SERVICES
Contact Kristie with questions or for details/quotes for the following services. You may also scroll down to schedule a complimentary half-hour info session via Zoom.
Writing Coaching
$65/hr. with multiple-session packages available at a discounted rate
Coaching is a helpful option to assist writers with a wide array of goals. If you're looking to hone your writing craft, get specific feedback on short fiction, and/or be supported as you work on a novel, writing coaching can help. The process is highly customizable to meet the writers' unique needs and suit their busy schedules. Here's what you can expect from writing coaching with Kristie:
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Individualized plan for frequency, duration, and theme of sessions
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One-on-one meetings with review of client materials or other preparation in between
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Readings, activities, and lessons based on the client's unique needs
So you've finished a novel draft and wonder, "What next?" A manuscript review can help you understand what you've got and the necessary steps to get your book to the next level. Here's what you can expect:
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Review of major features of the manuscript, such as structure, plot, and character development
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Analysis of what's working and what's not
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Prioritized recommendations for revision
Manuscript Review
Starting at 2 cents/word
Developmental Edit Manuscript Evaluation
Starting at 4 cents/word
Similar to a manuscript review, a developmental edit manuscript evaluation digs deeper. It's better suited for manuscripts that have been through a revision or two. You'll get everything included in a manuscript review with the addition of the following:
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More in-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses
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Specific suggestions for revision on all major elements necessary
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Some proposed line edits (particularly for repeated patterns identified in your writing)
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Suggested resources to assist with the revision process
Line Editing
Starting at 4 cents/word
Line editing is looking at your writing at the sentence level to ensure every word counts and that your prose is as powerful as it can be. This fine-tooth-comb approach is best applied after the writer is confident all substantial changes to the story's high level elements (structure, plot, character arc, etc.) have been made.
Copyediting
Starting at 2 cents/word
Copyediting also looks at sentence-level writing, with the intention of ensuring clarity and correctness. It is one of the later revision steps, done prior to sharing work with beta readers, seeking publication, or publishing your work.
Teaching
Kristie has taught creative writing for roughly a decade, as well as teaching other types of writing such as composition and business writing. Currently, she teaches for WriterHouse in Charlottesville, VA, which offers in-person and online courses via Zoom. She is on a brief teaching hiatus. Check back for Kristie's next class or seminar information.
See some of Kristie's student evaluation comments.
Client Testimonials
"Kristie Smeltzer is a delight to work with. She'll give you the feedback 'medicine' you need to improve your writing, while at the same time giving encouragement to keep going. She gave me a professional's perspective on my novel's manuscript--a structural edit--with an eye toward publication. Kristie is an experienced and gifted writing teacher and wise guide. And, with Kristie you get your money's worth. Years ago I fell victim to an editor I found on the internet who over-charged and under-delivered. Kristie is not one of those." —Peter S. - 2023
"I labored for four years on a first novel and was able to finish it, though not to my satisfaction. Then I met Kristie through WriterHouse in Charlottesville. She read and critiqued the manuscript, providing extensive explanatory notes that opened my eyes to important issues I sensed but couldn't articulate. She was then generous with her time in discussing the issues and answering my questions. Her technical feedback was invaluable, giving me a much clearer vision of what I was trying to accomplish. Throughout the process, she was kind, encouraging, enthusiastic, and positive. I come to my writing now with much deeper insight, thanks to Kristie." —Steve N. - 2021
"What started with a manuscript review turned into a trusting relationship between developmental editor and writer. Kristie guided me through a complete restructure of my memoir: which content, where, and what's missing. After the next review, we tackled narrative arc, pacing, and areas I needed to dig in. I also learned how to improve dialogue and avoid my writing quirks. Every step of the way, Kristie was kind, encouraging, professional, and firm. Her goal was for me to produce the best possible book. As a result of our collaboration, I became not only a better writer but also a better person." —Carole Duff - 2019