Idea Development

Looking for a fresh perspective and expert feedback on your story idea before you get started, or because you've gotten stuck midway?

I hired Eliot for their Idea Development service and a partial manuscript review when I felt stuck with a fiction project, and I am so glad I did. I was blown away by the concrete, thorough advice, and I really appreciated the examples and book suggestions. So much for me to think about!
—Anthony Martucci, Writer

I offer story guidance based on planning documents such as but not limited to synopses and outlines, for romance fiction and adjacent genres. This kind of help can be invaluable for writers who want to get a strong start and steer clear of avoidable problems down the line. It's also great for folks partway through a draft who feel stuck or like something’s just not working.

Drawing on deep knowledge of how the elements of fiction work together to impact readers, this service includes:

• a questionnaire designed to help you think through your project and aims in big-picture ways (and to give me that context as I look at your materials)
• a review of your synopsis, outline, or other planning documents, plus draft pages if appropriate
• feedback in the form of suggestions, questions and issues to consider, and potential pitfalls to watch out for
• links to useful resources relevant to your particular project, challenges, and vision

If you're interested in ongoing support through the planning or drafting stages, you might also consider these Planning and Early Drafting coaching options.

pricing

See my Services Menu for current pricing information.

content

Please note that I do not work on material that involves torture, extensive horror or suspense elements, or sexual content that devalues consent. My getting-to-know-you process involves asking about any parts of your story that may be emotionally difficult for readers, so that I can be prepared to give your work the focus and presence it deserves.

What's next?

If you think this sounds promising, let’s communicate! The first step in my process is to get to know you and your needs and, of course, answer any questions you may have. Then, if we’ve determined it’s a good fit, we’ll sign an agreement and get to work!