I’m now offering three different services related to writing!
1 – Creative Writing Course – Fiction Writing
Classes are held at the Trent University Oshawa Campus location. Watch this space for news on the next class start date.
Do you write every chance you get? Or are you the type that thinks about it all the time, but never quite gets around to it? Have you started several writing projects but stalled out before completing any of them? Or maybe you have great ideas but don’t know how to get started?
Learn the fundamentals of fiction writing with this 12-week interactive course. Designed for the absolute beginner to those who’ve been writing for years but want to sharpen and hone their craft.
You’ll learn about building a solid, interesting plot, creating memorable characters, increasing the suspense and bringing it all to an engaging, satisfying finish. You’ll find out more about readying your manuscript for agents and editors. You’ll gain a better understanding of the various forms of publishing, such as self-publishing, small press and traditional publishing. Finally, you’ll hear more about the various formats, such as ebook, audiobook and print formats.
2 – Editing Services
I offer several different services to fit your needs and budget. You can always email me here if you have any questions.
If you’re still not convinced, Lydia Peever says,
[Tobin] is a real powerhouse of all things pen and ink… I am more than happy with the results. This will ultimately make my fiction work cleaner and quicker. Maybe scarier.
You can read the full text here.
Three Page Introductory Edit
We get to check each other out to see if we work well together. I will do substantive or copy editing, based on your request.
Cost: Free
Manuscript Critique
Overview, focusing primarily on the plot, character development and writing style.
Cost: $2/page
Manuscript Copy Editing
Spelling, grammar, word choice, sentence structure, paragraphing.
Cost: $3/page
Manuscript Substantive Edit
Addressing story and scene structure, plot development, character development, dialogue, and general fiction techniques.
Cost: $4/page
Copy Edit & Substantive Edit for Manuscript
Will provide both services mentioned above.
Cost: Will quote based on review of manuscript
A note about the terms “substantive” and “copy” editing:
- Substantive Editing addresses issues such the structure of the storyline, the flow of the narrative, character development and dialogue and the style in which the manuscript is written. In this regard, substantive editing isn’t just about making sure that the spelling and grammar is accurate, it’s also about ensuring that the manuscript is logical, well-written and engaging.
- Copy Editing addresses spelling and sentence structure errors, grammar problems, word choices and ensures consistency of style.
3 – One-on-One Mentoring Services
I will work one-on-one with you to
- Work up your outline into a solid manuscript
- Revise and edit your existing manuscript
- Mentor you in the best way and best practices to complete your project.
We will meet on a regular schedule that works for you, either face-to-face or teleconference or Skype…really, this one’s about you, so I’m willing to work with you on all aspects of your writing project.
Cost: $25/hour
Click here to sign up for any of the services or the Creative Writing Course. If you have any questions, email me here.
Pingback: Left to Write – Tutoring, Writing & Editing Services « Left to Write
I have a 13 year old daughter who is writing a book. She is looking for a creative writing course that will accept her at 13. She is bright and creative and really keen to be a writer. Do you know of any services available to her?
Hello Margaret, I’ve sent you an email response.
Hello Tobin: Please help me evaluate whether your Creative Writing course at Durham would be of help to me. I am a 66-year-old journalist on the edge of retirement wondering whether the “once a writer, always a writer” addage will carry over into my golden years. I am a j-school grad; spent four years as reporter/editor on one of Canada’s top weeklies; seven years as senior editor at The Ottawa Journal; two years as assistant managing editor at The Calgary Sun; and for the past 30 years, as a senior executive of Canada NewsWire. News stories are great, but they follow a pretty stiff formula. I want to expand my talents to see if there is hope beyond the inverted pyramid. Regards, David.
Hey David, sorry for the delay, had a quick trip to Ottawa… So my first question is, why aren’t YOU teaching a course?!
Seriously though, the focus on my course is primarily fiction writing, so the focus is very much on plot, character, suspense and engaging the reader with “show, don’t tell” tactics. I have a wide range of participants, from the very raw beginner to those that are just looking for a refresher.
I agree that j-writing follows that inverted pyramid structure and, while I also touch on that, and the fact that with writing for more “entertainment” you still need to answer the who, what, where, when, why, and how, but with an eye to delaying for suspense.
I keep the course fun, there’s a lot of horribly bad jokes and a lot of sharing of my personal mistakes and screw-ups along the way, along with some anecdotes from the publishing/writing world, so it’s usually an enjoyable time for all.
If you want more specifics, shoot me an email to lefttowrite@sympatico.ca and, if you want, include a phone number and I’d be happy to call you and chat.
Thanks, Tobin