Poetry Editing & Coaching

Are you a poet who’s seeking any of the following?

Specialized assistance with compiling or organizing a manuscript for a chapbook or full-length collection
One-on-one workshopping and/or guidance to help you deepen your knowledge of the craft of poetry and strengthen your work
An editor’s keen eye to catch spelling, punctuation, and other errors before you publish your poetry book

Then I’m here to help! As the author of the full-length poetry collection Wild Gardens as well as a longtime reader of poetry, I understand the unique techniques and qualities that make this genre so eloquent, powerful, and magical. (You can read some of my poetry here.) I also know how challenging it can be to write and revise poetry and to present your work to the world while conveying your vision—for individual pieces or a complete book—in a way that’s cohesive, consistent, and authentic to you.

No matter where you are in your poetry-writing career, I’d love to work with you. Below are the services I offer for poetry.

Poetry Manuscript Development

For the following services, I work in American English on completed manuscripts for chapbooks or full-length collections only. Please ensure your inquiry includes the service(s) you’re interested in, the manuscript’s title, the poem and page counts, a brief description of your style of poetry, a summary of the overall vision of your manuscript (e.g., main themes, topics, any poetry forms used), and your projected deadline.

Manuscript Critique: I’ll read your poetry manuscript and evaluate its overall structure as well as the individual poems. Then I’ll write an editorial letter to highlight the manuscript’s strengths (including standout poems) and offer suggestions on how to improve the work as a whole as well as individual pieces. This may include suggestions for reordering poems, stronger openings and/or endings, line breaks, language choices (e.g., improving clarity, flow, and word choice), and metaphors or imagery. In a manuscript critique, I make no changes to the manuscript itself.
Developmental Editing: In addition to the big-picture evaluation and the editorial letter, I’ll do a hands-on edit of the poetry manuscript that reflects my feedback. When I'm finished, you'll receive an editorial letter and an edited manuscript.

These services include a 1-hour follow-up call within two weeks of me submitting my feedback. This will give you time to review the materials and see if you have any questions.

Poetry Manuscript Editing

For the following services, I work in American English on completed manuscripts for chapbooks or full-length collections only. Please ensure that your inquiry includes the service(s) you’re interested in, the manuscript’s title, the poem and page counts, a brief description of your style of poetry, a summary of the overall vision of your manuscript (e.g., main themes, topics, any poetry forms used), and your projected deadline.

Line Editing: I’ll mark up your poetry manuscript and suggest ways of strengthening your poetic language while respecting your unique voice and style. This may include improving flow, rhythm, clarity, and word choice; suggesting stronger line breaks; addressing grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage issues; checking for consistency with your preferences regarding end-line punctuation, spacing, and first-line capitals; and ensuring your manuscript conforms to industry standards.
Copy Editing: A copy edit is less intensive than a line edit. I’ll mark up your manuscript to address grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage issues; catch any typos; check for consistency with your preferences regarding end-line punctuation, spacing, and first-line capitals; and ensure your manuscript conforms to industry standards.

For these services, I can also provide a custom style sheet that lists names, special spellings, “poetic preferences,” and other standardized items that appear in your manuscript.

These services include a 1-hour follow-up call within two weeks of me submitting the edited manuscript so we can go over any questions you have. Please note that big-picture elements (e.g., manuscript structure, suggestions for strengthening individual poems) will not be addressed.

Poetry Coaching

This is a great alternative to editing if you’d prefer hands-on guidance with your poetry or are still in the middle of working on a manuscript. It’s similar to my one-on-one coaching services for fiction and nonfiction writers and can involve (but isn't limited to) any of the following:

Strategies for organizing and/or assembling your poetry manuscript
Craft talks to help you with poetry techniques you’re struggling with
Workshopping of individual poems for feedback
Exploration of poetry forms and/or devices you want to try
Advice on submitting your poetry to literary journals
Recommendations for habit and/or mindset changes so you can stay productive and positive
Discussion to help you gain clarity on your goals for your poetry
Accountability checks to hold you accountable for your progress
Customized worksheets and/or exercises to keep you inspired

You can choose either a one-time 90-minute session OR a minimum of three months of monthly or biweekly sessions (45 to 60 minutes each). Sessions will be conducted by your choice of phone, Skype, or Zoom. All coaching packages include email support between or after sessions for questions, accountability check-ins, meltdowns, breakthroughs, etc.

Are any of these services what you’re looking for?

If you’re interested in editing, send me an email so we can start our conversation!

If you’re interested in coaching, schedule your free consultation call with me today!

"Does My Poetry Need Editing? It’s Poetry, After All."

It’s true that poetry entails more creative license (aka rule-bending) than other genres. And when that rule-bending is thoughtful and well-executed, it deserves to be commended. But it’s crucial that those choices make sense to your readers—and that your poetry is free of unintentional errors in spelling, grammar, and the like.

A good freelance poetry editor won’t change your work for the sake of following rules. Instead, they’ll ask questions to understand your reasons behind your choices—and if something doesn’t work or serve the poem well, they’ll offer suggestions to help you find a more fitting alternative. They’ll also spot typos, ensure each poem's rhythm is consistent, and treat your work with respect and compassion.

If you believe you need a professional’s help to prepare your poetry for submission or publication, then coaching or editing for your poetry is worth considering. And I’ll be committed to helping you reach your goals.

“What If I Want No End Punctuation? Or If I Like First-Line Capitals?”

That’s great! If these and other choices are part of your poetic style, simply let the editor know. Like I said earlier, a good freelance editor who’s experienced in this genre will respect all aspects of your poetry-writing, down to the smallest details.

Being a poet myself, I understand why poets may choose to skip end punctuation, use capital letters to start each new line, or refrain from using capitals at all. It’s for the same reason I make certain decisions with my own work: Poetry allows us to express ourselves in ways that aren’t possible in other forms of writing. It reflects our personality, beliefs, values, perceptions, and observations in ways that are hard to define yet create a moving, thought-provoking experience for our readers—and can sometimes change a person’s life forever.

Just because you want to hire an editor or coach for your poetry doesn’t mean you’ll sacrifice what makes your work special. The right one will love your aesthetic and be a big enough fan that they’ll do whatever they can to support and enhance your vision.

“Which Poets Do You Enjoy Reading, Sara?”

I’m glad you asked! Here’s a quick list of my favorites:

Sandra Beasley
Billy Collins
Mark Doty
Camille T. Dungy
Joy Harjo
Dorianne Laux

Ada Limón
Aimee Nezhukumatathil
January Gill O'Neill
Mary Oliver
Jennifer K. Sweeney
Natasha Trethewey

Has their work influenced yours? If so, there’s a good chance your poetry will resonate with me. (And if other poets have influenced your work? That’s fine, too!) So if you think we may be a good fit, reach out to me as noted below. I can’t wait to read what you’ve been working on and help you bring your poetry one step closer to publication!

Ready to talk about your poetry?