AUTHOR GUIDANCE PROGRAMS

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author guidance programs

Paula Coomer has been a teacher of writing at both the university and community level for more than 25 years. Her classes and workshops are at once challenging, humorous, serious, informative, and nurturing, and her approach is deeply intuitive. Ms. Coomer’s teaching and book coaching philosophy are best depicted by this quote from author Marilynne Robinson: “I try to make writers actually see . . . where the strength is. Usually . . .  there’s something that leaps out—an image or a moment that is strong enough to center the story.” That same process applies to examining a life. Finding a central image for the choices we’ve made in life is a place to begin understanding ourselves, which is also the perfect place to begin mapping a new journey, in life or in writing.

Services:

DRAFT CONSULT

Book draft review and feedback; suitable for any type of book, including poetry

    • Feedback is via Zoom meeting plus written feedback on the draft, depending on the level of response solicited

    • Rates for prose manuscripts vary based on level of review

      • Quick global readthrough of an early to mid-level draft; no editing–$0.008 per word

      • Global readthrough of a final draft with minor revision suggestions–$0.010 per word

      • Developmental read with revision recommendations of middle-stage draft–$0.015 per word

      • Detailed line editing of final draft–$0.020 per word

    • Good choice for writers who are on draft 3-4+ in but are stuck in plot or character development or who want analysis or editing of a final draft

    • For poetry manuscripts, please contact Ms. Coomer at coom1286@hotmail.com.

    • Turn around time is 4-8 weeks, depending on level/type of review; must be scheduled in advance

    • Prose manuscripts must be provided in hard copy (global and developmental) or electronically (line editing); poetry manuscripts should be provided in hard copy AND electronically

    • 50% downpayment due with manuscript

    • Final 50% of payment due at completion of work but prior to final Zoom meeting

    • Important note: Please click here for manuscript formatting requirements

LITERARY REPRESENTATION

Read more about Literary Representation services here

Please email Ms. Coomer at coom1286@hotmail.com for more information.

Paula Coomer writes poetry, literary fiction, and non-fiction about food and health. She is the author of eight books, including Jagged Edge of the Sky, Blue Moon Vegetarian, Dove Creek, and Nurses Who Love English. Her newest book, a collection of short stories, Somebody Should have Scolded the Girl, was recommended by BuzzFeed. She has been a nominee for the Pulitzer, the Pushcart, and the National Book Critic’s Circle Award, among others. A former long-time university writing instructor, Ms. Coomer lives in southeast Washington State, where she advocates for writers, teaches writing in the community, and facilitates retreats and workshops.