What is Writing Clinic?
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Are you writing a novel, memoir or short fiction?
Would it support you to have deadlines and constructive feedback? Would you like an experienced and supportive mentor to discuss your writing with? Do you have a completed manuscript you would like feedback on or help with? Are you considering self-publishing? |
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"You can write alone, but to 'be a writer' you need other people. Umi in person was just as I hoped she'd be from the website: a thoughtful, sensitive and intelligent reader who gave me the perspective I needed on some tough pages. I would call on her again in an instant. Better than a friend or even an agent or other interested party, Umi offers an impartial and insightful reading on behalf of what's best for the manuscript, and with kindness and attention for the writer."
Catherine Davidson, (Author of 'The Priest Fainted' and regular contributor to 'Medium')
Catherine Davidson, (Author of 'The Priest Fainted' and regular contributor to 'Medium')
How I can help
As a creative writing tutor, I have helped many writers to learn and practice the techniques of writing fiction, and to discover their own unique voice and approach to writing (see other Testimonials from people I've worked with). There are no hard and fast rules about how to write a novel or short story, but there are techniques that will bring your writing alive, and guidelines about plot and structure that will help to give it shape. But ultimately what makes your writing original is your own way of seeing the world.
I have always been most interested in helping writers to deepen their writing by approaching it as a meaningful exploration, investigating your underlying themes and ideas, which you may not even be aware of, and how these can best be brought out, as well as looking at style, structure and technique. In order to do this, it is crucial for you to be able to talk about your work, to explain what you are trying to achieve and to be able to work this out through a supportive dialogue rather than one-sided feedback.
I have always been most interested in helping writers to deepen their writing by approaching it as a meaningful exploration, investigating your underlying themes and ideas, which you may not even be aware of, and how these can best be brought out, as well as looking at style, structure and technique. In order to do this, it is crucial for you to be able to talk about your work, to explain what you are trying to achieve and to be able to work this out through a supportive dialogue rather than one-sided feedback.
How I work with you |
Because everyone has different needs I offer a completely flexible and reasonably priced service that you can use as often or as little as you like. You can call on me when you need me and not when you don't.
I can appraise or copy-edit a finished manuscript, or mentor you through the whole process of writing a novel. You can book a one off session to get feedback on a short story you want to enter in a competition, or on a particular aspect of a project you're having trouble with, or just to discuss ideas you might have for a project. Sometimes just being able to talk something over helps to clarify your ideas and motivate you.
If you need deadlines we can make regular appointments, or we can meet when you're ready to send me something. You can send rewrites, have further discussions, and essentially get ongoing mentoring without committing to a fixed period or number of sessions, though we can do that too if it would support you.
Because it is important for me to listen to what you have to say, I prefer to talk face to face in person or on Skype, but I can also send edits by email.
Scroll down for more information about the kinds of services I offer. Also, see FAQs.
I can appraise or copy-edit a finished manuscript, or mentor you through the whole process of writing a novel. You can book a one off session to get feedback on a short story you want to enter in a competition, or on a particular aspect of a project you're having trouble with, or just to discuss ideas you might have for a project. Sometimes just being able to talk something over helps to clarify your ideas and motivate you.
If you need deadlines we can make regular appointments, or we can meet when you're ready to send me something. You can send rewrites, have further discussions, and essentially get ongoing mentoring without committing to a fixed period or number of sessions, though we can do that too if it would support you.
Because it is important for me to listen to what you have to say, I prefer to talk face to face in person or on Skype, but I can also send edits by email.
Scroll down for more information about the kinds of services I offer. Also, see FAQs.
