It's normal for writers at every level to hit a point where we've lost perspective on a project after being in the trenches with it for months or years. You've gotten all the feedback you can from your writer's group or critique partner (or you've been entirely alone with it the whole time) and you're looking for fresh, experienced eyes on your work. Maybe you sense something is off, but you're not sure what. Perhaps you're a newer writer in search of direction for your revision, or you've been sending your project out and aren't getting the hoped-for response. What might you be missing? What aren't you seeing? You just need some perspective on your full or partial manuscript.
A professional beta read from an experienced author and mentor can be a great way to go. It's much more affordable than a full editorial consult, but can often be just as valuable. This is my favorite type of work to do with other writers and fits in nicely around my own writing.
I specialize in general fiction, YA, and middle grade, but have also helped folks with screenplays and memoirs. Some of my favorite books have been written by: Anne Tyler, Herman Wouk, Nina LaCour, Margot Livesy, Adele Griffin, Michelle Huneven, Robert Cormier, Malinda Lo, P.D. James, Stewart O'Nan, Rita Williams-Garcia, and Madeline L'Engle.
According to clients:
"Sara is an incredible mentor. She's detailed, thorough, and empathetic in her feedback. She responds quickly with insight that reflects her years of experience and natural talent. She's funny and encouraging, and I feel lucky to have worked with her."
"Sara is direct, kind, and a fun person to work with, too."
"Most impressive was Sara's commitment to making sure I got what I needed out of our consultation."
My rates are reasonable and flexible (get them at the provided link or right here). Email me if you'd like to discuss working together/scheduling, and mention that you saw this listing on the Author's Guild site for 10% off.
Detailed Credentials:
Sara Zarr is the acclaimed author of ten novels and two works of nonfiction. She's a National Book Award finalist and two-time Utah Book Award winner. Her books have been variously named to annual best books lists of the American Library Association, Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, School Library Journal, the Guardian, the International Reading Association, the New York Public Library and Los Angeles Public Library, and have been translated into many languages. She has served as a judge for the National Book Award.
Sara has written essays, creative nonfiction, and short fiction for Image, Hunger Mountain online, Response, Gather, and Relief Journal as well as for several anthologies, and is a MacDowell Fellow (2014). Her first book, Story of a Girl, was made into a 2017 television movie directed by Kyra Sedgwick.