What We Do
All writers, beginning and established, need objective and informed feedback. If you are ready to have your work read, we can help. We work with writers at all skill levels, published and unpublished. Our goal is to give writers the techniques and knowledge they need to create their best work.
Overall Analysis
Once we read your work and understand it and your goals, we will give you comprehensive feedback in a 10-15 page analysis, on the primary strengths and weaknesses of your material, providing examples and offering specific guidelines for revision of the material and appropriate next steps for your writing. When possible, we will review our observations with you in person to ensure that your writing needs are being met.Line Editing and Manuscript Development
Every writer is different, but sometimes all writers miss turns in the road. We can help show you how to get where you want to go. We give your work a thorough reading and review, providing commentary on each page and, with careful attention to your style, offering suggestions for improvement in the elements of language, syntax, structure, and word choices, as well as larger issues of characterization, pacing, and structure.Book proposal development
Many non-fiction books are sold to publishers on the basis of book proposals rather than a full manuscript. We work with writers to develop strong book proposals based on an understanding of the market as well as the material. We can help you write the best proposal possible by communicating with you throughout the process, or we can create the proposal for you based on the material and ideas you provide.Writing, Rewriting and Collaboration
All writing is rewriting, the saying goes. We offer the guidance that will help you create the best work possible by communicating with you throughout the process, and offering suggestions and feedback for change and improvement. If you are looking for a co-writer to help bring your ideas to life on the page, we will collaborate with you on your project.One-on-One Tutorials and Consultations
We enjoy the process of working with writers - no matter what stage they are at. For some writers, conversation that occurs in personal one-on-one sessions provides the understanding and inspiration they are looking for. We take great care when we read your work and discuss its strengths and weaknesses with you, always with the aim of helping you clarify and fulfill your own goals for the work.Workshops
Sharing your work with other writers can be enlightening and productive. We teach workshops that focus on generating new work and revising old work, using exercises to free energy and ideas, and providing specific feedback on your work. Our guiding principles are to inspire and challenge, to look for possibilities, accomplishments and meaning. We emphasize craft and literary technique in helping writers make effective revisions.Student testimonial
Several years ago I took an aptitude test to help me through a mid life career change. I was surprised to learn that I have a gift for creative writing. "Go home and write," they told me. I went back to Florida, where I lived, and enrolled in an AWA Workshop. Out of that workshop came an idea for a novel. I flopped around with it for a few years and then two summers ago bumped into an old Skidmore friend, Michelle Gillett, who also teaches AWA workshops, writes, and coaches wannabe writers like myself. Michelle conducted a few mini AWA workshops over the past few summers, which I attended, and my enthusiasm for my novel grew. This summer Michelle and I have been meeting one on one. Thanks to her I have taken enthusiastic but amateur writing to a much deeper level.
I find Michelle is someone who "really knows her stuff." Each week she leaves me with something that opens up another new world of writing, while my novel improves. When I lose direction or faith, get bored, or tired she manages to not only get me back on track, but gives me something new and exciting to think about. She always has references and resources for me. With her help I have grown from the idealistic and immature writer to one with improving depth. She is teaching me the art of pure, not flowery writing and how to "show not tell." I feel that I can write my story with more clarity, truth [even though so much of it is imaginary], more interest, and better style. She has helped me sharpen my own style. I take my hat off to this talented, steady, and patient woman.
Linda Pizzica X