Writing a manuscript that satisfies
your readers isn't hard...
but it's not always easy either.
I have an idea...
...but no manuscript? Need assistance plotting? Need help moving from concept to words on the page? This could be your Book Chat.
I'm Stuck...
Have a story idea and need to get a solid handle on how to write the dang thing? Do you want to get unstuck and structure a detailed approach to getting back to work? I suggest the Comprehensive Book Chat.
I'm Done. I think?!
Have a complete draft and you want to make sure it works? Have a draft and you've lost your way? Want to level up your writing? Sound like you? I suggest the Danja Diagnostic.
Are you looking for a one-on-one experience to write your book while meeting with me regularly? I suggest this for when you're writing your first novel or you want regular guidance through the process. If so, email me and I'll provide a custom quote.
Elements of a Good Story
These numbers are made up. I've never done a study. But after working with many authors I'm certain you need to possess many--if not all--of them if you want to write a working story.
The percentage necessary depends on the stage of your book.
For all the areas where you lack understanding or seek clarity, I'll be there to fill in the gap and point you in the right direction. During our time together you'll notice your percentages increasing.
Together we'll take you from where you are to a working draft IF you're willing to do the work.
What My Clients are Saying...
My name is Khardine Gray. I am a USA Today Bestselling author. I write contemporary romance and dark romance under my name, and under the pen names: Faith Summers and Bella Fontaine. I can’t recommend the story chat sessions with Dana highly enough. This service is now part of my essential must haves for every book.
The first book I used the service for is now a bestselling book and was my first book to reach the top 100 on Amazon, listing as number 1 in multiple bestselling charts. In the story chat, I was able to thoroughly go over my ideas with Dana. She helped me to enrich and broaden them so by the time I started writing the book I had perfect clarity of what I was doing and how to structure everything required in my plot for the book to be a hit.
It’s amazing when the story just flows from you. That’s what happened to me. After my chat, I felt like I knew my characters inside and out, understood their goals, motivations, and conflicts, and knew how to deliver a well-paced novel that would bring to life the story I held in my heart.
I one hundred percent recommend the service. It will take your book to the next level.
Khardine Gray
www.khardinegray.com
Working with Dana on an upcoming release has been exactly what I needed. I knew there was something missing, and once I started working with her she helped me see the changes that needed to occur in my manuscript to improve it. The developmental edits sessions with her have been invaluable. She made my writing stronger, improved my plotting, and helped me get even deeper in my character development. If you want to take your writing to the next level, you should definitely work with her. You won't regret it.
Moni Boyce
www.moniboyce.com
Both professional and knowledgeable, Dana Pittman is the epitome of what an editor and literary advisor should be. Her experience in all aspects of the literary world is a testament to her knowledge and ability. I have worked with Dana for several years. Her editing style is unlike any editor I've ever worked with. Her insight into my work and ability helps her to push me to be the absolute best. As a content editor, I believe it's important to be able to see beyond the story, to help the author push past their comfort zone and into an area of greatness and Dana possesses this ability. Her attention to detail helps beyond simply editing, it fosters character and story development giving you the tools to evolve and grow as a writer. Thank you to Dana for the countless time and effort put into my work. The information, direction, and expertise are priceless.
DeiIra Smith-Collard
www.deiirasmithcollard.com
When I get a concept from Dana I know it’s going to be… Unique and stunning. Full of rich, delicious details. Ready to make my imagination soar.
No matter what I would like included in the storyline she never disappoints. You won’t believe that amazing plots she can come up with.
Leela Lou Dahlin
www.DahlinBooks.com
Dana Pittman is simply fantastic. Her plotting service is the best I’ve ever seen. She consults with you each step of the way, making sure the story is going the way you want. There’s a depth to the plot and characters that are hard to find with other services. If you’re looking for someone to help you reach your storyline’s top potential, I highly recommended Dana.
Beth Hale
www.authorbethhale.com
It has been more than a pleasure for me to work with Dana Pittman with the publishing of my books. She is and will always be considered my "Ram in the Bush" and my "Right Hand". Driven, motivated, eager, challenging, encouraging, hard-working, are just some of the words I'd use to describe Mrs. Pittman and shout loud that these very qualities are what she gets in return out of you whether you are willing or not. She has approached my works with the spirit of excellence and this is why I am so honored to have her in my corner.
Danyelle Scroggins
www.danyellescroggins.com
Story Chat
The Story Chat is ideal when you are stuck. Is a scene kicking your butt? Are you writing in a new genre? You have an idea and want to brainstorm, making it a duet, trilogy, or series? You know something is off, but you're not quite sure.
You'd rather talk with an experienced novelist and editor than searching Google for hours. And now, you have me for an hour to get unstuck and back to work.
- One Hour -
Session
An interactive discussion of your story challenges and I’ll help get you unstuck. You can submit up to 3,000 words of your written scene, outline, or plot for my review.
- One the Page -
Guided Writing Assignment
I’ll offer customized suggestions and writing assignments to help you overcome your story challenges.
- Support -
Email Me
Two weeks of email support following our call.
Need a little more support? Check out the Comprehensive Story Chat.
Comprehensive Story Chat
The Comprehensive Story Chat is ideal if you have a story idea and need to get a solid handle on how to write the dang thing. We start at the beginning and work our way through your idea. This can include specific scenes, characters necessary to accomplish your desired outcome. This session is a major spitballing, workshopping, masterminding...all centered on YOUR story.
- Three Hour -
Recorded Session
An interactive discussion covering your story challenges, and I’ll help get you unstuck. You can submit up to 3,000 words of your story summary, outline, or plot for my review.
- Structure -
Character Development
We consider character development (external and internal) to support the story you want to tell.
- Structure -
Story Skeleton
We walk through the scenes and story elements needing your attention. Many complete the entire Story Skeleton for their novel during this session.
- One the Page -
Guided Writing Assignment
I’ll offer customized suggestions and writing assignments to help you overcome your story challenges.
- Support -
Email Me
Two weeks of email support following our call.
- BONUS -
Plot Audit
You can submit the final version of your plot for my review (up to 3,000 words). Submit no later than two weeks after your session.
Danja Diagnostic
This diagnostic is invaluable if you (1) have a complete draft and you want to make sure it works and/or (2) have a draft and you've lost your way. Additionally, I think this is an ideal manuscript review if you want to level-up your writing.
- Read -
Full Manuscript
Full manuscript read up to 80,000. The goal is to identify noteworthy passages, troubleshoot story issues, and determine where your story shines and where it needs some attention.
- One Hour & a Half -
Recorded Session
An interactive discussion centered on your diagnostic. This includes story issues, character concerns, and any questions you bring to the session.
- Detailed -
Scene Analysis
You’ll receive a detailed scene analysis for two scenes from your story. This is a tool you can use as guidance during your revision process.
- Structure -
Story Skeleton
We walk through the scenes and story elements needing your attention using the diagnostic as our guide.
- Structure -
Character Development
We consider character development (external and internal) to support the story you want to tell.
- One the Page -
Guided Writing Assignment
I’ll offer customized suggestions and writing assignments to help you overcome your story challenges.
- Next Steps -
Recommendation Letter
Breathe. This is a lot. But you’re armed with a solid understanding of your story. You’ll receive personalized suggestions for your next steps toward accomplishing the goals you have for your manuscript.
- Support -
Email Me
Two weeks of email support following our call.
For manuscripts over 80,000 email for a custom quote.
All prices are subject to change without notice. Have a deadline and need to get on my calendar? Book in advance. Email me for details.