If you would like assistance with editing or coaching, feel free to contact me at ReneeVajkoSrch@gmail.com. I would be glad to review rates and availability.
Why Hire a Writing Coach?
Thank you for your interest in hiring a writing coach. I am excited to team up with writers and assist them in the process of writing and publishing.
First, let me share a bit about myself. I was born to an American father and a British mother. I grew up in France, where I attended French schools and obtained my French Baccalaureate. I attended the American University of Paris for one year, where I focused on liberal arts courses, then switched to IBME in Switzerland, graduating with a degree in Missions and Theology.
I have authored thirteen books and contributed to several anthologies, including three Chicken Soup for the Soul books and one Chicken Soup for the Soul coloring book. My current project is a mystery novel set on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina.
For several years, I served as vice president of the Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers in Springfield, Missouri, and Senior Editor for their monthly newsletter, Words for The Way. I have taught several writers’ workshops, including Crafting a Well-Rounded Character, Writing Great Descriptions, Show, Don’t Tell, Pinterest for Writers, and Digging Deeper: 7 Steps to Writing Dynamic Devotions. I am a certified copyeditor, writing coach, workshop leader, and public speaker. I also advocate for autism as a trainer with Stars for Autism, educating individuals, businesses, and first responders about Autism Spectrum Disorder.
I currently live in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks with my husband and three sons. I love to read and have a weakness for rescue cats and Labrador Retrievers.
My purpose as a writing coach is to assist writers, from editing and improving basic writing skills to polishing their final drafts. Whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction, children’s picture books, or a novel, my goal is to help writers develop a writing plan, stay on track, and refine their manuscript until it is the best it can be. My services include the following:
1/ Establishing your ‘why’ – honing your purpose and end goal
2/ Setting goals and pace
3/ Structuring your manuscript – basic outline
2/ Fundamentals of story- plot, characters, setting, stakes, etc.
3/ Editing and feedback – from proofreading to editorial feedback
4/ Revision
5/ Drafting a query letter, synopsis, or book proposal
6/ Researching publishing options and preparing your pitch to potential agents
Coaching sessions also include a free copy of my book, The Organized Writer: 52 Weeks to Your New Bestseller Daily Workbook.
Proofreader or Editor?
If you are not familiar with the editing process, it might appear a bit confusing. Am I wanting to hire a proofreader or a copyeditor? Should I hire a professional editor or ask my book club to check for errors?
To help you understand the basics of editing, I have provided a brief description of the six steps of editing:
- Structural editing
Just as the name indicates, structural editing is an assessment of the manuscript’s general structure. Suggestions might offer feedback on changes to each chapter or restructuring of the book’s format.
2. Developmental editing
Developmental editing is the most comprehensive step in editing a manuscript. It includes a general review of structure, plot, characters, word choice, and style. The goal of developmental editing is to firm up your writing and create an enjoyable read.
3. Content editing
This step in the editing process typically occurs once a manuscript is finished. It focuses on plot development, character arc, point of view, consistency, conflict, stakes, and tension, ensuring your manuscript is ready to be sent to an agent or publisher.
4. Line editing
This is where the editor checks each sentence, paragraph, and chapter for consistency, style, flow, readability, ease of transitions between paragraphs and chapters, point-of-view shifts, redundancies, and ambiguities.
5. Copyediting
Copyediting focuses on the technical aspects of writing, including grammar, spelling, capitalization, hyphenation, and punctuation rules. Copyeditors must have a firm knowledge of the above and be able to catch errors before the manuscript is finalized.
6. Proofreading
Proofreading is the final stage before a book is sent to print. That last pair of eyes checks for any errors that might have been overlooked.