Grant Faulkner
Services Offered
- Manuscript Assessments and Editing
- One-on-One Coaching: Writing Motivation, Creative Process, and Accountability
- Pitching and Submission Guidance
- Special Flash Fiction Consulting
Manuscript Assessments and Editing
A manuscript assessment is a full read and evaluation of your manuscript with detailed written feedback about what’s working and what’s not. I read your manuscript and reflect on the work as a whole, considering your aesthetic and storytelling goals, the broad direction of your book, and then I work to help you more precisely form and execute your vision for your book.
One-on-One Coaching: Writing Motivation, Creative Process, and Accountability
Are you just starting out and looking for accountability to complete your book? Are you struggling with an inner critic who is telling you you’re not a real writer or that your idea isn’t original? I coach writers in all genres, with the goal of helping you reach your writing and publishing goals. It’s not an easy task because every book doesn’t have a single “muddy middle,” but multiple muddy middles—not to mention obstacles that are both internal and external . Obstacles are just part of the writing journey (and every story … hello, Inner Critic, daily to-do list, and life demands!)), but there are remedies, tips, and strategies to overcome any creative obstacle. We will work together to finish your work-in-progress and create a publishing path for your book.
Pitching and Submission Guidance
I’ve been an editor and I’ve worked with agents and editors for decades as a writer, so I can help to identify agents and publications and work on your book pitch. We’ll go over best practices for query letters, practice elevator pitches, and form a strategic plan to get your work published.
Special Flash Fiction Consultation
Are you writing flash or micro fiction that you’re unsure of? Do you wonder if your story has a plot—or if it really needs a plot? Have you given enough context—or too much? How do you create a story with the “art of omission”? Or maybe your story is near perfect, but you just want an extra reader to see if you need to revise it … one more time. As the author of The Art of Brevity, the founder of 100 Word Story, and an award-winning flash writer, my work with you will have the foundation of a flash fiction craft that has been honed over the years. My critiques will give you a deeper perspective on the creative possibilities of flash, and we can also focus on possible places to submit for publication.
Working Style
I believe that everyone is a storyteller because telling stories is how we make meaning in the world, so I work with writers to help them find their stories, believe in their stories, and confidently put their voices in the world. This is my life’s mission—from my time at the National Writing Project, where I helped teachers teach writing better, to my time at National Novel Writing Month, where I worked to help thousands and thousands of people overcome creative obstacles to write their story, their way, to my book The Art of Brevity. Writers remark that I’m an attentive listener and that I’m able to help them find purpose and joy in their writing. I meet you where your work is, and I work with you to realize your vision, not mine. I believe that our stories transform us individually in powerful, mysterious ways. Writing is, in short, my religion.
Availability
I can schedule weekly, bi-weekly or monthly meetings. I can meet on Zoom or phone. Prior to our initial consultation, I offer a free fifteen-minute phone or Zoom conversation to set up a plan. Please contact me at info@flashfictioninstitute.com
Rates
$150 per hour. Sliding scale available if unable to afford.
One-on-One Mentoring: Reaching Deep and Defining Accountability
Are you looking for a smart and caring partner to help you complete your collection manuscript? Has motivation been an issue when the world seems to be falling apart? Let’s bust through those issues together. Microfiction and autofiction are my specialty. I have published 10 collections of flash fiction, microfiction, hybrids, six sentence stories, autofiction, micro-memoir. I have a broad perspective on what indie publishers like. My goal is to help you develop and eventually finish your work-in-progress.
Line Editing/Developmental Editing for Flash and Micro
I love helping to make your individual stories glow. Send me your story drafts (one longer flash fiction or up to four 250-word micros per hour) at any stage of development, and I will help you craft your story into a publishable and memorable piece. Flash and microfiction are my passion. Having published 10 of my own story and prose poetry collections, as well as founding and editing the award-winning Best Microfiction anthology series over the past 7 years, I feel uniquely qualified in flash and microfiction editorial and will enthusiastically offer both line editing, support and guidance.
Testimonial for My Work
“Meg has recently been mentoring and supporting me with a manuscript of stories. I can’t recommend her highly enough. Her astute observations, suggestions and edits have, in my opinion, transformed the whole collection. Her enthusiasm and encouragement have also really helped my confidence as a writer and I’m excited to soon submit the finished collection. Great value in every sense.” – Jane Salmons
Availability
I can schedule weekly or monthly meetings. We can work by email, Zoom or phone. Prior to our initial consultation, I offer a free fifteen-minute phone or Zoom conversation to set up a plan.
Rate
$100 per hour