it’s time to tell your story.

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WRITING SHOULDN’T BE A SOLITARY EXPERIENCE

Dani Keen with Chasing Dust Book

Do you want to get better at writing, but find reading craft books and articles doesn’t help? Or perhaps you find yourself dreaming of your next great novel, but don’t know how to get there. It's frustrating, for sure.

But there is a better way.

Working with a professional will help transform your ideas, your dedication, and your tenacity for writing into something excellent.

I want to be a true partner in your work. I want to be that person who loves your story as much as you and believes in your success. Most of all, I want to give you the tools to tell a better story.

I hope you’re ready to level up your writing, because I am genuinely excited to work with you.

GET WHAT YOU NEED

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Author Coaching

  • A one hour coaching call to discuss your road blocks and create a plan for next steps.

    Flush out story ideas, troubleshoot feedback from beta readers, expand character arcs, discuss structural issues or feedback from querying. Navigate writers block and difficulties in authorship. The possibilities are endless.

  • A one hour collaborative call. After the call, you will have clear direction on next steps, action items or exercises for you to further flush out ideas, and a write up of what we discussed.

  • $75 a session. Suggested minimum of two sessions.

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First Three Chapter Review

  • There is a lot that happens in the first three chapters of a book. Not only to set up your story, but to hook readers into what comes next. A review of the first three chapters helps ensure you have laid the framework for a successful story.

  • I read the first three chapters of your manuscript and provide a high level analysis of both what is working and considerations as you draft and revise. You will also receive inline notes in those chapters to use as reference.

    Feedback is focused on your story setup, your main character, how connected a reader will be to them, and how much context and curiosity has been built in the start of the story. It will also outline any expectations your reader may have so that you can ensure your story meets them.

  • $150. Word count in first three chapters is capped at 15,000.

    *Goal is to read act one. If your story has small chapters, more chapters can be sent.

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Beta Read Plus

  • Get feedback on your manuscript from someone who is both an avid reader and a developmental editor.

    Feedback focuses on your characters, the reader experience, inconsistencies in your story, setting and plot. It includes specific examples along with suggestions on how to resolve gaps.

    This varies from a traditional beta read, as pointed structural and craft elements are addressed.

  • Your manuscript will be read through once. Then you will receive a 5 page document, with details on your manuscript, and opportunities for improving the story. This feedback provides a baseline for problem solving story components before a release.

  • $350 for up to 60,000 words

    $400 for 60,001 - 800,000 words

    $450 for 80,001 - 100,000 words

    $500 for 100,001 - 120,000 words

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Developmental Edit

  • This offering gives you expansive documentation on how to revise your manuscript. It includes both a high-level structural documentation about your manuscript as well as inline notes on scenes to ensure all elements align.

    Developmental edits make resolving gaps in your story quick and easy with a clear process and direction.

  • Developmental Edits include two passes of your manuscript. After the Initial Structural pass, you will a receive:

    • 10-12 page Editorial letter about your story. This includes your story framework, analysis, examples and suggestions for improvement.

    • A Story Compass, outlining your plot and character arcs.

    • A Story Roadmap, with scene by scene analysis of your manuscript.

    Once you have had an opportunity to revise, your manuscript will go through a second Inline Pass. This round of edits focuses on scene level story development. when completed, you will receive:

    • A copy of your manuscript with in-line feedback.

    • An updated Story Compass and Story Roadmap.

    Developmental editing feedback focuses on character arch’s, setting development, pacing, plot, prose, story beats, point of view, narrative voice, and inconsistencies that might arise.

  • $ .02/ word

A NOTE ON PRICING

Affordability shouldn’t stunt your writing dreams. If the pricing is out of reach for you, please contact me and we’ll work together on a manageable budget.

(Available to individuals who have a legitimate financial need.)

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“Dani is a fairy godmother to story. Her ability to take a beautiful mess and, with surgical precision, tell you exactly what’s missing is a relief in the best way. Her grasp of character development, story structure, and heart help give writers the vision they need to take a good story and make it incredible.

I love my characters like real people, and I will absolutely entrust them to her capable hands again.”

Contemporary Fiction Author, Sarah Berke

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“After writing and publishing nine books, I hadn’t finished a project in nearly three years. I kept starting new stories, writing about 20K words, and getting stuck.

Dani got me unstuck.

Within a month, I’d written thousands of words—some of my best writing days ever!—and finally completed a project. Her imaginative exercises, creative ideas, and fresh approach to story were more than helpful. They were magical. Thanks to Dani, I'm not just writing again—I'm finishing what I start, with renewed joy and confidence. 

Fantasy Author, S.J. Wynde

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“Dani has a way of seeing stories through a lens of purpose. She cares about characters, and in doing so, creates a sounding board for authors to do their best work.

My approach may change with every book, but I will never publish a story without getting Dani’s input first. Working with her has become an irreplaceable part of my writing process!”

Romance Author, Heather Garvin

 FAQs

  • Writers need support before their stories are in front of agents and readers. You don’t know what you don’t know, and with only one chance at a first impression, it’s important to do it well.

    I love seeing writer’s stories come alive. Through my years of running a local writers group and mentoring authors, I have seen how one conversation can change the path of an author’s career. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to help others achieve their publishing goals.

  • I typically work with writers when they are in the drafting phase of their journey, before a manuscript has gone to a copy/line editor. Some are forming ideas to start, while others have a fully workable manuscript.

    You can be indie or traditionally querying, published or unpublished. If you have a story to tell, you are in the right place.

  • I work with the following genres:

    • contempoary fiction

    • historical fiction

    • upmarket/book club

    • women’s fiction/coming of age

    • romance

    • light fantasy/romantasy

    • thriller/suspense

  • There are two types of writers in the world. Those who write for fun and those who want to make a career out of it. Professional help is perfect for both.

    Investing in your hobbies to better yourself is something we see time and time again. Golfers pay for coaches and painters take classes. Writing is no different. How you excel in your craft is by getting 1:1 feedback so you can learn the tools to excel.

    For those who want to make a career out of writing books, professional help is key. You can focus on writing and leverage experts to improve it.  This allows you to produce quality writing at the level readers expect.

    In both cases, professional support also gives you consistency. Your success is no longer reliant on who you know and if they have time for you. You have dedicated expertise.

  • Payment will be made before the service provided. After an initial discovery call, an invoice will be sent.

    The exception is developmental edits, which requires half to be paid at the time of the manuscript submission and half once the initial response is returned.

  • Absolutely. Now is the time to learn foundational tools to help you succeed as a writer. This is your opportunity to show readers your writing style and storytelling abilities. You want to put your best foot forward.

  • Let’s have a discovery call to chat about it! Once I understand where you are at, we can figure out the best next steps for you and your story.

Let’s Chat

Let’s start the conversation to see how your story can move to the next level. Ask your questions! I am excited to help.

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