Words count. Egos don't.


Gratification comes from getting the 
words right, from focusing on subject 
and audience, not "self-expression."

                               --John Goodman

To write is to focus

Hemingway said, "It wasn’t by accident that the Gettysburg Address was so short." Maybe you know the story of how Lincoln supposedly wrote it on the back of an envelope on a train to the event. Well, something made him focus, and there has never been a speech like it.

All writers occasionally lose focus—either struggling to begin, or bogging down in constant revisions, or persisting in a "great idea" (or set of words) that simply won't work. Usually, the best way out is to find another pair of eyes. Even professional writers seek advice from someone outside the situation who is qualified and ready to help. 

How the process works

1. We discuss your project at length on the phone. If I have enough information, I'll then give you a ballpark estimate of cost. 

2. After I have all the information, I fill out and send you an itemized contract worksheet reflecting our understanding in detail, along with timelines, delivery dates, formatting specs and so on. A firm cost will then be included, along with any contingencies if necessary. 

3. My work begins when I receive half the amount as retainer (the remainder is due on completion). I'll accept personal checks (subject to clearing), or you can use PayPal, the free eBay service for transferring money. Click on the logo below. . 

4. You look at drafts and/or proofs which are scheduled along the way, so there are no surprises. Your final draft comes to you as scheduled and, we trust, will prove better than your expectations.

And finally . . .

I use Microsoft Word 2003 which will convert older Word, Mac, WordPerfect, DOS and text files, etc. Please submit text electronically (by e-mail, Word attachment, CD or disk). Please put the author's last name and page number on each page. 

Important note: Any work we undertake will be pursued in strictest confidentiality and security. I'm not asking for credit card numbers over the Internet, and I'll never sell or disclose your name or e-mail address for promotional or other purposes. 

I guarantee results and will revise your work until it's right. 

Please fill out the form 
on the following page, 
or e-mail me about your project.