Consulting

Alyssa Zaczek is available for manuscript editing, sensitivity reading, query package consulting/critique and Twitter pitch coaching on a freelance basis.

What I read

  • MG (any genre).
  • YA (any genre).
  • Adult (SFF, magical realism, historical fiction).

Sensitivity reading (what I read for)

I am qualified to read for the following experiences and identities:

  • Mental health/illness (general).
  • Depression.
  • Anxiety/GAD
  • Panic disorder/panic attacks.
  • Bisexuality/questioning/queer issues.
  • Assault/abuse.

Query package consulting

A query package consult includes the following:

  • A full read of your query materials, including sample MS pages (not a full MS, see below,) query letter and synopsis.
  • A 1-2 page critique letter highlighting constructive changes that could be made to help your query be more successful.

Twitter pitch coaching

A coaching session for an upcoming Twitter pitch event includes the following:

  • A review of up to 6 Twitter pitches for your project.
  • A 30 minute, one-on-one Skype Voice call to talk over the pitches, areas of possible improvement, and to brainstorm and write new pitches if need be.
  • ***Please note that Twitter Pitch Coaching sessions must be scheduled at least two weeks before the date of the Twitter pitch event itself.

My qualifications

I am a #DVpit Success Story with professional experience writing, editing and polishing work. I now volunteer my time and talent with #DVpit hopefuls to hone their pitches and query packages. I am a professional, award-winning journalist for a USA TODAY publication, a position which hones my keen editorial eye as well as my sense for narrative. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Writing for Performance from Columbia College Chicago. My debut middle grade novel, MARTIN MCLEAN, MIDDLE SCHOOL QUEEN is coming Jan. 7, 2020 from Sterling Children's.

Reading rates

  • 5,000 words or fewer: $40 flat rate.
  • 10,001 - 30,000: $100 flat rate.
  • 30,001 - 50,000 : $150 flat rate.
  • 50,001+: $250 + (# of words above 50k) x ($.01 per word).

Query package rates

  • Query letter, synopsis and first 5 pages: $30 flat rate.
  • Query letter, synopsis and first 10 pages: $50 flat rate.
  • Query letter, synopsis and first 50 pages (or first 3 chapters): $150 flat rate.
  • ***To add on in-text notes: Applicable flat rate above + $50.

Twitter pitch coaching rates

  • $50 flat rate.

Before you submit

Please make sure your manuscript/materials are spellchecked, free of errors, formatted to industry standard and essentially submission ready. This will make the process easier for both of us! Please also note that sensitivity readers/readings are not a guarantee that others will not take issue with the content of your work. This is one way to read for some potentially hurtful language, characterization, etc. within your work, it does not cover any and all possible scenarios as you move forward in your publishing journey.

To book

Email alyssazaczek@gmail.com with "CONSULT:" and the service about which you're inquiring in the Subject line. Tell me a little bit about you, your manuscript and what you're looking for out of your editing/reading/consult experience, and we'll go from there!

© 2022 Alyssa Zaczek