% discount on writing coaching & editing following your program, which will help you launch right into the revision process!

What if something comes up, and I have to take a break? 

Pausing the program: no problem at all. The program will wait for you and you are welcome to resume when you are ready. 

Lengthening the program: if you find you cannot keep up with the program timeline, please let us know, and we will custom elongate it for you. In such a case, you may wish to spread your remaining Mentor meetings wider apart to continue receiving consistent support or you may like to purchase a few additional hours to bridge you to the end of your new program length.

Cancelling the program: You have 5 days from your enrollment to cancel and receive a full refund. Participants receive a 75% refund between 5-14 days of cancellation for pre-paid plans or do not pay the remaining 3 payments.

Please see our Terms and Conditions for details.

In all cases, we are happy to chat with you about supporting you through your challenges, so you can still see your screenplay become a reality.

Program Payments & Cancelation

How does the payment plan work?

The payment plan charges your credit card in monthly installments, beginning with the first payment upon enrollment. You may change your payment method at any time.

How do I get a refund if the program isn’t for me?

Your satisfaction is very important to us! If you need or wish to cancel for any reason, we offer a full refund for within 5 days of enrollment. Please see our Terms & ConditionsAll cancellations must be in writing to contact@onelitplace.com before the end of your 5th day.

General Screenwriting

Isn’t a screenplay just a story?

Not exactly. While a screenplay tells a story, it is actually a blueprint for the final visual product. It will be used by the producers, directors, casting agents, actors, location scouts, set designers, costume department, etc. to bring together all the elements that make a movie or TV series. It is a very collaborative document and the success of every department starts with the writer.

How is telling a story for the screen different from writing any other type of story?

Film and television are visual mediums. What is described in a book can range from the physical surroundings, to the smells, to the deepest thoughts and feelings of a character. We spend time in their internal world, getting to know them and bonding with them. In screenwriting, if it can’t be seen on the screen, it shouldn’t be in the script.

Screenwriting forces the writer to ask: “How do I SHOW what the character thinks and feels since I can’t TELL the audience directly?” This includes actions (smashing a plate to show anger) and dialogue that uses emotional subtext. Screenplays also use visual metaphors to convey story ideas.

Do I have to buy special software?

Not at all! While screenwriting does use special software like Final Draft and Movie Magic Screenwriter there are free online alternatives that will help you format your screenplay. Of course, once you fall in love with screenwriting, you may want to purchase the more comprehensive software.

I signed up for a screenwriting program and have not received my first email. What should I do?

Moments after you sign up, our “Welcome!” email should arrive in your email inbox. If you do not see it, kindly go to your spam/junk/promotions folders to see if it landed there. If it did, please move the email to your inbox and add “contact@onelitplace.com” to your contacts.

If our “Welcome” email never arrives, please reach out to contact@onelitplace.com straight away so we can troubleshoot and fix the issue.

We are very happy to answer any questions you may have about this program or any of our other writing coaching and editing services. Please reach out any time!

Writing Coach & Editing

What is a writing coach?

A writing coach or mentor is someone who meets with you regularly (usually virtually using a video chat platform) to advise you on all elements of the writing process. This experience is a little different for everyone, as our coaches cater each session and overall goals to each individual writer. You might wish to use them throughout completing your first draft as part of one of our Write Your Book in 4 Months Programs, could combine editing and coaching services through rewrites, or could add them as a consultant as you navigate through the publishing process. Or your coach could be with you through all of these stages!

While an editor focuses are the words on the page after they have been produced, a coach can guide you through all stages of the process of writing. This could include being an accountability partner and helping you set up a writing schedule that fits into your life, they can coach and teach elements of writers craft to improve your writing skill, or could be a cheerleader and critique partner as you work through your drafts. Coaches are also editors and can combine this with services like manuscript evaluations and line and copy editing.

How do I know if I am signing up for the right editing service for me and my project?

Each stage of the editing process comes with its own goals and produce different products and it’s important to know what stage of the writing process you are in when signing up for editing services. We have outlined all of the stages of editing, who they are best for, and details on what to expect from each on our Editing Services page.

How do I get started with a writing coach & editor?

Once you sign on to work with us, you’re matched with a writing coach from our creative team whose area of specialization matches your work and interests. Our coaches & editors have MFA, M.A. or PhDs in a variety of writing disciplines, vast teaching, coaching, and editing experience, and are working writers themselves.

Your coach & editor will be your go-to resource on hand to support you for any of your writing projects and to meet your goals.

Where and how do we meet or exchange documents?

You and  your coach meet in a private team on our Editors’ Platform, where you will connect to schedule virtual meetings, have 24/7 access to live chat, and can easily share documents and resources.

