“Loving our work so far. Feeling alive and motivated. Thanks.”
— Bretton Scott, food stylist and video host
Hi! I’m diannej. When you have a writing coach, you’re not alone anymore, wondering how to get your writing done and whether it’s any good. Instead, we work together. You will feel encouraged, confident and energized by your progress.
Working with a coach means your chance of success will increase. As a top editor at newspapers, magazines and a publishing house, I reviewed writing submissions for decades. I know what other editors want to see when they look at your work. I will help you crystalize and focus your ideas, improve your writing, and figure out what makes your book idea salable. While other editors fix grammar and punctuation, I’m a strategist. My specialty is understanding your idea and helping you shape it for publication.
Signing the second edition of my book, Will Write for Food, in 2010. This book is now in its fourth edition, and I’ve also co-written two cookbooks with a chef.
Many of the people I work with want to write a non-fiction book. It could be their first or tenth. Regardless, non-fiction books require a book proposal. A book proposal is like a sales pitch. It tells the agent or publisher why they should be interested in your book, and sells the idea.
You and I will work together on focusing your book, ensuring that the idea is exciting and sellable. You will write each part of the proposal with my guidance. I provide ideas, resources and additional information and research. I’ll edit each section and give you suggestions on how to improve the structure, focus, salability, and the writing itself.
When the proposal is complete, I’ll edit it again, ensuring it is consistent, flows properly and is exciting enough to send to an agent or publisher. You will learn how to approach an editor or agent for maximum success. I have connections to agents and can make introductions. The majority of the clients who finish a proposal with me get a book deal, many with big publishing houses.
“I had four offers. Three of the publishers said it was the best proposal they have seen in years. That is all thanks to you!” — Dora Stone, food blogger
“Your work on my proposal is thorough and outstanding. I’ve read through all of the edits and comments and now need to go back to the start and work through the specific changes. Your work on the recipes to tighten and smooth the language there is excellent; I learned a lot with your edits.” — Maureen Abood, cookbook author
“I couldn’t have published my cookbook without you! You helped me form my thoughts and ideas. When I finally reached out to [a literary agent], I had my proposal. She said, ‘Your intro letter was the best intro letter I’ve ever received.’ — Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack, Muy Bueno.
Editing
As a veteran editor, I evaluate manuscripts, sample chapters and essays. My job is to look at the pieces as a whole and make written comments about structure, style, content, and characters, plus specific comments on the page. If you would like me to edit your work, I also edit recipes, pitches to magazines, and other writing. I’m primarily a big-picture editor, but I also untangle sentences, check spelling and grammar, move paragraphs around, and make other line edits.
“Your recipe edits are incredibly helpful.” — Jessica Smith, Inquiring Chef blog“You’re an excellent editor, and I am glad to have you as my support.” — Jasmina Hot Diglisic
A full-day food-writing class I taught at Cook’s Warehouse in Atlanta, GA.
Blogging help
Some people want to start a blog as a way to find out what they’d like to write about. Through exercises and conversations, you’ll start writing a collection of posts that will form the beginnings of a rewarding blog. Others have been blogging for a while but want more readership or more motivation. As a writing coach I have helped many people in both categories begin or refine their blogs, increasing their productivity and success.
Although I specialize in writing, I can also help improve the blog’s design and usability, based on many years as an editor working with art directors, designers, and user interface ezperts.
I’ve also coached bloggers who want a blog review and refresh.
Private Consult
For years I’ve had a five-hour minimum for consulting. But now, through Delicious Experiences, we can do a Zoom call for just one hour or more. If you’ve wanted to start on your dream cookbook, get your book published, or get better freelance assignments, let’s move you forward with your goals. Writers at all levels have booked me to discuss a variety of topics. The fee is $250.
Next steps
Please send an e-mail about your project or goals, and what you’d like to work on. Also read my Frequently Asked Questions, list of Clients, and Testimonials from people who have worked with me.
If you’d like to hire me for a one-hour conversation, choose the Private Consult above. My partner, Dellicious Experiences will contact you.
