I recommend Jo to help with your writing, wherever you are in the process. She is devoted to helping writers find their voice, get words on paper and then polishing those babies until they shine - and always with her inimitable humour.

Her coaching helped me persist during the editing process. Jo's feedback was thorough, honest and useful, but most importantly, it was sensitive to my needs at the time. There were moments when I wanted to throw the computer out of the window and one of Jo's feedback emails would arrive, make me laugh and get back to the screen!

- Cheryl Rivers - PhD, Educator, Writer

Some Frequently asked questions about my services

Typewriter with FAQs on sheet of paper. Frequently Asked Questions for Joanna Henry's services.

Why should I hire a writing coach?

What would it be like to love the process as much as the end product?

That's why.

What is it like to work with a writing coach?

There is no standard experience of working with a writing coach – we come in all shapes and flavours, so I’ll stick to telling you what to expect when working with me.

If you are curious about working with me, I ask you to send me an email (through my “Contact” page) where you will share a bit (or a lot) about yourself and your project. It is always helpful to know what you would like to get from a writing coach.

I will respond by email (usually within 2-3 business days) to schedule a complimentary 30-min call (by phone or Zoom) where we can discuss your project and support needs at greater length. I may ask you for a small writing sample as well.

Following our call, if we are both interested in going forward, I will put together two or three package options based on your goals and needs and email them to you. This may be the development of a book plan, a manuscript review, writing goals and page submissions, as well as coaching calls and/or meetings.

You can select a package or email me for further refinement so that we get it just right. Once you have accepted a package you may pay in full or in installments. You will make payment and we will get to work.

Please note – I believe fit, relationship, and expertise are key to success. I believe you deserve to have a coach who loves your project as much as you do. This is why I invest significant time and energy upfront in client selection before receiving payment of any kind. I will not work with you if I do not believe that I can deliver what you need. You should expect no less of anyone you hire for your project.

How do I choose a writing coach?

It bears repeating: Fit, relationship and expertise are the essential components to a successful coaching relationship.

Every coach is different and has a unique set of skills that may or may not be helpful for you at this stage of your process. There are a lot of coaching services out there and it can feel overwhelming, but given that you are going to entrust your money, time and most importantly, your project, to this person, it is worth taking the time to get it right.

Most coaches will offer a complimentary call or email conversation to get to know you and your project a bit. If they don’t, ask for one. You should be wary of working with someone who does not.

Use these opportunities effectively. The clearer you can be with the coach about what you want, the quicker you can get to the heart of whether or not this individual offers what you need. If you don’t know exactly what you need, that’s a great opportunity to ask the coach and see if their suggestions resonate for you.

Finally – pay close attention to how this person makes you feel. Do you feel a connection? Does she or he understand your work? Share your humour? Get your working style? You are going to need to trust your coach and be accountable to their feedback. If you feel a bit of discomfort, doubt, or irritation now, that is likely only going to get worse.

Trust your gut.

I am a self-funded writer. Of course I want editing and coaching but how can I afford it?

Let’s talk turkey about money shall we?

If you’re a self-funded creative then you know all about risk already. You’ve already had to risk your time, talent, heart, possibly even your reputation, to begin a project that demands so much of you with no absolute guarantee of success.

Why do we do it?

Never mind, that’s an FAQ I’m not touching with a ten-foot pole. Back to the topic…

If you are funding your own project then it's likely you will never be at a place and time where you can “afford” the investment in your project. You may come to a time however, given all you have sacrificed for this dream, when you realize you can no longer afford not to invest in your project.

If you are serious about putting that absolute best possible version of your project into the world then you will, at some point, have to hire some outside expertise. That moment will be different for each person. Again, you need to trust your gut.

All of that being written, as a self-funded creative myself I know how daunting this investment can be. This is why I offer a discounted rate for independent writers and filmmakers. This rate is set below industry standard pricing as part of my commitment to our writing community.

Do you offer standard packages?

Yes! Although I maintain that no two clients are the same and my writing services are always customized to some extent. But for those who love standard packages and pricing, I've got you covered. Check out some sample packages below.

My Commitment to Community Giving

It’s hard to put our voice and vision into the world.

It’s also a privilege.

The written word is one of humanities' most powerful tools for social change. It comes as no surprise then, that it’s an equally powerful weapon. One that has been welded throughout history to silence, erase, and destroy those who stand in the way of mainstream systems of power and wealth accumulation, most especially people of colour, Indigenous people, poor people, and queer people.

For this reason, 10% of all profits from Joanna Henry Writing Services are donated to organizations working with marginalized communities offering projects that ensure their stories are documented and these desperately needed voices are added to our collective conversation.

Sample Consulting and COaching Packages

Story Consulting for Film

Script Doctor

Working with writer on script. I will review whatever portion of your script is complete and provide 3-4 page overview letter with focus on story consistency and clarity, character development, voice, plot pacing and tension, and impact.

2 phone calls (45 min) with writer included.

I also provide services such as comedy punch-u

Script Doctor

2 phone calls (45 min) with writer included.

I also provide services such as comedy punch-up, political audit, and in-line edits as requested.

Story Editor

Working with writer, producer and director on script and film content. I will review content and provide written feedback on overall story clarity/consistency/cohesion. I will assist with mediating and unifying the vision of the writer/producer/director, with an eye to the story as a whole and the target audience. 3 phone calls (45 min) included – can be one-on-one or team conference calls. I can be available for virtual or in-person (when possible) team meetings.

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Writing/Coaching

Story Consulting for Film

Get Unstuck

Sometimes we just need a little extra support to get a stuck or stalled project moving again.

This package includes:

- 3 coaching calls (60 min)

- 2 submissions (up to 10 pages)

- Development of mini-workplan based on your identified goals, challenges and motivators.

Crank Out the Pages

If you're someone who's motivated by structur

Get Unstuck

Sometimes we just need a little extra support to get a stuck or stalled project moving again.

This package includes:

- 3 coaching calls (60 min)

- 2 submissions (up to 10 pages)

- Development of mini-workplan based on your identified goals, challenges and motivators.

Crank Out the Pages

If you're someone who's motivated by structure, accountability, quick feedback and collaborative troubleshooting, this one's for you.

This package includes:

- 2 coaching calls (60 min)

- 2 feedback calls (30 min)

- Project sample review (up to 20 pages)

- 6 submissions (up to 10 pages)

- 2 content and in-line edits (10 pages)

- Development of 3 month workplan

This program requires a minimum 3 month commitment, but can be extended upon request.

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