1:1 Coaching
Don’t know where to start? Stuck in the messy middle? Finding revision a slog?
This is the place for you.
I work with fiction writers who are looking for support, rigorous feedback, and forward momentum.
How Coaching With Me Works
I offer live 1:1 coaching sessions through Zoom.
In your first session, we’ll talk about your project, what roadblocks you’ve hit, and your goals. We’ll also cover some key administrative details and talk about your next steps.
In subsequent sessions, the agenda will be driven by you. We’ll spend roughly half the time talking through any writing you sent me—before our session I’ll have read your piece at least twice, and left you notes in the margin to review. In session we can talk through any questions that emerge from that feedback.
There will also be space to talk about process and craft questions such as:
How do I find the time to write?
How can I resolve the subplot?
How do I know when this story is done?
You can expect to leave each session with:
In-depth feedback on your project-in-progress with actionable steps to revise when you’re ready
A goal to work towards before the next session
Tools, inspiration and things to try out to help you reach that goal
What Coaching Isn’t
Coaching isn’t me writing your book for you or telling you what you “should” do. The point of our coaching sessions is to let your voice, your ideas shine.
Coaching isn’t therapy. Sometimes creative work can get deep and exploring your creative process is emotionally challenging. However, I am not a therapist, and this is not therapy. The focus will be on targeting creative roadblocks and developing tools for your writing.
Key Details
Each session is 1-hour long and held on Zoom
Before each session you can send up to 3,000 words of your writing for me to read and give feedback on
Sessions held either every two weeks or monthly
Book a single session or a six session or ten session block
Price: $220 (+HST) / session
Frequently Asked Questions
-
No problem! I love working with writers who are just in the starting stages of a new project.
-
You are invoiced for the per-session amount after each session
-
Not necessarily! The first session is often more about discovering the scope of the project and how you see us working together. However, if you have pages, I’m happy to read them!
-
Life happens, we get it! I do ask that you reschedule as soon as possible. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be invoiced at the full rate.
If you have booked a block and need to cancel part way through, you will not be billed for the remainder of the sessions. The policy for your next booked session (24h notice) still applies.
-
I will feed your work to AI for comments or suggestions. Any editing or commenting on your work will be the result of my own deep reading and critical thinking.
More generally, I believe that the process is the point when it comes to art, and AI erodes the creative process. You can read more about my stance on my substack.
-
It’s rarely possible to address all your goals and issues in a single-session. In my experience six or more sessions are needed to make sustained progress when it comes to a major project like a novel. When you book a block, you ensure that you are scheduled into my calendar for the entire block and will receive priority for the duratio
What Happens Next?
Complete my intake form
Send me a quick form with your contact details and brief details on what you’re working on
Set up a call with me
I’ll respond to your intake form within 2 business days. At that point we’ll schedule a zero pressure intake call to see if we’re a good fit.
Decide on your schedule
If you decide to move ahead, I’ll ask you if you want to book a block, and whether you prefer bi-weekly or monthly sessions.
Book your first session
We’re ready to get started! Come to your first session with any goals, questions and concerns in hand so we can jump right in.
Here’s what one client says about working with me…
“I’ve worked with Ailsa for eight years, since I first started taking fiction seriously. We began with short stories. Then came a project that was meant to be a stepping stone, a novella at most. Six years later it’s still going, and it will likely turn into a series of three novels. I’m close to finishing the draft now, and I don’t think I would be if it weren’t for her.
What I appreciate most about Ailsa is her honesty. She doesn’t praise work that doesn’t merit it, which is exactly why her praise is worth something. When she tells me a scene is working, I believe her. Her criticism is specific, grounded in what’s actually on the page, and pointed toward what I should do next rather than at what I failed to do. Encouraging and exacting at once is a rare combination, and it’s why I’m still writing.”