1:1 Poetry Mentoring
When you’re not part of a structured writing programme it can be difficult to get the kind of feedback you need to get your work polished and ready to submit. Send me a selection of your poetry and I’ll provide tailored individual feedback, suggestions and comments.
How does it work?
We’ll begin with a chat about your voice, themes and what you’re trying to achieve with your poetry. You’ll send me your work and I’ll provide detailed feedback. We’ll address form, structure, tone, clarity and phrasing, and the goal will always be to strengthen and hone your individual poetic voice. I’m also happy to recommend upcoming competitions and give some pointers on submitting to a publishing house, if that’s what you’d like.
Rates
I charge £40 an hour, so if you’re working to a budget, get in touch and we can discuss what I can do for you in the time available. Otherwise, you can see fixed package rates below.
Up to 4 poems | £50
Full Collection of up to 45 poems | £150
Editing: Novel
You’ve written a novel? Congratulations! Once you’ve got a draft together, you’re probably thinking about the editing process… I charge £40 an hour, so if you’re working to a budget, get in touch and we can discuss what I can do for you in the time available. Otherwise, you can see fixed package rates below.
Mini edit
Includes detailed, line by line edits on your first chapter and a synopsis, addressing form, structure, tone, clarity, voice and phrasing and a one hour zoom conversation to discuss the edits and next steps.
Rates
up to 5,000 words plus synopsis | £120
overview edit
I’ll provide a detailed report with suggestions on how to begin editing and improving your novel. We’ll address plot, pacing, characterisation and structure, and I’ll review a surplus 2,000 words post edit.
Rates
up to 20,000 words plus follow up | £200
UP TO 50,000 WORDS PLUS FOLLOW UP | £700
FULL edit
An in-depth edit advising on style, theme, imagery, language and dialogue. We’ll address plot, pacing, characterisation and structure, and I’ll review a surplus 2,000 words post edit.
Rates
up to 85,000 words plus Follow up | £800
“I highly recommend Mari as a poetry mentor. Warm and knowledgeable, with a keen poetic and artistic eye, Mari also helped and encouraged me to believe in my own voice and ideas. She has been so important to my development as a poet. It was a pleasure to work with her.”
— Laura Wainright, author of Air and Armour
“Working with Mari has been invaluable to my growth as a poet. Her guidance has helped me to hone my poetic voice, and through her line edits of my work I have better understood how to polish my pieces, and to lay them out in the most affective way. I would thoroughly recommend working with Mari if you want to improve your poetry through a fresh and informed perspective, and want detailed feedback which will push your writing to be the best it can be.”
— Elizabeth Kemball, co-author of Four Forked Tongues
“I have hired Mari in my capacity as a magazine editor and as a creative writer, and on every occasion she has provided exactly what I was seeking: an expert eye for detail, with precise, actionable, and sophisticated feedback. I often return to her because I value her holistic and considered approach. I highly recommend her.”
— Paddy O’Malley, editor of Aberystwyth EGO
Workshops
Writing should bring us together. With experience of working for organisations including Dyfodol Ni, MIND and GEM, as well as independent writing groups, I am available to deliver creative writing sessions and workshops for adults or children. Whether you’re looking for sessions on creative writing for wellbeing and mental health, developing convincing characters, perfecting poetry, or something totally different, get in touch.
So… How can I help you?
I’m all about poetry, short stories and words, words, words. So, whether you’re looking for a little help with your own words, hoping to book an author event or reading, or planning a creative writing workshop, I’m here to help.
Mari Ellis Dunning 