My background:
I hold an MS in Education from Dominican University and an MFA in Fiction from the Rainier Writing Workshop. I have spent over twenty years as a high school English, Creative Writing, and theatre teacher. I also earned a college advising certification from UCSD, and have worked as both a private college consultant and as a public school college adviser. In 2005, I was one of the founding members of the College and Career Center at Forest Charter School.
I have also served as guest faculty/author at a variety of festivals and conferences including the Bay Area Book Festival, the Squaw Valley Community of Writers, the Sierra Writers Conference, the Book Passage YA/MG Conference, the Sierra Poetry Festival, and dozens of author panels, library, and private writing workshops.
Most importantly, though, the sum of my experience so far has allowed me to understand the importance of nurturing each writer’s process. As a writing consultant (whether for a general publishing consultation, a full manuscript, or a college essay), my job is to support each writer’s individual goals as well as locate and amplify a writer’s voice. At the end of the day, I am here to help make your work the best version of what you want it to be, not what I want it to be. It is a simple, yet crucial, distinction.
If this sounds like a potentially good match for you, check out what I have to offer and email me with any questions:
Manuscripts/Publishing
Single Session project consultation: $100/hr for phone conference
(This could include questions about publishing options, how to write a query letter/get an agent, or it could simply be a general conversation about your project.)
Add-ons:
- Feedback on 10 double-spaced pages during phone call, $35
- Feedback on 30 double-spaced pages during phone call, $100
Writing Coaching
Feeling stuck on a manuscript? Need some accountability? I can help with that. Email me about your personal needs and we can discuss a “check-in” once or twice a month where I provide exercises, read and respond to pages, discuss big-picture, etc. to help you get started on your manuscript or nudge it back on track.
$100/hr
Please see the events page for available Writing Workshops.
Full Manuscript Consultation: starting at $1000
(please email me to discuss a fee for your specific project)
Includes: Full developmental editorial letter for complete manuscript + one hour phone call to review questions about notes
For revisions or further notes, please see single session fees
Kim is amazing. As an editor she blends her understanding of the mechanics of writing and storytelling with sensitive insight into the project before her. She helps the writer hone in on the heart of the manuscript, developing themes and trimming where necessary to create a more powerful piece of work. She is a great listener and knows the right questions to ask to help the project go deeper. She has wonderful attention to detail, a sense of humor, and an ability to offer suggestions without being critical. She is dedicated and timely, and a joy to work with!
— Genevieve
The College Essay
I draw from more than twenty years of experience as a college advisor and as a published novelist to zero in on the college essay’s specific kind of storytelling. When coaching students on their essays, I aim to provide feedback that allows each student to find a balance of voice and topic so their college essay clearly showcases their uniqueness in their own words.
Options:
I read and provide notes on all types of college essays/personal statements (common application, UC insight questions, short answer supplements, etc.) via email and Google Docs. I also schedule phone chats and Zoom meetings if requested.
Essay packages begin at $100, but I individualize for each student. Please email me with your student’s needs so we can design the best package/rates.
My daughter was really struggling with her college essay so I sent her to Kim for help. Best thing I could have done! Kim encouraged her to focus on a topic she was passionate about. She calmed my daughter’s nerves and made the essay writing process seem less overwhelming. My daughter loved working with her!
–Alison
General Educational Consulting
Teenagers can be complex. I know; I’ve worked with them for over twenty years. I’ve learned a few things that might be useful. If you need some guidance about academic classes, planning for college or career goals, or just how to best talk with your teenager about these often frustrating topics, let’s chat.
$100/hr
Make a Payment
You can pay for any of these services here.
Please make sure to email with me regarding your project before submitting payment to determine availability.