I’m a writing coach and developmental editor. That means I can help you with the process of writing – the how of it, the struggle to get to the page, the doing and engaging part – and the craft: the particular way you convey meaning, construct sentences, and build a story.
Sometimes writers reach out to me because they have a draft of a manuscript, or a partial draft, and they want feedback and help completing it. But I also work with writers who need support and structure as they begin to write. You do not need to have a final draft in order to work with me. You can be right at the start. You can have only an idea. You can have a handful of messy, first-draft pages.
“I’ve had the good fortune of working with Nancy Rawlinson as my writing coach since 2011. I can honestly say that I would not be a published author today without her support, encouragement, and clear-eyed critiques. Nancy has the ability to see deeply into the mystery of the creative process, guiding and asking probing questions while still cheering you on. I always come away from our calls feeling inspired and excited to get back to writing. I feel like I’ve learned as much about being a working writer from Nancy—if not more—than I did from my MFA program. Her insights made my first novel, The Walled Garden, better in every way, and they’re currently helping to shape my second novel, in process. If you want to take your writing to the next level, give yourself the gift of hiring Nancy. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for my writing life.”
Robin Farrar Maass, author.
“Creative writers often work from a source that is both above and beneath their own understanding. For this reason, the Editor, the one who stands outside the work and sees it clearly, is of counsel, support, keen insight; able to direct the writer in the direction of the work’s deepest ideas. I have not, in my career as a teacher or as a writer, met an editor more compassionate and brilliant than Nancy Rawlinson. She is a teacher and a visionary. I would not have been able to conceptualize or complete my book without her guidance.”
Deb Margolin, Professor in the Practice, Yale University.
“The creative coaching and editorial guidance that I received from Nancy Rawlinson have helped me immensely. With Nancy’s assistance I was able to complete my second book and actually start making my living as a writer. Her feedback was invaluable — I felt that she truly understood my work, and knew how to bring out the best in it, and she communicated her insights with real warmth and compassion. She helped me deal with the confusion and conflict that was getting in the way of my creative life.”
Anita Naughten, author of Tea and Sympathy