Need help with your creative writing?
I’ve worked on a variety of projects including short fiction, novels, a cookbook, a book on cancer recovery, and poetry. I can help you with everything from character development to the structure of your novel. I can also tackle marketing issues such as query letters and the dreaded novel synopsis.
For small jobs that include both line and developmental editing, my rate starts at $0.032USD/word. I offer a variety of editing services including: narrative assessment (starting at $0.017USD/word), developmental editing (starting at $0.022USD/word), line editing (starting at $0.028USD/word), and proofreading (starting at $0.013USD/word).
I am also a member of the wonderful editorial team at the Darling Axe.
Check out our website and the many services we offer.
For writers who want to work with me on a regular basis, I offer six-month mentorships. Once a month, you can submit up to 5,000 words (for a total of 30,000 words over the six months). In my feedback, I will point out specific issues on the manuscript, as well as including a letter outlining big picture issues (plot, characterization, structure, etc). I am open to short fiction, novels, and creative nonfiction. Mentorships are $1000USD.
I have taught writing workshops on numerous topics—some alone, some together with Darling Axe editor David Brown:
- What Teens Want From YA Literature…And How We Can Give it to Them (with David Brown)
- Beyond Good Enough: Revising Scene by Scene (with David Brown)
- Query Quest: The Hunt for Representation (with David Brown)
- Setting the Stage (with David Brown)
- Murder Your Darlings: A Webinar about Editing (with David Brown)
- Using Short Forms to Learn How to Write a Novel
- Rookie Mistakes
- What She Said: Writing Effective Dialogue
- Imagery: Where Poetry and Prose Intersect
- From Research to Fiction
- Beginnings, Middles, and Ends: The Elements of Structure
- What If? A Workshop on Writing Fantasy
- Poetry for the terrified
If you’re interested in book me for a workshop or hiring me for editorial work, please use the contact page to get hold of me.
Testimonials
Keen and Insightful Feedback
“I don’t know what I would do without Michelle’s keen and insightful feedback. Michelle both offers support and asks the tough questions that will push you to make your manuscript better. Before working with Michelle, I had completed an MFA and had an agent, but I still hadn’t sold a book. After receiving Michelle’s helpful feedback, I was able to successfully revise the manuscript that finally led to an offer and publication of my debut novel. I will be turning to Michelle again when I’ve completed the draft of my new novel!”
Helpful, Astute Comments
“Michelle Barker first took on a short story of mine five years ago when I was just a novice writer. Since that time, and due in part to her editorial expertise, I have had several stories published in on-line quarterlies and literary magazines.
Michelle’s the best: a keen eye (without being harshly critical); helpful, astute comments; prompt returns of edited manuscripts. For these reasons, I continue to solicit her skills.”
Heartwarming Counsel and Unwavering Support
“Michelle Barker was my writing mentor for my cookbook. From book contract to final manuscript, Michelle was with me every step of the way, providing critical feedback, thoughtful suggestions and grammatical editing. When an instruction or anecdote didn’t translate well, Michelle helped me work through alternative phrases and concepts. When I faltered, her swift wit often had me laughing at my computer. Creative and tenacious, Michelle coaxed the very best from me. I can’t imagine writing another book without her heartwarming counsel and unwavering support.”
Helped my Prose “Sing”
“I believe that Michelle Barker’s editing of my non-fiction book proposal as well as my book – Picking Up the Pieces, Moving Forward After Cancer – were major contributing factors to the book being chosen for publication by both a Canadian and US publisher! Michelle is a delight to work with. She is keenly aware of the reader’s perspective and the need for clear writing. On many occasions, her editions helped my prose “sing”. It is my pleasure to recommend her as an editor.”