A writing coach or mentor is a trusted literary or communication expert with whom you can collaborate or get insights, tools, and encouragement. The coaching you receive is customized to your needs, schedule, level of experience, and goals with the purpose of helping you enhance, improve, or maintain your writing practice and projects.
Your coach is on hand for regular meetings, one-off sessions, or both, during which you might learn, get strategies, suggestions, applicable resources, and prompts, share work-in-progress for feedback, or discuss the development of a particular work. Their presence in your life is meant to support you through the ups and downs of your writing, hold you accountable, ensure you feel motivated and confident, and feel appropriately challenged and nurtured.
Because our writing coaches are also professional editors, you are able to seamlessly collaborate both for your personal betterment and for that of your projects as they provide editorial feedback, manuscript evaluations, substantive editing, and line and copy editing.
They will also consult you on your publication options and help you with your submission materials or provide insights with self-publishing.
Our coaches & editors all have MFAs, M.A.s 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.
Many of our clients find this kind of support addictive and remain with their coach for years and through subsequent projects. (Check out some of our authors‘ publications!)
If you know what editing service you require, you’re welcome to purchase that service (you can see our Editing Services page here), and your work will be in good hands.
If you’re not quite sure what your manuscript needs, please reach out; we will be happy to talk with you about what stage your work is in and how it should begin its editing journey.
Once you sign on to work with us—either by purchasing your first block of time on the website or through contacting us directly—you’re matched with a writing coach from our creative team whose area of specialization matches your work and interests.
You and your coach will have a private team on our Editors’ Platform, where you can connect to schedule virtual meetings, have 24/7 live chat, and 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/or 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 guide you to publishing options.
Academic writers (PhD 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!
To meet your exact needs, you and your coach will custom-design a plan that works specifically for you and your projects.
Because the relationship is performed on an as-needed basis, 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 and keep you accountable, or hunkering down for a stint of serious editing may also be in order if you’re aiming for publication.
It’s a relief and a reassurance to know you always have your coach and editor there for you in the ways you need.
Not sure what you need? Your writing coach will help you get to the heart of what you wish to achieve with your work and help you find a practical way to do it based on how you work best, where you are in your process, and what your roadblocks are.
Together, you can determine how you will set and reach your writing goals.
The fee for working with a coach & editor starts at $120/hr. All billable time* is tracked in 5-minute increments (the sole exception being coaching meetings, which have a 30-minute minimum) on a shareable timesheet, which you can access in your private team.
*Time: any amount of time spent in face-to-face meetings, in phone or e-consultation; conducting research; or on manuscript evaluation and writing notes/feedback, lesson plans, and promotional materials.
Our hourly writing coaching, editing, and custom copy writing are offered at this rate**, making it easy to move between your coaching and editing work seamlessly, whether it’s preparing a manuscript for publication, developing new ideas, or deepening your study in craft or writing best practices.
**Select editors’ rates are higher. Certain other services are offered at a flat rate price.
If at any time you wish to stop working with us or complete your work, any unused pre-paid funds are refunded (less applicable payment processing fees).
A full-length book (approx. 60,000 words) will take anywhere from 3-6 weeks for the editor to provide their editorial letter (and marked-up manuscript for the developmental feedback option). This length of time is due to many variables and a suggestion. Once you meet with your editor, they will give you a timeline for when they can begin the work and an approximate delivery date where feasible.
If you are doing the sample 10,000 words (or 7,500 for the Developmental Feedback option), your editor should be able to deliver that within 1-2 weeks. Again, once you connect, they will give you an expected delivery date.
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.
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.
You do not need anything special for this early-stage program. For book manuscripts, Microsoft Word is the standard program, but you can as easily use Pages or even a Google doc if you prefer *Note: If you intend to work with your mentor into the revision and editing, you will need Microsoft Word.
Some writers enjoy using writing softwares such as Scrivener (considered by most writers to be the “gold standard”), Evernote, Miro, or others to help them organize their material, but it is not required.
For screenwriting, while it is common to use Final Draft or Movie Magic Screenwriter, there are free online alternatives that will help you format your screenplay. As you deepen into your work, you may wish to purchase the more comprehensive software.
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).
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)).
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.
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 your first 5-hour block of writing coaching & editing following your program, which will help you launch right into the revision process!
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.
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!
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!
For all 4-month programs, each month of the program after your first payment, your credit card will be billed until 4 payments total 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.
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:
Please see our Terms and Conditions 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.
A few moments after you sign up for any of our online courses, you will receive your lessons and other materials by email.
It is recommended you keep a separate folder in your email program to house the lesson emails for later reference.
Absolutely- please reach out to us at contact@onelitplace.com and we will gladly pause your course and be in touch with you to restart it when you’re ready.
Cultivating Creativity:
If you find after taking this 31-day course that it was not of benefit to you, please be in touch, and we’ll refund you in full (less applicable payment processing fees).
