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I wanted to share an offer and gauge interest in some workshop topics.

First of all, the offer: I’m temporarily lowering my developmental edit prices to the 2019 cost! That makes it $40 for picture books or short stories up to 1200 words and $2 per page for novels (instead of $50 and $2.50 per page).

For picture books, that gets you an editorial letter with general comments, plus I’ll make notes on the manuscript. I look at the plot/character arc, stylistic issues, and marketability. ​​

For novels, I look at the big picture items – does the plot work and is it active enough, are the characters interesting and believable (in the context of this world), is the pacing strong, is the point of view consistent, is the language/style vivid and enjoyable. I will comment on weak chapter endings, point out POV shifts or "show don't tell" issues, and so forth on the pages. I'll give a few examples of how I might rewrite things, and then mark other places for you to try on your own. The $2 per page is for standard manuscript format, e.g. double spaced.

Reply to this email if you want to schedule a critique, get more information, or see an example editorial letter.

Next up, regarding online classes – I want to gauge interest for possible webinars. If you are interested in either of the classes below, please let me know. You can mention a preference for dates and times as well, though they would be recorded so you don't have to attend live.

Advanced Plotting: 4 sessions, $150

Learn advanced techniques to make a decent plot dynamic. You’ll learn how to pack the plot full by complicating your complications; control your pacing through sentence and paragraph length; and use cliffhanger chapter endings, even in quiet scenes. The last session will dive into editing techniques to make your novel a page turner.

Earn Money in Educational Publishing: 6 sessions, $200

Educational publishers need writers for nonfiction books and novels, test passages and questions, lesson plans, and more.

Key Points:

·        Overview of Educational Publishing. What is it? Why would you do it? Pros and cons of different types. What makes a good Work-for-Hire writer?

·        Identifying publishers. How to produce a good resume and writing samples. Getting work and understanding publisher guidelines. Time-efficient research. Choosing kid-friendly angles and facts to include. Writing in the appropriate style.

·        What does it mean to write to grade level? The main methods of checking grade level. How to adjust your language to meet grade level requirements.

Chris Eboch is the author of over 100 books for children, including nonfiction and fiction, early reader through teen. She has spoken at writing conferences around the world. Chris is the author of You Can Write for Children: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers, and Advanced Plotting. Learn more about Chris Eboch books at her website.

Kris Bock writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance, many with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. In the Accidental Detective series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. Her Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family finds out winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves.

Kris is also writing a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie.

See all of Chris’s links.

See all Kris Bock links.