Your Writing Coach
Jessica Barratt is a published writer, avid reader, and fiction enthusiast who has spent a lifetime writing stories; the last 13+ years crafting content professionally for businesses and academics; and the last 6 or so years mentoring independent writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs to improve the way they present themselves through the written word.
Wendy H., U.S.
"I loved working with Jessica! She was patient and gave me the space needed for me to think and contemplate. She was able to transform "wordiness" into "wonder" in the mindset of my audience."
Meng Miao, CN
"Jessica is one of the best editors I have ever met. What is amazing is that she has the talent to understand what I would like to express in the text, even though in many places I did not find the most clear way to put it."
Mahalia M., CA
"I reverently BOW with bouquets of ROSES to this TREASURE, my cheerleading editor, Jessica Barratt. I could not and would not have done this with anyone else but YOU!"
Do Any Of These Sound Like You?
"I need help making more time to write"
A lot of my writers find themselves swept up and distracted by people and their own lives. They do not have a lot of time to write. They dream of having a friend who will read their work, give them tips, and small writing assignments that fit into a hectic schedule.
"I need someone to listen to my story and help me write it down"
Some of the writers who find me are great story-tellers, but not very practiced at writing. They want someone who can listen to their story, pick out the most writable parts, and then help them craft that story in their own special voice.
"I need a mentor who actually encourages me to write"
My writers often say they've tried getting help with their writing in the past, but it just didn't stick. They find themselves becoming disinterested or distracted because the training or mentorship isn't personalized, and are looking for creative, tailored options that suit their lives, motivation, and writing style.
"I don't think my writing is good enough to get published"
Many of my writers don't have anyone to look at their work. As a result, they spend a lot of time criticizing great stories that deserve to be heard. Sometimes, they end up avoiding writing altogether, which can cause guilt, shame, and the feeling of 'not being a writer'.
"I need ideas on how to make money as a writer"
Writers who come to me for help often find themselves dreaming of making money writing. Yet their dreams do not meet the reality, and it makes them discouraged to write at all. They want simple, small ways to make money with their writing.
"I'm not sure what I need, can you help?"
Many talented writers have exciting writing goals, but aren't sure where to start. They have ideas, drafts, sometimes even funding, but they don't have the experience needed to break down their goals into step-by-step actions that will bring them to those goals. They want clarity, and insight from a published writer.
Nothing brings me more joy than finding creative and imaginative ways to get you writing more, and loving what you write.
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Make more time for writing with a friendly influence touching base with you bi-weekly or monthly.​
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Challenge your writing skills and get expert advice on how to improve your stories so they get noticed by your audience and publishers.
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Finally put your unwritten story on the page with a live transcriber who can then guide you through to creating a full manuscript.
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Get imaginative about how you can potentially make money as a writer, and walk away from sessions with research ideas to see what's the right fit.
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Work with a writing mentor who creates fluid deadlines, and small foundational assignments that get you to your goals at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a writing coach?
My base rate for a live one-hour session is $50 CAD. That includes $35/hour per session, and an extra $15 for administration and follow-up email with homework, notes, and/or feedback. During each call I offer additional next steps to achieve your goals. It is up to you whether you want to complete them yourself, or hire me to do so at an added cost.
Have you published any books?
Yes. I've self-published two short works with full creative control through Blurb.ca, and am currently pitching a full-length manuscript titled Otter and Arrow to Canadian publishers and grant associations for additional funding. I've also helped other writers publish their own books and eBooks online. You can view my published books by clicking on their titles here: The Home Rooms: A Book of Comfort and Brittle Leaves & Broken Eaves. You can also view some of the publications and content I've helped others produce in my portfolio, or my author's page.
What payment options do you offer?
I currently accept payments through PayPal, Upwork, Payoneer, Transferwise, and for my Canadian clients, Interac E-transfer. I am always testing new payment options; ask if yours is available.
Can you help me get published?
That depends on whether you are open to self-publishing, or whether you'd like to pitch your manuscript to publishers. In both cases, I am more than happy to help you with that process! However, they both require quite a bit of work, and in the latter case, I cannot guarantee that your manuscript will be accepted. What I can do is help you improve your writing and pitch proposal, and help you find the right publisher for your material.
Do you serve clients outside of Canada?
Absolutely. I have served clients across six continents, including North and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia. However, live calls are only available within the PST time zone between the hours of 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM. Other options are available for writers in other countries.
What happens during the free consult?
During the free consult, we sit down on a 30-minute call to discuss your writing habits, goals, and explore whether you want to sign up for your first workshop session or inspiration session. At this time, we can determine whether we're the right fit, and whether I have the right skills to match your writing style, writing ideologies, and proposed subject matter interests.
Hire a writing coach who is also a writer.
Jessica Barratt, Founder of Manifest Content Solutions
"I'm no stranger to all the resistances that come up for writers who struggle to put their stories down. I've been writing from a very young age and am still discovering all the different tricks one can play on themselves to get their writing on the page for someone else to see. Because the beauty is: once someone else sees it, there's no telling where it can go from there. Book a free consultation, there's no pressure to sign-up!"