Story Alignment FAQ w/Claire Taylor

Q: I'm just starting out and I've never completed a novel. Is the Story Alignment right for me?

If you're still familiarizing yourself with basic elements of storytelling, there are much more effective ways to spend your money. An hour isn't enough time to teach elements of storytelling and provide tailored feedback. The last thing I want is for someone to feel like they didn't get their money's worth.

For those starting out in the craft, I check out our Story Tips. They're free and will help you play around with your story until you get a better feel for it.

I also offer developmental editing, which is great for those starting out on this journey.

Q: I'm an international bestselling author and my story needs an alignment. Why are you the person for the job?

I’ve got the mythical 10,000 hours of writing and editing under my belt. I live and breathe this stuff and have worked with some of the big names in indie publishing (you might have had one of them recommend the service, in fact). I’ve read all the books on writing, and have enough experience to know what about them is helpful and what is unnecessary clutter.

In fact, I’ve found that the authors who get the most out of the Story Alignment are those with at least 10+ books to their name. That’s because they’ve basically mastered the process of publishing, and they’re ready for a new stage of mastery. If you’re one of these people, we’ll have ourselves a great time on the call.

But I’d rather show than tell, so go ahead and schedule an appointment, and if you don’t feel like you got your money’s worth, I’m happy to refund you 100%.

Q: Will information about my story be kept confidential?

Absolutely. Your ideas—both good and not so good—as well as your struggles with the process will be kept completely confidential. You can work out the ending of your high-profile series or the premise of your next smash hit without worrying that word will get out ahead of publication. I believe there’s a special place in hell for people who spoil books, and I respect the hard work my clients put into publishing. The only people who will ever see the recorded version of the call (if you opt for that) are you and me.

Q: What if we finish our call and I still don't have a workable solution to my story woes?

That hasn’t happened yet, but if it does and it's any bit my doing, I'm happy to continue the conversation as time allows or schedule a second call. 

Q: The first call was a success, and I'd like to schedule a follow-up call for the same story. How do I go about that? 

Just send me an email to let me know, and I'm happy to discuss a discounted rate since I'll already be familiar with your story. 

Q: Do you work with erotic romance authors?

Hell yes. I got my start editing erotic romance of all shades. I’m well initiated with the tropes, and there’ll be no judgement from me. MM, FF, menage, PI, DaddyKink, BDSM—all is welcome here.

Q: Do you offer bulk packages?

Yep. You can buy a package of three here or send me an email ASAP with the subject line Hello from your new best friend. And if you're a small publisher interested in contracting my services, hit the Pitch Us button on the menu bar and drop me a line.