Write with Scott

My experience

After more than 20 years of teaching and program-building at Stanford University, I’ve learned to be more than just a good editor or workshop leader. I’ve learned to be a good mentor.

I’ve had the opportunity to do one-on-one work, both at Stanford and independently, with writers ranging in age from 14 to 92. I love classroom teaching, but nothing beats the depth and development that can be achieved with focused attention. I value working with writers on their stories, comics, essays, memoirs, and novels, and it’s been my honor to watch these writers find their voices, their stories, and–in some cases–their success, as they go on to publish, win prizes, and even conquer the New York Times bestseller lists.

Working with me

I’m interested in all parts of the writing process. I enjoy developing creative habits, providing guidance on fresh work, and advising on finished drafts. My truest goal is to help your work be its best and most genuine self. My less noble and competitive goal is to be thanked in the acknowledgements of as many books as possible!

There are no shortcuts in writing, but there are plenty of shortcuts to developing good habits and processes. I’m an evangelist for revision. Revision isn’t a dreary necessity, but the place where the real writing gets done. It is, however, easy to get lost. One of my particular strengths is helping writers through this wilderness with the techniques, taste, and skills I’ve learned as a teacher, editor, and writer. I firmly believe that with support and guidance you’ll ultimately find revision the most fulfilling part of writing.

Not every goal needs to be publication. One of my most enjoyable one-on-one teaching experiences was helping a writer in her late 70s who published stories in her youth but quit writing when she had kids. It was an honor to help get her back to her creativity.

If you’d like to discuss editorial attention or potential mentorship, please send me an email here.