We can work together on manuscripts in four areas — nonfiction (magazine articles or books), fiction (short stories or novels), life story (as a family history or a memoir for publication), and plays. I don't work with screenplays.

Here's what you can expect. You send me a manuscript and/or your questions, either by regular mail or e-mail. Many of my clients prefer e-mail because the turnaround time is faster, so you get feedback while the process of writing is still fresh in your mind. (If you do send your material via snail mail I ask that you include a SASE.)

After you have sent me a manuscript or a letter with questions about a project, you'll get a detailed written critique and/or clear answers to your questions, usually within 48 hours.

My critiques will point out the strengths of what you've written, showing you how to make the strong points better; they will also include positive, constructive criticisms that can help you improve what needs improvement — always bearing in mind your goals for the project.

I can also help you get started, even suggest subjects for your writing. I can make creative assignments to help you overcome writer's block.

You won't be alone at the typewriter or computer any more. You won't get lost in the crush of a large class or group. My critique will be honest but never harsh or destructive, and I will never compare you in a negative way to other writers.

Next you'll revise your manuscript based on my suggestions, send it back to me for further suggestions, and perhaps revise it again. Even experienced professional writers revise their material several times until it is absolutely as good as it can be.

After you've created an example of your best work, I can then help you choose the best markets for it. I have years of experience in doing this with my own writing, and I can help you learn to do it for yours, too.

Take a moment right now to use your writer's imagination to think about how good you'll feel as you see your writing get better day by day, week by week. Imagine how good it will feel to see your work — and your name — in print!