Coaching & Editing

I’m here to support your writing journey.

Struggling to locate the core of a sprawling project? I’ve been there! Got a beginning and middle but can’t quite figure out the ending? Been there, too. Have a complete draft and need an objective eye and honest feedback? I know how you feel.

As an award-winning playwright, author and teacher with decades of experience, I’ve developed strategies for overcoming the challenges and stumbling blocks that many writers experience on the road to realizing their vision.

I’d be delighted to coach you through all stages of the writing and publishing process, including editing your manuscript.

BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL

Which best describes your situation?

Each person’s process is unique.
Together we’ll formulate a plan to bring your project to completion.

#1

I have an idea, but I’m not sure where to start.

We’ll start with a conversation. You’ll share your vision and goals for your project. I’ll ask questions and learn what you already know and what you have yet to discover about your book, play, story, screenplay, essay, or collection.

Once I have an idea of your core vision, we’ll build a plan that’s strong yet flexible. I’ll give you writing exercises to help define and develop your ideas. Perhaps you’ll create an outline or we’ll create one together, knowing that an outline is a flexible scaffold that’s subject to change.

We’ll create a timeline and break the project into manageable chunks, complete with deadlines, to make the project feel less overwhelming.

When you’re ready, we’ll discuss paths to publication.

#2

I have a lot of material, and I need help refining and organizing it.

Great! Let’s start with a conversation. I’ll learn what your goals are for the material and where you are in the development process.

I’ll do a quick preliminary read-through of the material you’ve already generated. We’ll discuss ideas for how to structure it. We’ll set up a plan and a timeline, including deadlines, to help you bring the project to completion.

I’ll then do close readings of the material, reading sections as you develop them or waiting for a full draft, according to your preference. I’ll suggest edits and provide notes on what feels strong and vital, as well as questions and suggestions of places to trim, deepen, or expand.

When you’re ready, we’ll discuss paths to publication.

#3

I have a completed manuscript.

Congratulations! Getting a complete draft of anything is huge, so please give yourself a lot of credit for what you’ve already achieved. We’ll start our work together with a conversation in which we discuss your goals for the piece and your intended audience.

I’ll do a close reading of your manuscript, then suggest edits, large and small. (I’m a total grammar nerd who revels in the minutiae of word choice and punctuation, so I’m happy to work at this level if desired.)

I’ll also provide written notes on what feels strong and effective as well as questions and suggestions of areas to trim, deepen, expand or restructure.

We’ll repeat this process through subsequent drafts as needed. When you’re ready, we’ll discuss paths to publication, including developing a pitch and proposal for potential agents and publishers.

BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL

"Tanya helped solve problems with character and narrative arc I'd been grappling with unsuccessfully for years."

“Tanya read two of my plays…She identified the troublesome spots—some of which I wasn’t aware of—asked productive and supportive questions, and helped me come up with strategies for addressing them. Working with her is delightful and creatively invigorating. She always deepens my work.”
-Lisa Rothman, professional solo performer
"Tanya's generous, actionable feedback has been invaluable in moving my project forward toward completion."

“Based on my experience in Tanya’s memoir class, I chose her to review my entire manuscript. This was my first foray into publishers and agents, and I wouldn’t have been ready without the work I did with her. It’s now a coherent narrative, and I feel much more confident. She’s knowledgeable, responsive, professional, and fun to work with!”
-Jane Buyers, Winner of the Florida Writers Association’s Royal Palms Literary Award
"If you're looking for someone to help you reach your full potential, Tanya Shaffer is that person."

"I worked with Tanya for several months on a writing project. Her guidance and insight improved my writing, and her copy editing skills saved me. She is smart and creative and did more than coach me; she supported me every step of the way and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Anyone looking for a writing coach, an editor, or both, would be lucky to work with Tanya.”
-Hope Hutman, performance artist and creator of multi-media installations