What is coaching?

This is a service for writers. You book a slot with me and we talk through any creative problems or challenges you are having in your work. Sometimes it’s technical, but a lot of the time it’s a very focused chat about the story you want to tell and why you want to tell it. I work with some writers regularly, especially if I’m editing or consulting. But others might only need a one-off session to deal with a particular problem, or sometimes to just get going. One of my favourite things is when a writer finishes the session clearly needing to write!

There are a variety of approaches available in terms of feedback as well. Some writers would like a full Reader’s Report on a script, but in my experience a lot of writers often just need a good listener and a thorough conversation with some good notes.

I still do the detail sometimes but with many writers, especially those who are starting out, or at an early or development stage with a story, I’ve found that a one-to-one coaching approach works best. It is more affordable for the writer and can often be much more efficient.

Ok, cool. But how does it work?

You book a slot with me here, and you tell me about your work and the problems, challenges, or questions you are going through as you write it. Then, I help you work through it.

I offer introductory 20-min consultations for free. This is a chance for us to get a sense of whether we can work well together. I should note: if I feel like I have nothing to add to the process, I will say so.

I don’t have to read any work in advance, but I can if you’d like me to. We can discuss this in our introductory session.

How do I know that you are any good?

Good question! There are 3 ways!

First, you can read some testimonials!

Second, you can listen to my podcast, Mark Overanalyses Film, and decide for yourself if I know what the hell I’m talking about.

Third, you can always try the introductory 20 minute consultation. I get to know a bit about you, you get to know a bit about me, and we can see from there if it seems like a good fit!

We all know the saying “people who can’t do, teach” but I would also highlight that those who can do are often not very good teachers! Experience is of course vital, and nothing has taught me more about writing than my own struggles and occasional successes with the endeavour. However, I think what really qualifies me to do this is my background in education. I have an MA in Screenwriting, an MA in Literature, and 10 years of classroom experience. It’s not about me knowing the information, though that’s a necessary part of it certainly! It’s about you coming away with a greater sense of clarity about what your story is, and how best to tell it. That is always my aim, and that is the criteria I believe you should judge me on.

What kind of writers do you work with?

I have worked with writers of: shorts, feature length screenplays, literary fiction, literary non-fiction, articles, and blogs. I have also worked with directors and producers to help them with material. I mostly write comedy myself, in a variety of shapes and sizes and tones and hues.

How much does it cost?

The first twenty-minute session is free.

Coaching is €100 per hour thereafter, with discounts available for regular clients or for sessions booked in bulk. Reading time for a short synopsis per session is included in that. Additional reading would be offered at a discounted rate, depending on the project.