FAQs

How is poetry coaching different from taking a writing class?

Writing classes are great way to hone your skills and meet other writers, but writing classes are typically designed for groups. Everyone in a writing class gets the same reading assignments and the same prompts; meanwhile, the instructor’s attention is divided among a dozen or so students, which often limits the amount of feedback each student can receive.

Poetry coaching is designed around you. You’ll get extensive written feedback on each set of pages you turn in. I’ll also give you unique reading and writing assignments based on your needs, skills, goals, and interests.  

Poetry coaching is a good alternative to a writing class for some poets (especially sensitive and introverted types or those who can’t find a class that fits their schedule). If you’ve already got a writing group or class that you love, poetry coaching can be a nice addition—like ice-cream on pie.

How is poetry coaching different from getting a manuscript critique or copy edit? What kind of feedback can I expect from you?

A typical editor focuses on improving a piece of writing, usually with the goal of preparing it for publication. They often request or require specific changes to the text. Editors help writers identify and fix weaknesses or problems in piece of writing; they can also help writers expand or amplify strengths. But editors’ main concern is the text itself.

As a poetry coach, I’m focused on your growth as a writer, as well as on the poems themselves. I believe that my first task is always to listen to your poems—and to help you hear what they have to say and how they are saying it. My feedback is intended to help you see where and how your poems are already thriving, and also where and how you can strengthen them. When I suggest line edits, my purpose is to help you explore possibilities for revision, not to dictate changes. I also offer questions and prompts to inspire new work.

Here’s how clients describe my coaching:

Ceridwen Hall maps a manuscript in a way that is truly unique. She’s helped me see new and exciting patterns in my work thanks to an approach that is both nurturing and rigorous. I am so grateful for her thoughtful insight. A dream to work with! —Kim Sunée, author of Trail of Crumbs: Hunger, Love, and the Search for Home

Over the years, I have benefited from much support and good advice from teachers from all corners, but none more startling than that gifted me by Ceridwen Hall.  In responding to my recent manuscript, she not only appreciated it for its strengths, and acknowledged them, but she was also able to explain to me how my writing, as currently approached, was closer to story-telling than poetry (my words, not hers), closer to flash fiction and other genres.  From that acceptance of who I was as a writer at that moment, she was able to provide a guide to open a path to the broader variety of approaches available to me.  It wasn’t a ‘how-to’ but a ‘consider this’, all of which allowed me to tip-toe towards an out-and-out, evolution in my writing.  It was if I was a painter working exclusively as a Realist artist, not by choice but by ignorance and she introduced me to the possibilities, say, of Representation Art, perhaps even Impressionism.  Imagine that.  I am, obviously, grateful. —C.S. Nelson

My experience with the manuscript evaluation was very beneficial for me to think about how to focus my writing around succinct topics. I received so many clear examples and author references that I will be referencing often moving forward. I highly recommend Ceridwen's services as her feedback digs deep into not only your writing but the intent you want your reader to take away. —Jamie-Lee

How would you describe the poets you work with?

My clients are some of the most thoughtful and dedicated writers I’ve ever met; they understand the transformative power of creative work and they know writing is a process, not just a product. Some of my clients are well-published and others are seeking their first publication, but they are all committed to deepening their works-in-progress. It’s an honor to work with each and every one of them.

Do you work with teenagers?

I’m always delighted to work with teenage poets! I coach poetry writing, not essay writing; I do not offer tutoring or homework help services.

Do you work with seniors?

I love coaching poets who start (or keep) writing in their 60s/70s/80s/90s and beyond!

Will poetry coaching involve a complicated online platform?

I try to keep things simple. We’ll use email to send work back and forth; you can share your poems in a Word doc or Google doc.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept payment through Venmo and Paypal.

I think I would like poetry coaching, but I’m nervous about sharing my work. How can I test the waters?

I get it. It can be really nervous-making to seek feedback on your creative work, especially if you’ve been hurt by critical feedback in the past. My purpose as a poetry coach is to create a safe arena for creative growth; it’s an honor every time a poet decides to trust me with their work.

You can sign up for my newsletter to learn more about how I approach poetry. Or you can read my Nourishing Feedback Manifesto.

You can also check out this list some of my favorite books about writing and creativity.

Do you offer refunds?

I do not offer refunds for completed packages (i.e. for feedback and prompts already delivered).

What about ...?

If I haven’t covered your question in the FAQs, ask me here.

Where do I start?

Here.