Editing and Tutoring

If you're ready to move ahead with a project (non-fiction, fiction, essay, memoir, etc.) and would like some expert guidance, you've come to the right place. I've been editing and coaching writers for more than 20 years, with experience working on everything from mysteries and self-help books to essays and memoirs. In addition, I've been through the editing process with my own material countless times. You can expect frank, constructive, and respectful advice.

Here is what some of my clients have had to say about working with me:

"You are such a terrific editor. What's great about the way you work is that it helps me think about ways to look at my writing in the future -- it isn't just that you rearranged things but that you helped me understand what the reader needs, what the reader's expectations are. To call what you do teaching doesn't capture what you do. It is exactly like the jeweler who sees the potential of a stone, and figures out the best way to release its beauty, knowing that the wrong move could turn the stone into dust."

- Jennifer Lawler, author of Dojo Wisdom for Writers

"Jena you are amazing! I can't believe you did all that with my story in just 60 minutes. "

- Debra Weber, FrenchFood.About.com

- Patti

"Thank you so much for your efforts and encouragement. You truly are a gifted teacher and a first rate editor."

- Jacqueline Massey

"The work you put in is awesome, and your critiques go right to the weak spots."

- Val Haecky

"You remember and see each writer as a whole -- from their first assignment to the last. You have a very warm style -- but still get your point across. I am so grateful to get this feedback and to learn! I really KNEW and UNDERSTOOD what you meant in your response. Your critiques barely changed the content, but they substantially changed the essence of my essay since it now has a purpose and is going somewhere. Thank you so much!"

- Jill Davis

"Thanks again for your editing and suggestions. They were great and made the piece better."

How It Works

As you probably know, editing and revision take time. Anyone who signs up for private editing work should be prepared to devote the time and energy that are needed to make your material the best it can be. Likewise, it will take me time to read and critique your work.

I ask that each person pre-pay for at least two hours (cost is $60- per hour or a total of $120- for two hours) before we begin. This is the minimum amount of time I've found is necessary to read through, analyze, give feedback on, and answers questions about a piece. If it takes less than two hours I will cheerfully send you a refund.

You can pre-pay by entering the number of hours you'd like to sign up for in the sign-up box below. When you hit "Add to Cart" you will be taken to a secure order form and asked for all the usual details. Once your order has been processed, you will receive an order confirmation and I will get an email telling me you're ready to go. You should expect to hear from me within a few hours (occasionally it will be 24 if I'm on the road and don't have access to a computer) asking about when would be a good time to begin.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me:

Phone: 626-445-4566 / Fax: 626-226-5898

E-mail: jball@thenatureofwriting.com

I look forward to working with you.

Jena