Writing Coach: Be a Published Author
If you’re a writer or an aspiring one and would like feedback on your work, email me. I coach a select few authors.
I have taught writing for such prestigious institutions as University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts and University of California at San Diego. As well, I have taught creative and travel writing courses for WordHarvest and UNESCO.
“In my 30 years in the book business I have encountered no editor more caring, thoughtful and insightful than Lesley S. King.” —Robert Mayer, author of nine books, including Superfolks and The Dreams of Ada
“Lesley S. King’s critiques give me goosebumps. Her insights slice through the knotty shortcomings in my writing and loosen the chokehold I keep on my creativity. She challenges me to go deeper, think harder, write better, and most of all, persevere when I want to throw the manuscript at the wall and give up. She’s kind, honest, knowledgeable, astute, and relentless. She’s the best editor I know, and a terrific writer.” —Lois Gilbert, author of River of Summer, Without Mercy and Returning to Taos
“It takes a special talent to point out, in a constructive manner, a writer’s weaknesses, as well as his or her strengths. Lesley S. King has a keen perception for the existing merits of a work, as well as its downfalls. She offers particularly great insight into when a writer has given only a surface treatment to a subject and would benefit from going deeper. She challenged me to raise my own standards and to write better.” —Jeanette Boyer, author of Junkyard Dreams
Writing professionally is mostly about attitude. Sure, some people have talent, others luck, but sincerity is more important than either of those. A winning strategy is to believe that you can do it and each day take a step toward a tangible goal.
Whatever your beginning point, I can set you in the direction to succeed. I will help you:
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- Use sensory details, metaphor and action to bring depth and excitement to your subject.
- Create an inventive book template or structure. This includes the use of headings, subheads, boxes, steps and design details such as drawings and icons. For novels and memoirs it involves a relentless drive toward an electrifying climax.
- Find an inspiring progression for your book: It should move from easy, everyday steps to more complex concepts, always with simple tasks that your reader can DO. It should finish strong so your reader is sure to buy your next book.
- Choose your best publishing option: I’ll help you decide whether your writing is most suited to a traditional publisher or self-publishing, a print and/or eBook, or even a blog. As well, I can get you started building an audience and promoting your book.
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