You may have a personal story to tell through a memoir, a product or service to promote, or need to review the basics of writing an essay.
Short stories may be your passion. Maybe you’ve created a fictional manuscript in the mystery genre and you’d like a critique, even some contextual edits before a final polish.
It might be that you’re not sure what finished looks like.
It’s also possible you have a rejection letter, and are unsure why your work wasn’t accepted—there are myriad reasons including market trends.
Then again, you could have an idea for non-fiction and wish to query a publisher.
And what if you’re planning to self-publish a book? Is it ready? Has it been line edited? Have you prepared the back of book, author’s bio, elevator pitch, and marketing package?
Perhaps you’ve never written, and want to fulfill a dream of becoming a writer, byline and all (see Journey of a Writer).
Most of my work comes via referral. Here’s how I’ve met some of my clients. Perhaps you fall into one of these categories.
WEBMAIL
RE: EDITING
From: Jo Smith (active client)
To: Marie Beswick-Arthur
Cc: Kathy Simpson
Marie, meet Kathy, she’s an ER nurse who’s been writing up a storm. She needs you. Kathy, this is Marie. She’s the only person I rely on to edit my work. Later, Jo.
REPLY ALL
From: Marie Beswick-Arthur
Thanks for the introduction, Jo. Hi, Kathy. How can I help? Do you want to put something in point form for me and then Skype? Please know it’s normal to feel nervous showing your work to someone else. Think of it this way: You are an expert in your field. I would rely on you if I need an IV. We each have our specialty. ~ Marie
RE: EDITING
From: Kathy Simpson
To: Marie Beswick-Arthur
Phew, thanks. It’s terrifying actually. I have a memoir. I have drafted it four times. I think I need an editor. I love how Jo’s book came out. I’ve attached the first chapter. Can you take a quick look and then let me know what you think and what could happen next?
WEBMAIL
RE: EDITING
From: James Scott (active client)
To: Marie Beswick-Arthur
Marie, we’ve a new client who’s started a campsite and camping equipment business. We’re doing his website. Here’s the name: SUMMER STOCK. We want to team with you to brainstorm some branding, then have you come up with the copy for the webpages. He and his workers have some blogpost topics but need them created. I’ve scanned some of his handwritten notes and his business plan so you can feel Summer Stock’s ‘voice’ and ‘style’. Your thoughts? Your timeline?
WEBMAIL
RE: EDITING
From: Serena Brown
To: Marie Beswick-Arthur
Hi, I’m a friend of Linda J’s. I work full time and am returning to school—for my Master’s in Communication. It’s been ages since I’ve been ‘in school’ and I’m a bit overwhelmed what with the format for essays, as well as how to put my work together. The first assignment has me trembling in my boots, and it’s just a personal statement.
Linda said you helped her adult son. She mentioned that English 101 was so difficult for him that you basically created a parallel course in understanding the English 101 course. She said the job he’d do (after graduation) would have nothing to do with writing, but, because he had to present his schoolwork in written form, he had to write.
I can write, but I lack confidence, and I’m overwhelmed with regular work. I think having a tutor will help me refresh my skills. Can we discuss? Do you even have time? Would you like to see my first assignment’s criteria and what I’ve written for it so far?
Marie Beswick-Arthur 