Collaboratively, you and your coach will design a schedule and strategy based on your work and writing goals. For those working in creative fields, your coach will suggest ways to push you into new work, help you carve out your writing time, provide writing exercises, instruct you in writing craft, and guide you through the emotional and logistical territory of writing and publishing.

If you are working on a particular project (short stories, personal essay, op ed, or a long-form book project, novel, or memoir), they will support you with whatever editing you need, including your submission materials (synopsis, chapter summaries, cover letter, and book proposal) and even guide you to publishing options. 

Academic writers (Ph.D. candidates, post docs, and professors) often find having a collaborative brainstorming partner a reassurance as you prepare to publication in a peer-reviewed journal or write your dissertation, and business writers can always know your coach and editor is there to cross-check your documentation, help you refine a business plan or presentation, or copy write whatever you need for you!

How does the relationship work with my writing coach and editor?

Each writer has different needs, and we custom design a plan that works specifically for you and your projects. How much you collaborate with your writing coach & editor is up to you: a weekly meeting or check-in may kick-start your writing into new directions, or hunkering down for serious editing may also be in order if you’re aiming for publication on a novel, short story, memoir, academic paper, or business project. Many of our clients work with us over the years and return again and again (and go on to publish! Check out our authors publications). It’s a relief and a reassurance to know you always have your editor who is there for you in the ways you need.

Not sure what you need? That’s when having a writing coach at the ready is the perfect situation. Your coach will work with you to see what you wish to achieve with your writing, how you work best, and where you are in your process. Together, you can determine how you will set and reach your writing goals.  to come to an early stage plan for getting you generating work, keeping to a schedule, and learning craft, technique, structure and strategy.

How much does it cost to work with a writing coach or editor?

The fee for working with a coach & editor starts at $120/hr. We keep careful track of the time, so you’re only billed for the time you use (for example, a 40 minute call is billed at 40 minutes). Your time sheet is always available to you in your private team, so you can see how you’re allocating your budget.

All writing coaching, editing, and copy writing are offered at this rate*, so you’re able to easily move between your coaching and editing work, whether it’s preparing a manuscript for publication, developing new ideas, or working across the genres. This pricing model enables you to remain with your coach and editor for all your needs clear through to publication and beyond. If you require more than one coach or editor for your various projects, we’ll ensure you’re supported in the ways you need.

*Select editors’ rates are higher. *Certain other services are offered at a flat rate price.

We keep careful track of your time, so you only pay for the time you use. If at any time you wish to stop working with us, any unused pre-paid funds are refunded.

Writing Workshops

Where does the workshop take place?

The workshop takes place in a password-protected secure online classroom on our teaching website: thewritersworkroom.com. The platform is hosted by Moodle, which is an open-source instructional platform used by universities and companies worldwide.

What happens once I enroll?

As soon as you enroll in the workshop, you will receive a welcome email containing the workshop dates, your instructor’s name, and other pertinent information. A few days before the workshop’s start date, you will get your username and log in information, so you can access the online classroom and begin familiarizing yourself with its features.

What is the class format?

Live format: Each week, the link to the video conference will be posted in advance. The class will meet in real time via video conference to hear the lecture, receive and discuss assignments, and talk about the various craft, theory, and other elements of the genre and topic. Students will also have access to a dedicated online classroom for conversation and sharing work.

Self-Guided format: Once the course begins, you will have unlimited access to your secure online classroom. Log in any time to enjoy ongoing conversation with peers and instructor, post work and feedback, and download materials from the instructor and fellow students 24/7.

How do I make sure I get all your emails?

We have taken every technological step to ensure our emails get to our clients, but sometimes they do land in junk, spam, or promotion filters. We always advise clients to check those folders if you do not receive correspondence from us, and if you do find them there, to physically move them to your email inbox. This trains your inbox to know our emails are legitimate and not spam. Another thing you can do is add contact@onelitplace.com to your contacts or safe senders list.

These two steps will ensure you receive everything from us!

I want to take this workshop with a friend. Can we be in the same group?

Absolutely! Please email us after enrolling at contact@onelitplace.com to let us know, and we will place you in the same workshop.

What if I can’t come to the live workshop each week?

The workshops will be held over Zoom and recorded, so anyone who can’t be present live can watch the recording and engage in the associated discussion forum with any thoughts or questions.

Can I meet privately with the instructor?

Yes, all participants can schedule up to 2 private meetings of approximately 20 minutes to chat about any concerns or discuss anything about your book.

How does the payment plan work?

Upon registration, you will be charged for he full amount of the course or workshop or for monthly installment workshops, the first month’s payment only.

For the installment payment option, each month following for a total of the posted number of months, your card will be automatically charged for the same amount.

Something has come up, and I have to leave the workshop. What are my options?

