Manuscript Coaching with Beth Bacon: Make your writing dreams real
Do you have a vision for a story but need motivation, coaching, or just a fresh perspective? Let Beth Bacon provide editorial services to bring your writing dreams to life. If you have a picture book or manuscript that you need help with contact Beth to discuss the project.
St Louis Area Creators!
Register for an in-person class Fall 2024
If you’ve been dreaming about writing and/or illustrating a picture book, this course is your chance to bring your stories to life. Award-winning, published author, Beth Bacon, guides you through exercises to explore the craft of picture books. Open to author/illustrators of any level. We will work on storyboarding, sketching, refining your writing skills. You’ll receive personalized feedback from the instructor and fellow writers in a supportive environment. By the end of the 8 weeks, you’ll have samples or maybe even a manuscript ready to submit to an agent or launch as a self-publish book. Visit the St. Louis Artists’ Guild Website
Prerequisites: None. Open to writers of all levels.
Supplies: Students bring their own Laptop/tablet or writing/sketching paper, pencil/pen, illustration supplies. Illustrators may want to download Procreate or Fresco illustration apps for their tablet, or can just bring sketch paper.
$125 Members / $150 Non-Members
Rates for 1 on 1 manuscript coaching: What does it cost?
Please contact Beth for custom rates on long-term, project-based coaching. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. A monthly contract often is the most cost effective — as well as simply the most effective — way to get your idea ready for publication.
If you simply want feedback on a single draft, for one-time critiques of picture books, Beth charges a $250 per manuscript.
For single-time critiques of longer manuscripts, Beth charges $250 for the first 50 pages plus $2 per each additional page. (In case you’re wondering… A page is defined as text that is double spaced, in Times New Roman font, 12pt size, with 1-inch margins.)
What do I get out of a coaching session?
Every project is different, so please ask about a custom review. In a typical coaching engagement you will receive:
• A letter of “notes” responding to important elements such as plotting, characterization, use of language, setting, themes, etc. What’s working plus positive ideas about what this piece could become. This “notes letter” is usually 2 pages single spaced.
• Comments throughout your document using the Track-change feature.
• An optional 30-minute one-on-one meeting via phone or videochat.
• A clear sense of where to go next with your story and how to get there!
Will I really benefit from working with Beth Bacon?
Don’t take my word for it. Here’s what some authors have said.
“Beth has the ability to train a writer to think differently.”
“Beth is an incredible editor.”
“Beth is thorough and organized.”
“Beth understands how words and pictures work together to make a publishable book.”
“The structure of her critiques is excellent.”
“The specificity of her critique is so valuable.”
Does Beth Bacon know her stuff?
Here’s a quick list of qualifications:
• MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts
• Certificate in writing Picture Books from Vermont College of Fine Arts
• 8 traditionally published books
• 6 self published books
• Master’s degree in Communication from NYU
• BA in Literature from Harvard University
But what’s just as important is that Beth has insight. She really understands children’s literature and has her pulse on today’s publishing trends. She can see what your story wants to become and can give you concrete information on how to get there.
Beth’s writing has won several awards and kids love them, too!
Perfect your manuscript with help from Beth Bacon.
If you’d like to discuss your project, feel free to get in touch with Beth.