As a mentor and editor, I provide in-depth feedback and encouragement on pages and in meetings.
Expert guidance in regular meetings can make the difference between a dream and its completion.
"I call it the Benton standard, and it has clearly worked for me." —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling novelist
"My journalism training made me a reporter of facts, but Janet's expertise in both the art and craft of writing have made me a storyteller. Through her personalized instruction, considered feedback, and constant encouragement, I have learned to construct a story that engages readers. Janet is always empathetic, guiding me to listen to the voice inside of me, while also challenging me to go ever deeper and trust myself as a writer. She is a joy to work with and a true professional." —Gail Rusnak, memoirist
Writers start with an idea, an image, a scene. To find the work’s form and content, we begin to carve a path on the page. At first, some choices may seem arbitrary; by the end, nothing is arbitrary. Such a story entices the reader to take its journey and to feel that journey deeply. That’s the quality of story I can teach you to write.
SERVICES
1. Mentoring
The mentoring arrangement is flexible. Writers typically give me pages on a regular basis at an interval of their choosing. I’ll write comments and guidance on the pages, and we’ll discuss them in depth. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, our work will increase your awareness and skills and strengthen your manuscript. It will also give you a meaningful writing journey. I’ll edit as closely as you wish, offering craft instruction, supplying thoughtful questions and detailed comments, and suggesting how to deepen the work. It’s wise to enter the market with a well-honed manuscript that carries readers along an absorbing journey with a sure and compelling voice, and this process can help you attain this.
2. Publication Guidance and Support
If you want to seek a literary agent, I can help. Writing a good query letter requires seeing your manuscript and yourself from the outside and knowing how to frame them so your reader will feel, “I must read more!” My novel’s query letter drew manuscript requests from nine of the twelve agents I approached. I’ll guide you in creating the query and synopsis, edit drafts, help you select agents to approach, and guide you through the process, including, if you receive offers, evaluating agents and editors.
For those whose books I’ve helped shepherd to this point, I also offer help with navigating the publishing process and doing your own outreach. Tasks can include gathering contacts, choosing how you’ll seek attention, planning events, setting up social media and an author website, getting your book to possible reviewers, writing essays for possible publication, and more. Through periodic check-ins, I offer input and support as you gather accolades, prepare for talks and book-group visits, seek publicity, post on social media, build your mailing list, and more.