You have 5 days after the workshop’s start date to cancel and receive a full refund for your first payment (*payment processing fees for the first payment will not be refunded). After 5 days, you may cancel your payments but those already made will not be refunded. You may use any paid time toward private coaching or mentorship from your instructor or another member of our coaching/editing team.

Please see our Terms and Conditions for details.

How do I buy additional private hours with a writing coaching/editing mentor?

You may buy as many individual hours as you like during or following your workshop.

Buy Individual Mentor Hours

As a member of the workshop, you’re entitled to a 15% discount on the hourly rate for one year from your enrollment date. The code is included in your welcome email. Use this code every time you buy hours with a coach/editor on our site (or if you prefer to contact us about purchasing more hours, mention you’re a participant in the workshop, and we’ll apply the discount for you).

Who are the instructors?

All of our mentors are writing coaches & editors from the One Lit Place Writers & Creative Team. Each is a published author, holds either an M.A., MFA and/or PhD in writing and literature, has worked many years as a writing coach and editor, university or private instructor, and consistently provides valuable, compassionate, and educated service to our creative, academic, and business clients of all writing levels and genres.

How does the payment plan work?

The payment plan charges your credit card in 4 separate installments, one per month. You begin the program with the first installment (the first month’s payment or 25% of the total program cost).

What happens after the workshop when I am done my draft?

Firstly, you should celebrate! That will be a huge milestone, one that will last your whole life. Secondly, you can discuss your options with your instructor or with Jenna, the owner of One Lit Place, regarding next steps. Typically you would move into the editing phase, and you can continue to work with your instructor (based on their availability) or another member of our coaching/editing team. They will help you prepare the manuscript for publication and support you with that process as well (and be on board to work with you for all your next projects!)

Remember: you get a 15% discount for coaching and editing for a full year from your enrollment date. Contact us to get set up with a mentor as soon as you’d like to get your book ready for prime time!

Self-Guided Courses

How does a self-guided course work?

A few moments after you sign up for the course, you will receive your first email. Then, every 3 days, you will receive your next lesson. 

A self-guided course is designed so you can take it on your schedule and engage with the materials as you see fit- if you liked Lesson 2, you can watch the videos again.

Hated Lesson 3? Never give it a second thought. 

Something in Day 14 made you go in a new direction with your work and you want to talk about it to process your ideas and turn it into something? Amen to that- that is what we’re here for!

Please reach out to get a writing coach on the case or into our  Writers’ Lounge where you can chat with peer writers about your work. 

We will recommend you keep a separate folder in your email program so you can house the lessons there. The course is yours in perpetuity to refer back to any time.

Is The Blogshop tax-deductible?

If you are a small business owner or professional writer, yes, absolutely! Save your receipt and submit it at tax time as a “Professional Development” cost.

Something has come up. May I pause the program?

Absolutely- please reach out to us at contact@onelitplace.com and we will gladly pause your program and be in touch with you to restart it when you’re ready.

What if the course doesn't work for me?

These courses were developed by Jenna Kalinsky and are an amalgamation of many years of classroom and private instruction and experience as a writer. They are designed to give you a maximum opportunity to both learn and reflect, all while doing so through writing. The format is such that it is an integrated part of your day- you don’t need to go anywhere or even log into a teaching platform; your lessons arrive to you each day, so you can access them easily and in ways that fit into your life.

The chief goal is for you to take the daily lessons and writing prompts and engage with them so day by day you inch toward becoming someone who unthinkingly experiences the world through writing.

If you find after taking your course that it was not of benefit to you, no problem at all- it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. Please be in touch, and we’ll refund you in full (less applicable payment processing fees). 

What other resources or editing support do you offer?

The One Lit Place Writers Lounge, our private writers group on Facebook, is a valuable safe space where you can get and give help, support other writers another, brainstorm, and even partner up to read drafts and serve as each other’s feedback partners. The group is free and all are welcome!

For targeted support, our customized one-on-one writing coaching and editing support sustains writers working in creative, academic, and business fields. Please visit our Personalized Writing, Coaching, and our Editing Services pages to see more. We are happy to help you in whatever way you need: our editors provide all manner of coaching, brainstorming, feedback, editing, copywriting, and other personalized consultation and support. If you are working on a project, would benefit from having someone on hand to guide and educate, or simply need another pair of eyes on your work, we’re here for you.

Be in touch any time to see how we can best help you achieve your goals!

 

I've already taken this course. What is the next step?

After Cultivating Creativity: It’s time to write your book. Check out our 4-month mentored book programs for the novel, memoir, and nonfiction/business | self-development books.

After The Blogshop: your business book awaits! Have a look at our Write Your Business | Self-Development Book in 4 Months program to see how you can parlay all the blogging you’ve done into a book that supports your thought leadership and business goals.

Or for a more elastic custom approach, work one-on-one with a writing coach or editor on your developing writing practice and on all the work you’ll eventually publish!