My mission is to help you produce your best writing in an encouraging and supportive environment. I have helped edit over 200 creative writing pieces, including short stories, memoirs, creative nonfiction essays, individual poems, and poetry collections. I teach Creative Writing at the college level. I also work as an editor at a Literary Magazine, providing feedback for prospective writers.
I offer editing and services to writers actively working on a piece, whether a short story, an essay, a book, or a memoir. I also offer coaching for those looking to develop an idea or to develop a regular writing practice.
Help with your writing project: Submit 20 pages for $200
You might not be sure what kind of help you need. This a great option to help you figure out the best plan to support your work.
First Pages Analysis/Revision Plan
Send me your first 20 pages, and I will provide you with a detailed analysis. My analysis will consist of a report on your piece’s strengths, areas for improvement, and the work’s overall potential. I will also include comments and suggestions for improvements throughout your draft. I offer my best advice on the next steps for your piece.
Many writers start a project and run into the same difficulties, whether it is a fiction story, essay, novel, or memoir. These difficulties frequently show up in the beginning of your draft. Sending in your first twenty pages is a great way to develop a plan for your piece.
Help with your Short Story or Essay
Do you have an essay or a short story that needs some help? The 20 pages for $200 is a great option. But if you need more help, get in touch to start the conversation.
Help with your Book Project
I work with authors’ on potential book projects: novels, memoirs, short stories, and other creative nonfiction collections. I offer different coaching, editing, and support for book drafts.
I can help develop a plan for your manuscript that best fits your project.
Revision Plan and Analysis of Your Draft
I provide a full manuscript analysis for writers who have completed a book draft and need editorial feedback. Each manuscript analysis includes:
1.) a manuscript read and light markup,
2.) an extensive written report about the book’s strengths and weaknesses, with suggested solutions for issues.
3.) a one-on-one consultation.
Writing and Book Coaching
You may want to write a book, story, or other creative piece but not know how to start. I provide Writing and Book Coaching, which is a higher level of support. I will help you to develop your ideas and create a step-by-step plan to get you writing. Get in touch to see how we can collaborate.
Teaching
I teach both large and smaller groups of students online and in person. I also teach one on one.
Class Options
- A twelve-week course in creative writing covering fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry.
- A two to three-hour facilitated workshop in fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry.
- One-on-one instruction, specifically in fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry. But all subjects can be covered.
Testimonials
“Yael helped me to start writing and create a writing routine. I always wanted to write my life story, but I didn’t know how. Yael taught me to free myself, be creative, and express myself in my own words.” -Donna M
“Yael introduced me to the tools of Creative Writing. Specifically tools for prose and poetry. She has been extremely helpful in successfully guiding me through my first story.” -Rosario B
“I find Yael’s way of teaching to be very accessible. The way she explained topics put me at ease. She helped me to improve my writing through relevant examples. I didn’t know where to start with my memoir, but she helped me to find a focus and to make a plan.” -Susan T
“I came to Yael for her to edit my memoir. We made a plan together to tackle this project. Yael helped me write my life’s story, and I was pleasantly surprised that the final project really felt like me. I am so proud of this accomplishment; I couldn’t have done it without her. “Tanisha L.
Yael Valencia Aldana 