Elite Virtual Intensive

Elite Virtual Intensive for Fiction

This intensive is designed to help you grow from a writer into a true author.

During this focused one-day Zoom session, we work together to mold your manuscript, eliminating its weaknesses while building on its strengths.

I arrive to our intensive having thoroughly read your manuscript and devised a plan for its success. Together, we will create a comprehensive roadmap for your revision. You leave the intensive with everything you need to complete a story that will appeal to agents, publishers, and most of all, your readers.

Here's What You'll Receive:

My in-depth reading of your manuscript to determine where it currently stands and what revisions need to be made. Specifically, I will:

Chart the plot of your novel, including analyzing every scene for character development, theme, point-of-view, and structure.
Assess finer artistic details like setting and character descriptions, sentence structure and dialogue.
Make sure you’re reaching your core readers.

Custom workbook designed specifically for your work-in-progress. During a screenshare, we will work directly on this workbook, solving your story’s problems and coming up with creative solutions.

Your manuscript highlighted and annotated, showing you places where your writing shines and specific places that need revision. We will review this manuscript during our session, and through a creative process, come up with solutions right on the spot.

A recording of our session which allows you to be fully present and not have to worry about note taking. You’ll love being able to refer time and again to the valuable advice.

The workbook and the annotated manuscript.

A revision plan so you know exactly what needs to be done and how to approach the process. You will come away from this intensive feeling refreshed and equipped.

Why this Plan Works:

In the 25+ years I’ve been in business, I’ve seen many of my clients and colleagues struggling – sometimes for years – to get their novel published.

That’s why I developed this proven program: to make writing or revising your novel as stress-free and comprehensive as possible. No more wasting your time on trial-and-error approaches to writing and revising. You will go from guessing to knowing.

I know how passionate you are to achieve your publishing dreams. It is my goal to help you become the best author you can be. I care about your development as an author — not just about making edits to a manuscript.

I strive to replicate the same fulfilling, mentoring partnership that authors used to have with their editors at traditional publishing houses. As a former Random House editor, I saw firsthand the benefits of working closely and creatively with authors.

I don’t just circle what’s wrong with your work — I explain why something’s not working and show you how to revise it in a deep and lasting way.

You will not only complete a novel that you can be proud of, but also build the skills to be an author for life.

Testimonials

What my clients say...

When I first worked with Diane O’Connell, I knew that I was in the hands not just of a terrific teacher, but a caring mentor. Diane exudes confidence as she shares with you the complex art of writing, a self-assurance that gradually spills over to you. She is a master of this fine art, from plotting to characterization, dialogue, theme — the whole shebang. She wrenches out of you your best; challenges you with every page you write, every character you put forth. The struggling writer is always the better for it. Thank you, Diane, for how you jump-started my writing career and gave me the confidence to soar!

James Marshall SmithAuthor of the award-winning thriller, Silent Source

One of the great things about working with Diane is her obvious love of writing – the whole process: reading, editing, publishing. This combines with her actual experience in the field to give you a tremendous certainty that she speaks the truth. If she says the writing is good, then you know she is not just buttering you up. If she says it’s not working you know she is probably right – and follows this with invaluable editing guidance delivered in a very positive way. Diane is the real deal. I can state categorically that my first novel would never have been published without Diane.

Cody McFadyenAuthor of international bestsellers "Abandoned","The Darker Side","The Face of Death" & "Shadow Man"

When I think about all the elements of publishing a book professionally, it boggles my mind. That one person could be accomplished in character development, plot structure, editing, and have an eye for design is remarkable. Yet, without question, Diane O’Connell has all the talent that is needed to make this happen and bring your book to market. Diane is much more than an editor. She is also a teacher, a motivator, and a pleasure to work with. Possessing the patience and perspective to work with first-time authors is a gift, a gift that I have happily received. Thank you, Diane, for guiding me through the process.

Bill RoweAuthor of the young adult fantasy series The Black Storm at Elingale and Return to Elingale

There never would have been a novel version of this story had it not been for Diane O’Connell. Here unfailingly positive but rigorous approach helped me expand my earlier play, and in brainstorming sessions, she helped work through some plot twists that contributed to the overall madcap conclusion of the novel.

Carolyn Kay BrancatoAuthor of The Circus Pig and the Kaiser

When I met Diane I had no experience. I found her to be professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and wonderful to work with. She has her process, but I have observed her to adapt to the level of each writer. I never came away feeling less than from her candid feedback. Rather, I felt encouraged and buoyed to move forward. Working with Diane has been a great experience. She has gently encouraged and pushed me to grow as a writer.

Susan K.H. ConleyAuthor of the thriller, Redemption

Diane helped me see that writing a novel is not like building a house by going off to the woods with a saw, dragging trees back to a clearing and asking, “What’s next?” She gave me tools and structure and taught me how to write a novel. Her content edits and our many conversations about the right plot twists helped make Hiatus a success.

Sam PolakoffAuthor of the sci-fi thriller, Hiatus

Contact Diane

To find out if this plan is right for you — and if we’re a good match — please fill out my Author Info Form below. After reviewing it, I will get back to you with next steps.

Elite Virtual Intensive