For Writers

Here you will find information about my editing services, my coaching practice, and my workshops.

For Dutch writers: Lees deze pagina in het Nederlands.

For free resources: Please click here or scroll down.

Editing Services

Do you need a new perspective on your writing? An evaluation of your manuscript? Advice on story structure or character development? 

I can work with you and help you meet your writing goals.

I edit fiction and narrative nonfiction for adults and children. I provide feedback for novels, memoirs, short stories, essays, flash fiction, hybrids, travel articles, and collections of short prose.

My favorite genres are literary fiction, memoir, speculative fiction, historical fiction, family saga, magic realism, and psychological suspense.

I may not be the best editor for poetry, academic texts, journalism, screenplays, romance, or epic fantasy.

…

TESTIMONIAL

Claire has been such a support to me with not only specific and constructive craft advice on language, structure, tone, plotting in everything from flash to novel writing, but also she’s been immeasurably helpful with her knowledge base and encouragement in navigating the sometimes confusing and intimidating publishing world. I’ve simply loved working with her. 

—Jolene McIlwain, author of NPR-Book-of-the-Year Sidle Creek. 

FLASH AND MICRO PROSE (< 1,000 words)

Do you have a flash fiction or flash essay that doesn’t quite work yet? I’m happy to help. My service includes a short editorial note and comments made in Word’s Track Changes. I focus on story, character, and conflict, but also pay attention to language, especially when meaning or flow is compromised. If requested, I can suggest three literary magazines that may be interested in your work. Unfortunately, I can give no guarantees on acceptance.

Flat rate: € 25,- for one piece of short prose (<1,000 words), fiction or nonfiction. Quick turnaround once I accept the assignment. Please send me an email at cp(at)clairepolders(dot)com.

TESTIMONIAL

Over the years, first in an international writing group, and then one-on-one, Claire has been a trusted, talented beta reader for my flash fiction, flash nonfiction, short stories, essays, and now a full-length project. She’s wonderful! Astute, insightful, critical, always encouraging and supportive. I recommend her wholeheartedly. Don’t miss an opportunity to work with this writer!

Jacqueline Doyle, American author of The Missing Girl, literary magazine editor of CRAFT, and creative writing teacher, @doylejacq

SHORT PROSE ( > 1,000 WORDS)

My editing services for short stories and essays are the same as described above for flash. But I don’t have fixed rates for works over a 1,000 words. I determine the project rate based on the length of the work and my estimation of how much time it will take me to edit it. Please send me an email at cp(at)clairepolders(dot)com for a personalized quote.

TESTIMONIAL

I attended Claire’s classes in Hoi An (Vietnam). So much valuable information delivered by a warm and inspiring teacher. Organised, thoughtful, fun classes which moved my writing up a level. 

I have since used Claire’s editing services which have been incredibly helpful. Editing your own work can be a bit like walking through a very dark forest, thank goodness I had Claire’s torch to show me the way through!

Janie Lawson, British author living in Vietnam.

MANUSCRIPT CONSULTING and DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING

I’m available for book-length manuscript consulting and for developmental editing of novels, memoirs, and collections of short prose.

My manuscript consulting service includes one read-through and at least 2,000 words of constructive feedback on how to improve your manuscript. I make a list of stronger and weaker points, and advise you on how best to rewrite.

As a developmental editor, I do all of the above and additionally make comments throughout your manuscript, using Track Changes in Word. I make suggestions for revision and share ideas based on your voice and intentions. I may point out pitfalls such as clichés, redundancies, and the passive voice.

My feedback for manuscript consulting and developmental editing may address:

  • Character motivation and development
  • Plot, causality, plausibility, and story structure
  • Thematic coherence
  • Point of view and voice
  • Backstory, pacing, and narrative distance

I will NOT:

  • Line edit or proofread your manuscript; that will happen at a later stage in the editing process.
  • Correct grammar and spelling, unless it’s to point out recurrent mistakes.
  • Rewrite your text, although I might provide an example of how to revise on your own.
  • Check facts or do research.
  • Advise you on legal issues regarding your manuscript.

I determine the project rate based on the length and quality of your writing. A sample edit can be a good way for us to get started.

After our collaboration, I can also advise you on how to navigate the confounding world of agents and publishers. But please note: Although I will help you as much as I can, I cannot guarantee that you will get your work published. 

Are you intrigued but unsure whether you want to hire me for a book-length project? Let’s first work together on a piece of short prose. I can also critique your first chapter(s) or an outline of your manuscript.

Please send me an email at cp(at)clairepolders(dot)com for more information or a personalized quote. I would love to hear from you.

TESTIMONIAL

“Although I’m a professional writer and writing coach myself, I have a blind spot for my own unclarity and kill-your-darlings. Claire spotted them flawlessly in my manuscript and also tackled the synopsis. She is a professional with experience.”

Janneke Jonkman, Dutch author and blogger.

Coaching

As a writing coach, I provide personal mentoring sessions for writers of all ages. I can help you get started, develop an idea, stay motivated, or guide you to the next level. Perhaps you’ve written a few stories and would like to know how to get them published. Perhaps you’re a flash fiction writer who seeks advice on how to become a novelist. Perhaps you’re struggling with an essay because it feels too personal (which probably means it’s good). In all these cases, I can give you feedback, writing exercises, counseling, and encouragements.

We can brainstorm together about what would be most useful to you right now and discuss your aspirations. Coaching happens by email and occasionally via Zoom. In-person is possible, too, if I happen to be in the right place. I love sharing what I know and help you get better at what you love. 

Hourly rate: € 50,- // I also offer coaching packages per month.

Interested? Please send me an email at cp(at)clairepolders(dot)com.

Workshops / Creative Writing Classes / Writing Retreats

You can hire me for customized workshops and creative writing classes for all ages. I also organize my own classes and intend to run writing retreats in the near future. Subscribe to my newsletter to learn about upcoming events. The news page on my website does not get updated as frequently. I love invitations to write, read, speak, and collaborate. Please send me an email at cp(at)clairepolders(dot)com if you’d like to invite me to your online or in-person event.

Free Resources

This list is a work in progress. I will keep adding links to craft articles and useful sites.

I’m not paid to mention any of these resources; there are no affiliate links.