Do you need some writing help?

The Publication Coach can give you some writing help, quicklyWord count: 755 words

Reading time: About 3 minutes

Do you need some writing help? Here’s a clear and plain list of what I can do for you.

When I work or volunteer, I never get asked to sell. Instead, I tend to do things that are literary, organizational or helpful. In high school, I edited the yearbook. At college, I ran the debating club. In “real life,” I’ve been a Big Sister (here I’m referring to the organization – although I’m the other kind of big sister, too), the mother of triplets, and the coordinator of a homeschooling support group.

I’ll happily bake cupcakes for a worthy cause, or even produce a cookbook filled with cupcake recipes. Just please don’t ask me to sell them!

But while I don’t like selling, my business mostly depends on sales.

It’s a conundrum, I know.

That’s why I’m writing today’s post with butterflies in my stomach. Even thinking about sales makes me a bit squeamish but I’m doing it now because of a chat I had with a longtime friend. It turns out she’d thought my writing course and my coaching were the same thing. Yikes! If someone who knows me as well as she does doesn’t understand what I do, I’m worried that others aren’t clear on it either. So I’m writing today with a brief description of all my offerings, including things that are absolutely free. Don’t worry. There won’t be a test on Monday!

Power Writing: It amazes me to realize I’ve been producing a weekly newsletter, at no charge, for subscribers around the world for seven years. I receive dozens of emails from subscribers each week, and I answer them all, but here’s my plea: If you want to comment on my newsletter, please post your comment to my blog. (And if you’re reading this column on my blog, please know that every Tuesday posting also goes out by email at no charge. And if you subscribe you’ll get you a free copy of my booklet on mindmapping.) By the way, I’m not offended if you disagree with me or if you point out any errors. When I worked in a newsroom I spent three years being screamed at by an imposing Scottish editor we nicknamed “McBagpipes” so, trust me, I’ve heard much worse!

My blog: I blog five days a week and the Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday entries are super short. You can follow me using an RSS reader if you like.

8.5 steps to writing faster, better: This is my book, which is designed to give you a system for writing. You could probably figure out my system if you read every column I’ve ever written, but my book will save you a lot of time. If you buy the premium version you’ll not only receive an electronic copy but also a printed one and a bunch of other goodies including a 50-minute audio with me and my booklet on 72 ways to beat writer’s block. At $49 it includes postage, no matter where you live – even Timbuktu (I seem to recall sending one there, once.) The free shipping deal won’t last forever!

Extreme Writing Makeover: This is my course, directed at non-fiction writers, which is delivered by email. Sign up and you’ll get a lesson a week for a year. You can usually read each lesson in less than five minutes. There is self-directed homework (you don’t hand it in to me) but people can typically do it in 30 minutes or less per week. As well, most assignments can be self-adjusted so that you do your own professional work while completing them. If you buy the premium level of the course ($249), you can email me anytime and attend my monthly teleclass which means you can ask me questions in person. If you’re unable to attend the class, you’ll receive a recording by email. (There’s a discount on the premium version if you already own my book. Email me for details.)

Coaching: I also coach a limited number of clients one-on-one. I have three spots per month for my one-hour sessions ($150) and I have one spot for my four times per month package ($599.) I can help you with any aspect of writing that you like but people who want to write a book or speed up their business writing find the four-week coaching particularly useful. Read the testimonials if you’re uncertain. If you think you want coaching, be sure to reserve in advance. (I’m booking for October and November right now.)

So, are we all clear about the writing help I offer? Glad to hear it! My regular, supportive, big-sisterish self will return next week.

Photo courtesy FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Posted September 11th, 2012 in Power Writing

  • jenlouden

    i am a huge fan, read your newsletter and shall now subscribe here you rock!

    • Daphne Gray-Grant

      Thanks so much for your kind words, Jen. I look forward to having you as a subscriber!

  • Subha

    You will make a fine sister and a really good coach for those who love and need to learn. I never found even a hint of greed in what I have read so far.
    Your newsletters are my weekly sunshine.

    • Daphne Gray-Grant

      Thanks for such a gracious compliment, Subha!

  • sumurray

    Hi Daphne, Maybe its because YOU are out there… saying, yes I would like to receive money for this. I too have this problem… when I actually say ‘I want’ no matter how you couch it it comes down to that. then I must hear all those words from the past… Who do you think you are? … what?!… all those questions from all those less than thoughtful, down right hostile people from my(your?) past. Even as teachers we are selling an idea. every conversation we are selling a thought, an action, as in please pick up your toy …or pass me the salt. its all about how we put our selves out there and how we might & or will be received! you can see I have writing issues but you are getting through to me. I faithfully read your letter every week, until recently I started to hear another little voice piping up, saying remember what Daphne said last week or last year about… and I’m so quietly, sweetly supported by you… you are erasing years of battering by teachers in public school berating, belittleing and damning me to a world where I thought I could not write or speak my truth. thanks so much, maybe one day I’ll write my book?!Susan

    • Daphne Gray-Grant

      Yes, write your book, Susan! I find it quite distressing to see how many people have been convinced that they are unable to write. Yet we never say the same thing about talking!! We all know we can talk. Well, we can all write, too. And if we’re prepared to spend enough time thinking and rewriting, we can get published. (That part’s actually pretty easy these days with the existence of blogs!)

      I think it’s really important to have confidence in your own ability to write. We ALL have a voice, a writing one as well as a speaking one. We may need some help in the editing, but we all have a voice. Don’t forget that!

  • VickyWhite

    I’m a huge fan too Daphne – I have your book and read your newsletter each week – I’m glad you described everything you do – I only knew half of it!

    • Daphne Gray-Grant

      Thanks, Vicky. The butterflies in my stomach are finally settling down!

  • Karen Dodd

    I can certainly understand your trepidation re selling, Daphne but as my friend Fabienne Fredrickson says, by not sharing your gifts with the world, it’s a little like hogging a batch of freshly baked brownies all to yourself and not sharing them.

    You did a masterful job of sharing what you do, honestly and with grace. Thank you for that!

    • Daphne Gray-Grant

      Thanks so much, Karen!