Anneliese Kamola
Anneliese Kamola
author, editor, writing coach

christin-hume-Hcfwew744z4-unsplash.jpg
 

EDITING & COACHING SERVICES

I specialize in adult nonfiction and memoir with a focus on women’s stories of identity: the body, sexuality, and somatics; family dynamics, addictions, personal and generational trauma; and wilderness, intuition, expression, and healing. I do accept the occasional fictional story or self-help, depending on the message—if this is your case, let’s have a conversation to see if we are a fit.

I offer three kinds of services: “Story Whispering” Coaching Sessions, Manuscript Evaluations, and the occasional Developmental Editing & Coaching. (Please see below.)

I work with authors who need help finding the synergy between the story’s structure and meaning. We engage in the (often) messy process of articulating the cohesive message. This process varies, author-to-author and book-to-book. I focus on developing meaning, clarifying themes, strengthening the plot arc, crafting characters and setting, and reorganizing structure. I listen closely and ask questions. I keep my intuition focused on what is ‘underneath’ the writer’s words—that which is not yet articulated but ready to be shared.

Please note: I do not offer in-depth line or copy editing at this time. If we are not a good working fit, or if you are needing line or copy editing, I am happy to refer you forward to another editor.

If you have general questions or are interested in working with me, do not hesitate to reach out, I would love to hear from you!

 
 

“Story Whispering” Coaching Session

$120/hour

Sometimes writers simply need laser-focused ears, eyes, and heart for getting their story moving again, be it because something is not working in the plot, the theme, their personal lives, or more. I bring my attention, attunement, intuition, and vast network of resources together to coach writers through the process getting unstuck.

 
 
 

Manuscript Evaluation

$5.00/page

Manuscript evaluations are for writers who are looking for big-picture feedback about what to do next on their journey towards publication.

  • We begin with an initial conversation with the writer about their intention for the book’s message.

  • I next read through the entire manuscript, taking notes. I then create a written document that includes what works in regards to the parts of effective writing (plot, character, scenic depiction, time, pacing, arc, etc.), what is not yet working, and an overview of next steps for what to do next based on the writer’s goals.

  • I email my report back to the writer so they can review and gather questions.

  • Then we meet for 60 minutes via Zoom or phone to review questions, discuss next steps, and a plan for completion, which may be individual work or may be developmental editing and coaching (see below).

    Please Note: If the conversations continue longer than 60 minutes, I charge the call as a Story Whispering Coaching Session (see above).

These evaluations are like jet-fuel. They combine my coaching skills with my eye for the overall story, and clients consistently leave feeling oriented, inspired, and prepared for the next step.

This process usually takes 2-4 weeks, based on my schedule.

 
 
 

Developmental Editing & Coaching

price varies, depending on the job - a selection process is required

Developmental Editing & Coaching is a back-and-forth writing and editing process with an author whose manuscript is already cohesive. This process is labor-intensive.

Because of the time involved, I am selective about which manuscripts I work with. If you are interested in working with me, let’s start with a conversation.

From there, I will look over your manuscript to see if it is, indeed, ready for a developmental editor and/or if I am the person best suited for your manuscript. If not, I will refer you forward to a colleague who will be a better fit. If your manuscript is, indeed, a good fit for my skills, then we will start the process together. (This may require a manuscript evaluation to begin with, so we can make a plan for moving forward—see above.)

Each developmental editor approaches the process a bit differently. For me, I work in a highly collaborative creative way. I get my hands in the text and help direct the author to add scenes, take out unnecessary parts, move chapters here and there…whatever is needed to sequence the details into a story that has consistent tension and a developing message. I focus on:

  • Organizing and streamlining the plot line

  • Creating/expanding scenes

  • Adjusting pace in order to craft tension, create emphasis, and build emotional connection

  • Developing characters through description and dialogue

  • Strengthening setting, tone, and details

  • Articulating personal and universal themes

  • Drawing forward the writer’s Voice as an author, through humor, word choice, and sentence structure

When developmental edits are complete, I refer the client forward to a line and copy editor and/or an agent or independent/hybrid press.

I bring a host of skills to this process: 20+ years of narrative study (MFA in Creative Writing from Western Washington University, my own writing and publishing experiences, 6+ years as a professional editor, oral storytelling, acting, and theater production); trauma-aware trainings around the development + healing of the psyche and, therefore, the character on the page (trainings in somatics, dance, and attachment healing); and my attunement to energy (15+ years of trainings in mindfulness and energy work). I bring all of my attention and skills to your manuscript.

Writers who flourish with me are ready to invest the time, finances, and growing pains to work toward publication. They are self-motivated and willing to receive substantive feedback and encouragement. The work we do is rigorous and often transformative—for both the narrator on the page and for the writer.

 
 

 Editorial Publications