Coaching and Editing

Private Coaching
For writers who have specific projects or questions, Hollowdeck Press offers private, one-on-one sessions with Max Regan, MFA. Max always begins coaching sessions by talking to the writer and trying to gain a deeper understanding of what role writing plays in their life. Often, writers are asked something as simple as what books they are attracted to, in order to understand the style, genre and range of the work they already appreciate.

Max does a variety of different kinds of work with his private clients, always custom- building the techniques necessary to meet each writer's individual needs.

Some folks use coaching time to talk about poetry, fiction, prose, writing, publishing or methods of organizing their writing space at home. Others use the time to get some in-depth feedback on their specific book, poem, manuscript, project, performance, story, novel or idea. Max provides specific writing exercises, prompts and experiments designed to keep the client writing while continually pushing them into the next area of investigation.

Often the most useful thing is simply an in-depth conversation about where they are in their writing life, where they want to go and how to move forward with energy, organization and focus.

Most working sessions run from 1-2 hours.

For local clients who live in and around Boulder, Colorado, meetings with Max might be held at the Dushanbe Teahouse on 13th Street, or some other place quiet and informal. For non-local clients sessions may be done by phone with texts exchanged by e-mail and/or standard mail.

Content and Book Editing
Content Editing involves the evaluation of manuscripts that are being prepared for mainstream publication, self-publication, or submission to publishers, editors and agents. Max will examine the working structure, clarity, navigability and cohesiveness of the manuscript, making specific suggestions of how to strengthen the text. Max will also help to demystify the process of publishing and to examine the writer’s passions, fears, strengths, challenges and goals in moving his/her work out into the world.

While Hollowdeck Press is neither a literary agency nor a ghostwriting service, we do work with clients to build the awareness, skills, confidence and community they need to bring their own texts to fruition. Keeping in mind that while the core job of writing the text belongs solely to the author, the process of bringing a book fully to life is a team effort. Whether you plan to self-publish, look for an agent or find a small or mainstream publisher, you will need the help and expertise of trusted folks within the publishing world.

Proofreaders, Layout Designers, and More
To locate a proofreader, a transcriptionist, a book packager, small press, printer, paper store, or an agency to handle digital layout and design, please see our list of Links to other individuals, presses and organizations. Additionally, if you have worked with someone great in one of the previous categories, please contact us so that we may recommend their services to others.

Hollowdeck Press is committed to working with an economically, artistically and culturally diverse community of writers who are ready to step more fully into their work. Keep in mind that every individual client’s needs are different. Some clients meet with Max once a week and some meet with him every two months. Writers have to decide what interval is best for them, both structurally and financially.

• Rates for private coaching and content editing begin at $75 per hour.
• Rates for reading and evaluating working manuscripts begin at $45 per hour.

To accommodate a broad range of folks, I will schedule a limited number of clients per semester, at a lower hourly rate. To check availability or to set up a time to begin working with us, please contact us.

Payment Methods
Payments can be made with cash or check made out to Hollowdeck Press LLC. Students in the Houston community have the option of paying with major credit cards through Spectrum Center for a 2% processing fee. Payment plans, monthly billing statements, invoices, gift certificates and receipts are all available upon request.

24-Hour Cancellation Policy
All clients who wish to cancel their upcoming session must do so within 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting time to avoid being charged for the session.
 
Confidentiality Policy
At Hollowdeck Press, we have a firm policy of never sharing the specifics of an author’s text with any other individual without first obtaining the author’s permission. All texts, documents and e-mails are kept in a locked, confidential file for six months past the end of our work together, or until such time as the author would like them returned or destroyed. The copyrights of all texts belong solely to the author, except in specific cases where the client desires a co-authorship contract and agreement. If you have any questions about this policy, please do not hesitate to ask.