Everyone has a unique story to tell...

    writing classes get us to the place where we can tell our story well.

    Write Your Novel in a Month!
    April 14th - June 9th
    9 Wednesdays
    7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

    Is writing a novel one of your life-long dreams? Join this nine week
    Bellevue College class and write your novel. The first classes
    prepare you for the noveling process, with practice in
    characterization, setting, plot, voice, and dialogue.  Then we're off
    and writing our 50,000 word manuscripts.   During the last two
    classes we will plan for revision.  This is a great way to write your
    novel in a supportive environment.    

    Please email me (Lois@LoisBrandt.com) if you want me to remind
    you when registration begins for this class.   

    Manuscript Consultation

    Are you looking for an individual critique of your manuscript?  Read
    below about receiving a professional manuscript consultation.

    I’m going to start this discussion of my services by throwing a big
    bucket of salt.  

    THE BIG BUCKET OF SALT:  I believe in the power of critique
    groups.  Their advantages are almost too numerous to list.  You
    have a group reviewing your writing, so you’re not dependant on
    one opinion.  Critique groups share marketing and craft
    information.  They offer support in what can be a very lonely
    profession.  Before you PAY me to look at your manuscript, think
    about joining a group.  SCBWI Western Washington has a critique
    group coordinator (um, that would be me), as does PNWA and
    WIWA.  

    SMALL SHAKER OF SALT:  I will only critique genres that I know
    well.  If you write children's middle grade, young adult, adult fantasy
    and/or science fiction, I would be happy to look at your manuscript.

    WHEN DO YOU NEED A PROFESSIONAL CRITIQUE?  You are
    stuck on your novel.  You’ve struggled with this manuscript, but
    you’re just not moving forward.  As a professional critiquer, I will not
    fix your manuscript.  I will point you in the direction of what you
    need to do next.    

    When you pay me for a professional critique, I will:
  • read your manuscript,
  • make written comments on the electronic version of your
    manuscript concerning:
  • plot structure
  • language
  • age suitability
  • characterization, and
  • have a phone consultation with you to discuss my comments.  

    My fee* is $150 for manuscripts 50,000 words or under.  $200 for
    manuscripts 50,001 to 100,000 words.  (Yes, you will save $50 if
    you edit your manuscript down to 50,000 words.)

    *If you are a current student of the Whidbey Island Writers
    Association MFA program I will critique one children’s genre
    manuscript of 50,000 words or less for no fee.