Write the thing you’re afraid to write
Mentorship, manuscript feedback and practical advice from a best-selling memoirist, novelist, journalist, ghostwriter and public speaker.
I work with writers who have something to say – whether they're starting a book, are stuck halfway through one, or are getting ready to submit. I'll tell you what works, what doesn't, and how to make it better. I can give you practical advice on finding an agent, a publisher as well as going the self-publishing path. I won’t ever bullshit you.
Why work with me?
I'm the author of five books, including the Globe and Mail bestseller Unshaming. I've also ghostwritten four complete books, including two award-winning works, across memoir, young adult and investigative nonfiction. I have published more than 30 short stories in literary journals.
My fiction, essays and journalism have appeared in Canadian and international publications. I've taught creative writing – short stories, features, essays, opinion – at Toronto Metropolitan University and OCAD, as well as independent workshops; received Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council grants; and hold a BA in Psychology from Western University.
My mentors have included Tim Rostron, Doug Pepper, Ivor Shapiro, Barbara Gowdy and Laura Albert.
Excellent professional references available on request. Full CV / more about my work →
First, let's talk. For free.
A free 30-minute consultation and a free reading of your first 10 double-spaced pages.
We'll discuss your project and see whether we're a good fit. No obligation, no sales pitch, no charge and you can ask me anything. My hourly rate is $150 and I’m happy to be hired to discuss any creative writing project.
Individual consultation — $150/hour
You can hire me for $150 an hour to consult on whatever writing project you’re working on. We can talk through an idea, a draft, a submission, finding an agent or publisher, or the self-publishing path. No mentorship package or ongoing commitment required. A 30-minute consultation is $75.
Writing mentorship & coaching
Every package includes brainstorming, planning, writing exercises, practical feedback and, most importantly, accountability. I prefer to focus on one project at a time, so we can make real progress.
Find the story, develop your idea, get unstuck and make a plan. I will read your work as well and provide verbal feedback (20 double-spaced pages).
Work on structure, voice, character, difficult material and revision. Verbal feedback provided on your work (up to 20 pages, double-spaced).
Finish a draft, make substantial revisions or prepare to submit.
Included: up to 20 double-spaced pages of light review per session, discussed together. Extensive reading, detailed editorial notes and full-manuscript assessments are separate. Additional sessions: $150/hour or $75/30 minutes.
Your first publication
A literary-magazine credit can be a powerful calling card when approaching agents and publishers. I'll work with you on one short story, memoir piece or essay – from idea through revision, polish and submission strategy. The aim is a strong, submission-ready piece and a credible shot at publication. Acceptance cannot be guaranteed. This usually works best on by-the-hour basis.
Manuscript evaluation
For writers who need a serious assessment of the work itself, rather than ongoing coaching.
20 double-spaced pages + brief editorial notes $100
Full assessment (up to 70,000 words), detailed editorial letter + 1-hour consultation $1,500
Developmental editing or collaborative writing — By quote
Book ghostwriting — starting at $40,000 CAD, based on the Canadian minimum rate recommended by The Writers’ Union of Canada ↗ for a 200–300-page book.
Full manuscript + mentorship
$2,400 combined (normally $2,700): a full assessment of up to 70,000 words, detailed editorial letter, 12 one-hour mentorship sessions, revision planning and accountability. The full assessment comes first, so we can work from a complete understanding of the book.
A note about money
If you can't afford a full package or session, tell me your budget. We can arrange shorter sessions at the same hourly rate – for example, $75 for 30 minutes. I want this work to be accessible without pretending a writer's time has no value.
Let's get started.
Tell me what you're writing, where you're stuck and what you hope to accomplish. You don't need a polished pitch—or even a manuscript yet.
All prices in CAD. Sessions online unless otherwise arranged. Mentorship is creative and editorial support, not psychotherapy or a guarantee of publication.