Services I offer to writers
Manuscript AppraisalThis involves reading a complete draft of a novel or short story and giving structural feedback, including plot, pace, narrative time and arc, character development, as well as feedback on technical aspects like style, dialogue, sense of place, point of view, flashback, use of tenses, etc. I will provide verbal feedback during our face-to-face meeting, as well as a comprehensive written report which gives a general overview, as well as detailed feedback referenced to page numbers. I will also annotate the script using Track Changes and Comments. This is not a full copy edit (as covered in Developmental Editing) but will give detailed stylistic feedback and comments at sentence level on samples of the text. If I am appraising your novel or memoir, I am happy to include help with a synopsis and cover letter for no additional charge.
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Mentoring
It can be hard to see your own work objectively. As a mentor, I offer support through the entire process of writing your project, from discussing initial ideas, looking at early drafts, advising on structure and plot and character development, including all the aspects mentioned under Manuscript Appraisal, and providing honest feedback, encouragement and support. I believe that there is no substitute for having someone experienced to talk problems through with, discuss alternatives, and be able to experiment and get feedback on whether it is working. We can also set targets that I can support you with over a year. Committing to monthly mentoring sessions means that you have regular deadlines and I am able to keep in touch with the progress of the novel without having to reread it because several months have passed between sessions, saving you money and me time.
Developmental Editing
This involves close editing of a manuscript in which all major issues have been resolved to your satisfaction, to prepare it for submission to an agent or publisher. It would include tightening up the prose, improving flow, removing unnecessary exposition and repetition, and correcting time slips, inconsistencies, grammar and spelling. In the case of self-publishing, it is particularly important to ensure your writing and presentation are as good as you can get them before your book goes to print. This level of editing would only be appropriate on a final draft, so please contact me to discuss it first.
Rates
Manuscript appraisal
Includes a written general report on your novel, memoir or autobiography, detailed comments on the script using 'track changes', and a two hour face to face or Skype tutorial where we can discuss the submission and my feedback.
Some examples of fees:
£450 for 50,000 words, including two hour tutorial.
£720 for 80,000 words including two hour tutorial.
£900 for 100,000 words including two hour tutorial.
Or send me a word count and I will give you an exact quote.
There is a 20% discount for a second reading of the same manuscript.
Some examples of fees:
£450 for 50,000 words, including two hour tutorial.
£720 for 80,000 words including two hour tutorial.
£900 for 100,000 words including two hour tutorial.
Or send me a word count and I will give you an exact quote.
There is a 20% discount for a second reading of the same manuscript.
Mentoring
A structured package of ten one to one sessions over a calendar year, including reading up to 5000 words per session, and a 60 minute tutorial. Longer pieces will be charged at £10 per extra thousand words. Extra time will be charged at £10 per 15 minutes (but only if agreed between us).
Dates and a payment schedule can be worked out between us.
Fee: £1200, which can be paid up front or in agreed installments.
I will also include a full manuscript appraisal for half the usual cost if submitted within six months of the last session.
Dates and a payment schedule can be worked out between us.
Fee: £1200, which can be paid up front or in agreed installments.
I will also include a full manuscript appraisal for half the usual cost if submitted within six months of the last session.
One to Ones
If you prefer more flexibility and don't want to commit to a whole year of mentoring, or would like to book sessions only when you feel you need them over a longer period, you can book each session separately, or indeed just one session, perhaps for feedback on a single short story.
Fee: £125 for up to 5000 words and a tutorial of 60 minutes. Longer pieces will be charged at £10 per extra thousand words. Extra time will be charged at £10 per 15 minutes (but only if agreed between us).
Fee: £125 for up to 5000 words and a tutorial of 60 minutes. Longer pieces will be charged at £10 per extra thousand words. Extra time will be charged at £10 per 15 minutes (but only if agreed between us).
More Information
If you have any questions or would like to talk to me first, please use the form on the contact page, or email me at:
umisinha.writing[at]gmail.com with your phone number and I will ring you, or we can arrange a time to speak on Zoom.
For information about classes and workshops, please see the Courses page.
umisinha.writing[at]gmail.com with your phone number and I will ring you, or we can arrange a time to speak on Zoom.
For information about classes and workshops, please see the Courses page.