Friendly, supportive coaching for the next generation of non-fiction authors
Hello, I'm Katherine May, bestselling author of Wintering, The Electricity of Every Living Thing and The Whitstable High Tide Swimming Club.
Behind the scenes, I've always had a passion for helping writers to find their way through the daunting maze of the publishing industry. The best way I've found to do this is through group coaching. This allows me to offer knowledge and advice, while mentees develop a network that will sustain them for years to come.
My aim is to create a warm and supportive environment in which to share work, and to help you to write in your own way rather than providing blanket 'fixits'. Into this, I pour my years of experience from both inside and outside the publishing industry.
Format
Each mentoring session takes place on Zoom, and we discuss questions and texts submitted by members in a supportive group environment. Katherine offers insights and advice on anything from shaping and structuring a narrative, to approaching agents, to coping with the publication process.
For those who can't be present in real-time, a recording is made available directly afterwards, and Katherine can answer your questions just the same.
What you can submit:
• Up to 1500 words of writing for discussion - please include three questions you'd like to ask me about the work (this helps to focus both of us!).
• I'm open-minded about what I'll read - it can be an excerpt from a novel, a short story, an article, or a blog post.
• I'm also happy to review part of a pitch or book proposal, a covering letter to an agent, or to answer questions about the work of an author.
Time and Dates
7pm - 8.30pm UK time on the 2nd Wednesday of each month
Forthcoming dates:
10th February 2021
10th March 2021
14th April 2021
12th May 2021
9th June 2021
14th July 2021
Why do I have to apply?
This coaching group isn't right for everyone - it works so well because all the members are at a similar point in their career. It's aimed at people who are knee-deep in writing a text that they're serious about publishing, who are comfortable with receiving honest feedback, and who are confident with the basics of their writing practice.
For that reason, we ask a few questions to see if we're a good fit for you. When we turn down applications, it's not a comment on your talent as a writer or your potential to get published - it's because we don't think membership of the group will offer you value for your time and money.
An alternative for writers who are ready to start their first full-length piece could be the Writing Your True Story course, which begins again in early 2021 - you can sign up here for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with fiction writers too?
In general, this group is focused on non-fiction writers, but some members are writing both fiction and non-fiction. Once you're in the group, you can ask whatever questions are relevant to your practice.
Do you offer a free trial?
No. But please feel free to ask as many questions as you like before committing. We want to make absolutely sure this is the right choice for you.
Can I pay monthly?
To keep group disruption to a minimum, we ask all members to commit to at least three sessions at a time. This can be broken up into monthly instalments, but it cannot be cancelled before the three months are up.
How do I submit work for review?
When you sign up, guidelines will be sent on how and when to submit work and/or questions for review. By signing up to the programme, you consent to share your submissions with other mentees, so that the group can read each other's writing.
Do you offer one-to-one mentoring?
I'm afraid not - my teaching time is limited, and experience has shown me that most mentees have similar concerns. There's a huge benefit to working as part of a mentoring group - mentees learn from each other, and form a network that transcends what I can offer alone.