Services for Authors

I’ve helped published and pre-published authors:

"Josephine is a careful reader who can drill into the heart of a manuscript. She's an expert guide, particularly adept at articulating what a middle-grade voice needs, always bringing the author back to the mind of the young reader in relation to the character on the page."

Shana Youngdahl Author of As Many Nows As I Can Get and A Catalog of Burnt Objects

Need an organizational boost? An experienced eye on your manuscript? Let’s chat!

I’ve spent the past 20 years immersed in storytelling craft from all sides: author, editor, teacher, industry nerd, and fangirl. I received my MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Notre Dame, and because I couldn’t get enough, I doubled up on classes for a dual degree in both Poetry and Fiction. I’ve been through the querying gauntlet more than once, and I understand the dogged determination, creative energy, and boundless curiosity needed to sustain a creative life. In the past five years, I’ve published four critically acclaimed novels with Macmillan/FSG Books for Young Readers and I love helping other writers achieve their storytelling dreams.

I am an absolute story geek, and I excel at looking at manuscripts from both a craft and industry angle. YOUR vision and characters are the heart of your story…but you also need strong structure, stakes, and emotional impact to connect with readers (and, realistically, gatekeepers).

If your goal is to be traditionally published (particularly in children’s books), my successful Big 4 experiences can help you avoid pitfalls and give you insider knowledge about current market realities, while always staying true to the heart and soul of your story — your true north.

If your goal is self-publishing, I can be the editorial eye you need to make sure your final product is a well-crafted jewel box that will grab readers’ hearts and minds and carry them all the way through to a satisfying ending. Note: I can help get your manuscript ready for the journey, but if you need advice about how and where to self-publish or promote, I suggest you consult another source like BookBaby or Jane Friedman.

I’ve worked with critically acclaimed authors including Ann Braden (middle grade), Shana Youngdahl (poetry, middle grade), and Anna Vodicka (adult memoir and creative nonfiction) as well as with other talented authors on their way to publication (picture books, middle grade, contemporary adult fiction and creative nonfiction, YA adventure, and fantasy series). I can’t wait for you to read their work someday! References available on request.

Genres I’m not a great fit for: horror, thrillers, steamy romance.

Creative Coaching:
Single Session

Sometimes you just need to talk it over with someone who's been through it before. Whether you are struggling with a specific story problem, time management, or this roller coaster creative life, I'm here to talk it through and give you practical tips and tools to help you find your way. I look forward to supporting your creative work!

1 hour consultation

$125

Creative Coaching Package

Do you need an organizational boost? I can help you build an outline, clarify goals, develop systems that streamline your process, and suggest tools to help you stay on track. We'll work together to identify and target your personal pain points and create an action plan (with accountability) for alleviating them. Every writer is unique, and we will collaborate to find solutions that fit your process and your individual needs.

5 sessions

$500

Manuscript Critique

Develop the heart, structure, and stakes of your story! We'll discuss your goals, then I'll critique your manuscript, providing you with a 2-page editorial letter as well as in-line notes throughout your document. This developmental edit is all about the big picture: I'll help you find ways to bring out the emotional core, let your characters drive the story, and keep readers engaged until the very end.

STEP 1: CONSULTATION
(1 hour, $125)

STEP 2: CRITIQUE
(feedback letter and in-line comments; $75/1000 words)

optional STEP 3: FOLLOW-UP CONSULTATION ($100)

Query & First 10 Pages Critique

First of all, I've been there! I've had two agents so far in my career. I found both of them the old-fashioned way: by cold-emailing a query letter and first 10 pages. Making your way out of the slush pile is not an easy task, but I am living, breathing proof that it CAN be done! If you dream of being traditionally published, a well-crafted query and a tight 10-page sample can be your ticket past the first round of gatekeepers. I'd love to help you get there!

$425

STEP 1: CONSULTATION
(1 hour)

STEP 2: CRITIQUE
(feedback letter and in-line comments)

Copyediting & Proofreading

I have 20 years of copyediting and proofreading experience and have helped clean up everything from poetry, novels, and creative nonfiction to healthcare and climate policy papers. I'll help you improve the clarity and readability of your document and make sure it's error-free.

STEP 1: CONSULTATION
(30 minutes, $50)

STEP 2: IN-LINE EDITS ($55/1000 words)