ReVIVsions
Super-constructive editing services designed to instil confidence and encourage experimentation
Editing is an essential part of the writer’s process. It can also be the first time you allow another person into a world of your creation. If a piece of writing is a house, a good editor knows to take her shoes off before entering. An excellent editor closes windows you left open and shows you the secret passageway to rooms you’ve left unexplored.
Whether it’s a novel or a novella, a poem, script or essay, get in touch about your ReVIVsion needs!
Services
-
A meticulous edit of your story focused on big-picture storytelling issues. The goal is to deepen character development, strengthen the narrative arc, refine dialogue, and clarify your unique authorial voice.
What will you get?
the edited novel in a Track Changes markup with page-by-page annotations
a detailed editorial letter with my overview and analysis of all the foundational elements of your draft, no shorter than 2000 words
follow up one-hour Zoom call for further discussion and questions
-
Editorial feedback through analysis and naming of all the compelling parts of the whole poem.
What will you get?
detailed comments in the margin of your draft, assessing word choice, line breaks, how smoothly a metaphor is working, any logic that seems missing, etc.
paragraph analysis of the different layers of meaning and how they're operating in your poem
I deliver feedback in a similar style for non-fiction pieces, though with more focus on tone, voice and style. These are the building blocks of poetry but we can often lose sight of them in our non-fiction.
-
The aim of the copyedit is clarity, coherence and consistency. I’ll review your manuscript line by line for spelling, grammar, punctuation, repetition, word usage, dialogue tags, POV, tense shifts and descriptive inconsistencies.
What will you get?
all my edits in a Track Changes markup of your manuscript, including suggestions to improve the readability and flow of your prose
notes on the voice, tone, style and structure of the manuscript (rather than the story) in a separate document
-
Creative writing workshops are sacred spaces to me, and it is an honour to facilitate them. In the best conditions, workshop participants are all operating as writers, readers, listeners and editors at the same time. It was in a writing workshop in 2017 that I felt heard for perhaps the first time in my life. As one of my wonderful students who’d never read her writing aloud before remarked, “it's helped me - literally - find my own voice.”
Workshops can be delivered in person or online.
Some of my favourite topics include:
Character and the Tiny Detail
Premise and Scale
The Pitfalls of Point of View
Setting and How Non-Fiction Can Help Your Writing
The Gears of Storytelling, Imagery and Symbolism
How to Write a Captivating Character Arc
Novelty and Sentimentalism
Poetry
-
Since every writer has different needs and ways of working, this is a highly flexible arrangement. Mentorship might look like monthly catch-ups in person or over Zoom, or receiving regular written feedback on your writing. Whatever helps you keep motivated and accountable. Get in touch!
Testimonials
Dr. Kim Huynh
author, academic & broadcaster
“Here are three reasons why she is one of the few people whom I trust to provide feedback on my writing, both fiction and non-fiction. First, Vivian digs out what you've crafted well, and points out exactly why. She puts the ‘constructive’ in ‘constructive criticism’. Secondly, she pinpoints imagery that's slack and nudges you to make it shimmer. Thirdly, Vivian reads you through your work, and in so doing customises her advice and maximises her encouragement. Whatever level you're at with your writing, Viv will get you to the next one.”
Bilal Hafda
poet, director of Guest House Publishing & artistic director of Bankstown Poetry Slam
“Vivian is one of my favourite caretakers of writing in the whole wide world. She understands the fundamental truth that a kind and generous perspective is the key to good editing. She has helped me mine from my work the glowing core of what I want to say, and unearthed gems I didn’t know I had in me. I implore you, invite her into your work. You won’t regret it!”
Dr. Daniel Carrington
author, academic & aphorist