Work with Darien

When I’m not writing, I help others get their words out into the world. I’ve been working with individuals and groups for over 25 years and I love it.

I can help you get your writing project off the ground, troubleshoot a troubled manuscript, or coach you through the equivalent of a writer’s midlife crisis. I’m a query queen, having waded through the slush pile and bounded past the gatekeepers for not one but three of the literary agents who currently represent me, and can advise you on putting a winning submission package together. I also work with people wanting to boost their creativity, identify personal priorities, or just need someone to cheer them on as they strive to meet their goals. I am masterful at unpacking almost any situation that seems stalled or hopeless, and finding an open door.

All sessions are conducted by email, telephone and/or video chat.

Consultations and Coaching

Feeling untethered? If you need a check-in, burst of inspiration, publication advice, or feedback on a handful of pages, consider a one-hour session with me. Getting people back on track and out of their own way is something I’m really good at!

Single session: $100/hr

Add-on:

Feedback on 10 pages, double-spaced: $35
Feedback on 30 pages, double-spaced: $100

Accountability calls: $55 for 30 minutes

I offer kama’aina rates for Hawai’i residents.

Mentoring

I’m here to help you realize your specific project goals. Mentorships include a combination of advice, assignments, inspiration and feedback on your work. You’ll have someone in your corner for a specified period of time to help you meet and accomplish your objectives. I bring over 25 years of teaching, coaching, and publication success to my relationship with you.

Mentoring packages are paid in full at the start of the program, and must be used within one year from the start of the first session. The mentoring program is best suited for writers who desire ongoing feedback and accountability for their work with a specific goal in mind. Mentorships works specifically to move a writer from Point A to Point B in their creative life, and assumes the writer is seeking guidance and partnership in making that journey.

How it works: Choose the payment package below or request a quote for a custom package.

Monthly (recommended)

1 hour phone call once a month
Writing packet and cover letter submitted once a month, up to 30 pages
Feedback on your work
Three payment options:
- $190/month, due the 1st of the month
- $171/month for six months, due immediately ($1,026, save 10%)
- $161.50/month for twelve months, due immediately ($1,938, save 15%)

Submitted work (aka the “Packet”): You may submit up to 30 pages in a Word document, double-spaced, 1” margins, 12-point Times New Roman font. Your submitted work must be accompanied by a cover letter (two to five pages, single-spaced) in which you can provide an overview of where you are, what’s going on with you, what you’re working on, what’s in the packet, any challenges/successes or any questions you may have. The cover letter is also the place to discuss your thoughts on any assigned reading.

You will receive feedback on your work using the Track Changes feature in Word. This is not an edit or proofread, but thoughtful consideration and analysis of your work, with suggestions if appropriate. You’ll be able to discuss any questions brought up by the feedback at the next phone call.

Your packet should be sent to me by the agreed-upon dates. Packets arriving later lose their place in my reading queue and may take longer to get a response.

Calls and packet dates may be rescheduled as needed. Calls cancelled within 24 hours are not refundable.

The fine print: If a client misses two phone calls and/or two packets, the mentoring relationship may be terminated at my discretion. I reserve the right to refund or refuse a project as necessary. Sessions are billed for the full hour (or half hour for accountability calls) even if you choose to end your call early. All sessions must be paid for in advance.

Manuscript Critiques

I offer manuscript critiques for completed work or work-in-progress for the following genres:

fiction (mainstream, commercial, literary, family saga, women’s fiction)
memoir
creative nonfiction
nonfiction (how to, cookbooks, devotionals/spiritual, business, self help)

I do not work with poetry, children’s books, or medical/technical/scientific work. I am selective with manuscripts in the following genres: romance, sci fi, historical, fantasy. I do not work with plays and scripts at this time. YA (young adult/new adult) writers, check out Kim Culbertson. Poets, you will love Maggie Smith.

Publication/Query Support

Schedule a one-hour consult to ask your publication questions and get a 101 on how to find a literary agent for your specific project. Most clients choose this option.

Workshops

Testimonials

Read what other writers say about working with Darien.

Interested?

Let’s chat. Schedule a 15-minute consult — for free — to discuss your book project, agent search, or the kind of support system you’re desiring that will best help you meet your writing and creative goals.