Working with writers.
Contact me for rates and details. Please note that I am currently closed for manuscript consultations.
Manuscript Consultation
I provide detailed written comments regarding characterization, setting, structure, point of view, story, and voice along with extensive line edits (if requested) on book-length manuscripts (fiction or nonfiction) as well as individual stories and essays. I am then available discuss my notes and answer questions by phone, email, or Zoom. My international clients have gone on to publish their work and win literary awards.
Workshops
I have taught nearly 200 creative writing classes and workshops (virtual and in-person) to diverse communities through InkWell Workshops, Workman Arts, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), the University of Guelph, NISA/Northern Initiative for Social Action, Progress Place, The 519, The University of Western Ontario, and the Toronto Public Library. Through readings, discussion, and hands-on exercises, participants learn techniques to make their writing come alive.
Please contact me if you are an individual, school, library, or literary or community organization interested in one of my fiction or creative nonfiction workshops. Workshops can always be customized to suit your needs.
What People Are Saying
A talented writer, an inspiring teacher, and a fine editor.
— Amanda Lewis, award-winning editor
I LOVED this workshop. I think all the instructor's ideas and methods were fresh, totally original, and really fun.
—CAMH Addiction Services creative writing workshop
Kathy’s mentoring was excellent, honest and respectful of me, as well as being sensitive to my disability. This was a key facet of the mentoring — I was treated as someone with a valid, and valuable, lived experience. She helped me find a better appreciation for my own writing, and its importance.
—George Zancola, InkWell writer
Over the years of our friendship, I have come to rely on Kathy’s editorial insight on my work. She has been straightforward yet sensitive, extremely thorough and frank in her feedback yet never prescriptive.
— Ayelet Tsabari, author of The Art of Leaving
I have found working with Kathy the most beneficial process for my writing — ever. Thank you again and again. Because of this experience I have crossed some threshold in regards to my writing. That is a big deal.
— Kathryn Edgecombe, 2020 CBC Nonfiction Prize longlist
Personable. Interactive. Inspirational.
—University of Guelph Writers' Workshop
Kathy was a fantastic instructor. She was always able to adapt to the different writing styles and genres very readily and gave very relevant and thoughtful feedback.
—University of Guelph Short Story class
Kathy has been a very supportive mentor to me in my professional writing development. She exemplifies creating safe and empathetic creative settings for marginalized groups.
—Maya Ameyaw, author of When It All Synchs Up, forthcoming in 2023