Manuscript Breakthrough Sessions
Evaluation, Feedback, and Strategy
Don’t figure it out alone.
Every writer knows what it’s like to hit a tough spot. After reading and re-read the same passage, the words seem to swirl on the page, and the way forward feels increasingly unclear.
Maybe you're asking:
Am I on the right track?
I'm stuck. What do I do now?
Does this actually make sense?
Something isn't working, but I can't figure out what.
Is this ready for the next stage?
How do I make these pages stronger?
I know there's something here. I just need help finding it.
If you find yourself in need of a fresh perspective, you’re not alone.
You just need a thoughtful reader who can look closely at what you've written, tell you what's working, help you see what's not quite working yet, and give you a clear path forward.
That's what the Manuscript Breakthrough Session is for.
Whether you're deep into a book-length project, staring at a stubborn chapter, polishing a short story, or wondering whether your latest pages are actually going anywhere, I'll give your writing a close editorial read and help you figure out what to do next.
Think of it as an English teacher on demand, but instead of a grade, you get a collaborative partner.
I've spent my career helping people become better writers.
I hold a master's degree in English and spent a decade teaching English and humanities before becoming a freelance journalist. I worked in the writing center during graduate school at Oxford, and over the past three years I've published nearly 200 pieces of journalism, including award-winning work and interviews with public figures.
I've worked with writers in classrooms, writing centers, editorial settings, and one-on-one coaching relationships, and I've come to believe that good feedback should bring both clarity and reassurance.
That's the spirit I bring to every Manuscript Breakthrough Session: careful reading, honest feedback, encouragement, and a clear sense of what to do next.
Hi, it’s me as a teacher back in the day.
A close read, a conversation, a way forward
For each session, I'll read up to 30 pages of your writing closely and respond as an engaged editor and thoughtful reader.
You'll receive:
A close editorial read of up to 30 pages of your work
In-document comments and annotations responding to the writing itself
A 1–3 page written editorial evaluation identifying strengths, questions, opportunities, and personalized recommendations
A 30-minute Zoom strategy session where we talk through my notes, your questions, and what comes next
Follow-up notes and suggested next steps so you leave the session with a clear action plan
Before your session, you'll complete a detailed onboarding form and submit up to 30 pages of writing.
Within one week, I'll read your work closely and return your annotated document and written evaluation, along with a link to schedule your 30-minute Zoom session.
Then we'll talk.
We'll look at the big picture and the small details. I'll answer your questions, explain what I'm seeing, and help you identify the most useful next steps.
After our conversation, I'll send follow-up notes and recommendations so you don't have to rely on your memory, or your post-Zoom notebook scribbles, to remember what we decided.
(Almost) any kind of writing welcome.
The Manuscript Breakthrough Session is designed for writers at many stages and across genres.
You might bring:
A section of a memoir or nonfiction book
Chapters from a novel
A short story
An essay or personal essay
A term paper or academic project
Pages you're preparing to share with an agent, editor, professor, or other reader
A work in progress that needs a boost
If you're wondering whether your particular project is a good fit, you're welcome to reach out before purchasing.
“Erin brought her love of good story telling and strong editing skills to help me get my literary non-fiction manuscript over the finish line. She assisted me in decluttering the text in a way that left stronger, sharper, stories without losing any of the art. Erin is professional, warm and generous of spirit, and on time with every deadline. I loved working with her!”
– Mary Reeves Bell, Author
Choose one session or save $100 with a four-pack
One Manuscript Breakthrough Session — $275
Includes:
Close read of up to 30 pages
In-document comments
1–3 page written editorial evaluation
30-minute Zoom strategy session
Follow-up notes and suggested next steps
Four-Session Package — $1,000
For writers who want an ongoing editorial partner as their project develops.
Use these sessions like a punch card: you don't have to schedule them all at once, and you can space them out according to the needs of your project.
Return when you've drafted the next section, reached a crossroads, revised substantially, or simply need another thoughtful set of eyes.
Or, if you're not sure which option is right for you, get in touch and tell me a little about your project.
I’m Ready for a Breakthrough
A focused editorial consultation when you need clarity on a particular section, problem, or stage of your project.
Close read of up to 30 pages
In-document comments
1–3 page written editorial evaluation
30-minute Zoom strategy session
Follow-up notes and suggested next steps
For writers who want an ongoing editorial partner as their project develops.
Use these sessions like a punch card: you don't have to schedule them all at once, and you can space them out according to the needs of your project.
Return when you've drafted the next section, reached a crossroads, revised substantially, or simply need another thoughtful set of eyes.
See Manuscript Breakthrough Single Session for detailed description.
Get in Touch
Any questions? Feel free to reach out!