Need a Writing Coach?  The Protégé Program

Since 1988, I've worked one-on-one with more than 225 writers at all levels of experience who needed help getting focused, shaping their writing or preparing their work for submission to agents or editors. Most of those I coach now take advantage of a special deal called The Protégé Program.

For $595 (payable in three monthly installments of $200 each or $595 all at once), participants receive unlimited feedback and advice on their writing by mail, fax or email or some combination of the three. Protégés may be working on a nonfiction book, a novel, magazine articles, academic papers or any other form of writing except plays, screenplays, poetry or marketing documents.

On questions or short manuscripts, I usually reply within one day. For book-length manuscripts, I usually return comments and suggestions within one week.

This program works best if you know where you want to go as a writer, are willing to ask for what you need and feel comfortable communicating with a coach in writing rather than on the phone or in person. I am always willing to take a quick procedural phone call from a protégé, or answer initial questions about the program by phone, but do not do coaching over the phone or in person. Some protégés have come to a seminar with me first or set up a special in-person consulting session at regular hourly rates when they feel that helps their comfort level.

When you enroll in the Protégé Program, you are buying access to my consulting time for a three-month period, as when you join a health club. I limit the number of protégés so that I can give each one quality attention, and you therefore can't get a refund for the program or transfer your enrollment to other months once you enroll, even for a "good reason" such as illness. Most people find that this policy motivates them to get moving on their writing projects more than they would otherwise.

Here are some quotes from previous clients:

"In working with Marcia, I learnt how to express my thoughts in a way that directly benefited the reader's experience.  Her constant commitment to clarity and simplicity drove me nuts, and now pays dividends in the rave reviews I've had from people reading my manuscript. Her input at proposal stage was pivotal to me securing offers from two publishers - giving me the luxury to choose the best offer. Marcia encouraged me to work harder, be better and the quality of my writing improved massively (and I already thought I could write!)." - Julie Starr, Derbyshire, U.K.

Like all the testimonials on this site, the customer comments on this page were provided without compensation, incentives or rewards.

"Marcia's coaching helped me structure for clarity, dig deeper for color and liveliness and smooth my writing. Providing names of potential agents, one of which worked out, was a real plus!" - Nina Boyd Krebs, Ed.D., Sacramento, CA

"Your skillful editing, your ability to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of my manuscript, and your thorough knowledge of the publishing process gave me the guidance and support I needed to complete my project and find an agent and publisher. Thank you!" - Rabbi D. Lerner, Arlington, MA

"Thank you for all your comments.  Your critical eye is like Manjushri's sword, cutting through ignorance or lack of enlightenment.  [In Buddhism, Manjushri is the Bodhisatva (Buddha-to-be) of Wisdom.]" - Clare Nelson, Austin, TX

"You helped me see that by accepting myself and the way I approach things, I can turn what I've viewed as weaknesses and obstacles into strengths and talents. You always conveyed the message that writing well and writing what I want to write are entirely within my reach. Now I'm filled with ideas and energy, in my writing and other areas of my life." - Diane Perin, Hopkinton, NH

"I just received a contract from Thompson Publishing.  Thank you so much for your help and guidance!  You certainly helped me to transfer my ideas into an outline that immediately captured their attention and created lots of excitement." - Susan Eckert, Brightwaters, NY

"I am so impressed by how quickly you can edit something and make it sound wonderful.  Thanks!" - Patricia Work, Director of the Center for Character & Creative Intelligence, New Hampton, NH

I would be happy to answer any questions you have about the program. You must start on the first of a month, and since some protégés remain in the program for six to nine months (one has remained with me for nearly five years, another for more than two years), I must sometimes put you on a waiting list for an opening.

Marcia Yudkin, Ph.D. <marcia@yudkin.com>