Consultancy FAQs
What are your areas of expertise?
I help both fiction and non-fiction writers. If you’re writing non-fiction I can help you clarify your intentions and vision, as well as working with you on the structure and expression of your big idea. I can help you with mindset and motivation; creating your writing routine; advice on aspects of story construction and planning; advice on improving your style and expression; advice on your options for publishing; agent and publisher submission reviews.
Can I send you my work in advance of the consultation?
Yes. If you book a standard consultation hour you can, if you like, send me up to 5000 words as a Word file, which you upload via the client information form I’ll ask you to fill in. Please send your work 48 hours before the appointment so that I can give it thorough consideration prior to our meeting and refer to it during our discussion.
How much work can I send you?
As part of a standard consultation hour booking, you can upload up to 5000 words. If you want me to read more of your material, there is an add-on option via the booking form, giving you the chance to send as much as 15,000 words. If you would like to send me more than that contact me first at info[at]fictionfire.co.uk to discuss your requirements and I can advise you about cost.
Do I have to send you written work in order to have a consultation with you?
No, not at all. It may be that you have a general question about your writing life, your work in progress or ideas for one. If you have problems or plans, discuss them with me. There is absolutely no need to include written work unless you wish to, but I do give you that option (see above).
I don’t like seeing myself on camera – is that a problem?
During our online consultation, you can choose whether to use your camera or be audio only. Do please choose whichever is most comfortable for you.
I’ve never used Zoom – is it technically difficult?
It really isn’t. I will send you a link to our meeting and when you click onto it, you’ll see the Zoom interface and a little box will drop down, prompting you to download Zoom.us. Click on that and the meeting room will open up. Make sure your computer’s volume is turned on so you can hear me! At the bottom you’ll see the camera turn on option (a video camera icon) so click on that if you want me to see you. Zoom is very similar to Skype, if you’ve used that, but I find that Zoom is more stable and have been really pleased with it when using it for meetings and recording interviews.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
You can do so, using the buttons in your confirmation of booking. Please note that you cannot cancel or alter your appointment later than 24 hours beforehand.
Do you offer in-person consultations?
Yes. I do. Email me at info[a]fictionfire.co.uk and we can discuss it. (Note: not available during the current Covid pandemic.)
Would you be willing to mentor me?
If you want guidance and feedback throughout the whole process of writing your novel, contact me at info[a]fictionfire.co.uk to tell me about your project. Please note that because of my schedule and the intensity of the mentoring relationship, slots for mentorship are very limited.
Are you the right person to help me?
I certainly hope so! However, there’s no guarantee that we will have a rapport or that I’m the best person to answer your specific need or query. If I don’t feel I can assist you in any way, I’ll let you know before our meeting, refund your payment if you’ve already made it and if possible recommend another service that might suit you better. I want only happy clients who are taking their writing to the next level, with my help!
