Coaching

If you’re like me, you may find that you’re good at one type of writing (nonfiction in my case) but have major knowledge gaps in other areas. Or maybe you just need a fresh pair of eyes to take a look at what you’ve produced.

It is just as likely that you are an excellent writer, but don’t have a handle on how to market what you write.

What do you DO with your product? How do you determine where it fits best, and how to get it into the right hands? Send a proposal or the whole thing? Take the scattershot approach, or wait for each publisher/agent/market to respond? Fight or flight?

And how do you stay motivated to keep plugging when those cranky rejections pile up – as they will – even among the best writers in the business.

Here’s what a writing coach can do for you:

• Help you set goals
• Keep you on track
• Help determine best markets
• Teach you pitfalls in marketing your work
• Maintain your perspective on what works and what doesn’t
• Provide editorial guidance, or help you find the kind of help you really need

A writing coach is your support system; your guide; your steady hand. They don’t do the work for you, but will help you find your way through the forest.

The Writing Life

So you want to be a freelance writer? As Anne Lamott says in her inspirational book, Bird by Bird, first give yourself permission to call yourself a writer. Then think of the art and craft of writing as analogous to sculpting a piece of clay. You start with an undefined lump (your idea) and gradually mold and refine it into an identifiable piece. The craftsmanship in which you define and refine is the writing and rewriting process. With work, practice, and patience, you will eventually design a true piece of art.

What Others Say about Marie’s Help

Although I’ve taken a few writing courses for self-motivation, Marie is the first instructor who provided specific information on how to come up with ideas and write a solid query. For the first time, I think it might really be possible
to get published.
- P. Beebe, Corporate writer

Marie presented a large amount of very useful information. She also kept everything moving along – no dull moments!
- D. Van Ess, Musicologist

Thanks for all your knowledge and wealth of information. I appreciate your real, down-to-earth approach. It was great.
- S. South, Counselor

My synopsis and proposal for my book seem clearer and crisper thanks to Marie’s expert advice.
- C. Dreil, freelance writer

There are coaches and more coaches, and then there is Marie Bartlett. She helped me through the hardest process of all-getting started from the ground up. Thanks for your focus and belief in my writing project.
- Rob Luka, Author

With a series of suggestions and the process of editing, Marie is helping me transition my thinking and writing from a technical base to one that targets a general audience. She also has been very helpful with drafting and sending query letters to potential publishers. Thanks for your help, Marie!
- J. R. Williams, MD