The Blogshop & Grad School Prep: these courses are fully refundable within 5 days of your registration. After the 5th day, no refunds are provided.
Brand “You”: Marketing for Authors: This course is refundable prior to the second module being delivered (one week following registration). No refunds are offered after the second module is delivered.
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!
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.
After Graduate School Writing Prep: work with one of our seasoned academic writing coaches to get custom help throughout your program and with all your
In all cases, for a 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!
Our virtual writing sessions are priced per session, payable in monthly subscriptions to your credit card. Upon registration, your credit card will be charged the first month’s sessions; each subsequent month, your credit card will be charged for the upcoming month.
If you wish to change your credit card or cancel your subscription, go to the “My Account” link on the receipt you received when you registered for the sessions. You will find detailed information on the first email you received after registering for how to cancel your subscription. Alternatively, send us an email at contact@onelitplace.com and we will cancel your subscription for you. Emails must be received a minimum of 48 hours prior to the next payment.
100%. It is common that the more you write, the more you will see the value in having someone by your side to help you steer your process, weather the ups and downs, and provide you with resources and a seasoned eye. Your mentor will be very happy to move into a writing coach and/or editor relationship. Feel free to let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll make sure you get what you need.
Both the Basic and the Custom author website designs are built with a Home (Landing) page, an About page, and a Contact page, plus any 2 other pages you’d like (blog or vlog, testimonials and blurbs, a sales page with links to online booksellers, a portfolio of your work, your CV, etc.) and formatted to accommodate for the eventual content (copy, images, and/or links provided by client) that will be put into the page.
You will receive an invitation to join a private team in our editors’ platform where you will connect with your designer and receive a brand guide questionnaire and a website design questionnaire. Both of these will help your designer understand the look and feel of your website and have the needed elements to begin their design.
Our designer will set up a call with you to help you purchase your hosting plan and domain from the platform, determine your website’s design parameters, and answer questions before proceeding with creating the first version of the site.
After the design is complete, your designer will show you how to add blogs or additional pages and edit existing content or add new content as well as images, links, or payment gateways.
Website upkeep and maintenance isn’t for everyone though so feel free to reach out to have us make changes to your site- we’re happy to help! (Hourly add-on rate will apply).
It is never too early or too late to get to know what marketing is, how it works, and what you can do to grow your career. The agency and empowerment you will gain from developing a relationship to yourself as an author brand and the marketing landscape will greatly impact your enthusiasm and awareness for how to get in front of readers.
Before your book is published: This course helps you put systems into place and build your platform before you launch your book, which will help you have much more engagement and robust sales once the book is published.
After your book is published: You will be able to further your book’s reach, invite opportunities for you, and enjoy far greater engagement and sales.
In today’s publishing marketplace, most authors, including the household names, undertake some forms of marketing to connect with readers authentically and personally.
You will want to clarify with your publisher what they do for you—if anything—so you can use this course to leverage those more interpersonal or specific-to-you marketing channels that will help you gain traction with readers.
You may still wish to bring on a support team or individuals to help you with certain marketing tasks, but it is essential you understand the world of marketing so you’re able to best work with these providers and understand what they do and what you can do to combine efforts to best effect.
This “subscription”-style payment is made in two equal instalments.
1. The first payment is made upon registration
2. The second payment is made 2 weeks later.
No further payments are charged.
*On the purchase and checkout pages, you will see a payment schedule of “every 2 weeks for 4 weeks,” which means your card will be charged immediately and again two weeks later; the subscription payment will then be cancelled prior to any further payments being made.
You may cancel your course and receive a full refund for payment made, less payment processing fees, any time before the second module is delivered, which is precisely one week following the first module, or you have attended your first coaching session.
After the second module is delivered or you have attended your first coaching session, no refunds are provided.
If you are on the 2-payment option, the second of the two payments is non-refundable.
To cancel: Account details are provided upon registration, or contact us so we can cancel the course for you.
Integrity: Our primary purpose is to help people usher their unique and authentic creative ideas and intellectual property into being.
If you wish to self-publish work that contains any AI-generated content, you are advised to include a disclosure statement on your book’s copyright page. (Online bookseller platforms, such as Amazon, will also require such a disclosure during the self-publishing process).
AI acceptable use: AI may be used sparingly as a brainstorming, research, or organizational tool; if used to provide resources, those resources must be acknowledged and cited as AI and AI-assisted tools commonly invent, plagiarize, or create “phantom” resources. Your editor is not responsible for identifying or fixing factual errors on a manuscript that used AI as a resources tool.
No. Our team do not use AI or AI-assisted tools in any way on client manuscripts.
Our 4-month Mentored Book Programs, Online Courses, & Writing Coaching and Editing Hours. From November 21-27, 2023