Narrative & Story
Consulting
Story consulting focuses on whatever you need it to; the viability of a new idea, figuring out how to get unstuck in the middle of the draft, or digging into an element of your story like pacing, character arcs, worldbuilding, or relationship dynamics. It is designed to help you improve your story at any stage.
This is a flexible, high-level, discussion-based service where we will focus on one or two key elements like initial plot idea, character development or narrative pacing to strengthen your story in bite-sized pieces.
For comprehensive, full-manuscript feedback, check out my manuscript assessment service.
Ideal for:
- Early-stage ideas or undeveloped concepts
- Writers unsure if an idea is worth pursuing
- Projects with one or two specific problem areas
- Writers wanting focused, targeted feedback
- Creators not ready for full manuscript feedback
- Projects that aren't in a traditional manuscript format
How it works
Before the session, you have the option to submit up to 12,000 words of material for review. This can include anything that helps me understand your project in its current form: manuscript excerpts, a synopsis, chapter outlines, query materials, or even loosely structured notes.
The bare minimum you'll need to provide is a rough overview of your story and a description of the element/s you want the consultation session to focus on. This can be informal, but will ideally give a sense of your intended plot, character arcs, and the core idea driving the work. The more insight I have into how you're currently thinking about the project, the more precise and useful the session will be.
To allow the idea to be explored fully only one or two elements will be analysed in one session. Possible elements to explore include:
- Characters
- Worldbuilding
- Relationship dynamics
- Magic systems
- Conflict, tension & pacing
- Whether a story idea is worth pursuing
- Target audience appeal
We can also have a quick 15-minute video call for you to introduce your project, goals and concerns to me if you want!
I work through the material you've submitted with the specific elements we've agreed on in mind. This is a focused read designed to surface the patterns, gaps, and opportunities that are most relevant to your goals — not a comprehensive assessment of the whole project.
A video call where we work through my findings together. The session is collaborative — I'll share what I've seen and we'll talk through it, pressure-test ideas, and map out practical next steps for your story.
After the session, you'll receive a written summary capturing the key points of my analysis and our discussion, so you have a clear reference to work from once you return to your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Story consulting is a flat fee of $330 AUD. A nominal charge may apply for consults with material that exceeds the included word count, but I'll let you know with plenty of notice if that's the case. If your project can't really be measured in words (video, voice notes, etc), send through what you've got and I'll work out whether it fits into the included prep time.
Consulting is best when you have one or two specific elements you want to dig into, or when your project isn't in a traditional manuscript format. If you're after a comprehensive evaluation of a completed draft, manuscript assessment will fit better. If you want page-by-page feedback, look at developmental editing. Not sure? Get in touch and we'll work it out.
Novels, novellas, short fiction, game narratives (branching dialogue, world bibles, quest design), unfiction, interactive fiction, scripts, and anything else that tells a story. If your project doesn't fit a neat category, reach out — I'm probably interested.
Absolutely. I offer a quick 15-minute video call for you to introduce your project, goals and concerns before we begin. It's entirely optional but recommended — it helps me understand your vision and makes sure the session will give you the value you're looking for.
