The Workshop

all it takes is one great story to get noticed

The Workshop includes three rounds of edits on your short story—two rounds of detailed feedback and a line edit.

We'll also add comments in the margin of your story to provide specific examples of characters, language, or narrative that can be strengthened. 

Plus, we’ll discuss short stories that are exemplary of your writing style.

By the time we’re done working together, your story will be completely submission ready!


The Process:


Step 1. We start with an set of questions to shape the outcome of your edit so that our feedback is specific to you and your needs. We’ll figure out where you want to submit, what you’re trying to work through in your story, narrative perspective, voice and style, and what you’re struggling with most in your writing.

Step 2: For the initial edit, I’ll be looking at all aspects of your short story. You’ll get a document with detailed feedback on the structure, focus, and development of your characters, as well as tips to improve your writing style.

Step 3. Assigned readings are crucial to better understanding the structure of the short story and creative writing in general. I'll select a few short stories, based on where your writing needs most attention, and we'll discuss them at length so you can see exactly how to improve your characters, dialogue, and descriptive language. 


Step 4. Once you’ve looked over my notes and reworked your story, you’ll send it back to me for a second round of feedback. The point here is to make sure your story has improved, based on the suggested changes in the initial edit. I'll read your revised version and send you a second document with detailed feedback. This step will really help to measure your growth as a writer!


Step 5. Time for a line edit to tighten and fine-tune your narrative voice to make sure it is smooth, consistent, and engaging. The line edit is crucial to improving not only your story but your writing style as well. You'll learn how to identify your weakest writing habits and eliminate them.

The line edit may:

•Trim unnecessary words, phrases, or sentences that interrupt the flow of the narrative
•Note where and how to strengthen character descriptions
•Fix errors in punctuation and format
•Swap words or phrases that are inconsistent with your narrative tone
•Smooth out awkward phrases
•Add words to clarify and enhance your meaning
•Clean up syntax that interrupts the narrative flow


By the end of The Workshop, you’ll have a powerful, focused, clean, and complete story that is ready to be submitted to literary magazines or writing contests.
Plus, you'll be a much better writer.