Group coaching
Gale & Co Writers’ Studio groups provide coaching for four to six writers who would like to develop and flourish alongside other authors. All Writers’ Studio groups are facilitated by Kathy Gale.
There is often a special alchemy in group coaching work which can be particularly dynamic and energising. Writers find connection, which is often a welcome contrast to what is essentially a solitary pursuit. They can exchange tips, skills, resources, methods and generally learn from their own as well as others’ work in a friendly and mutually supportive environment.
“I cannot recommend Kathy Gale and her Gale & Co Writers’ Studio groups highly enough. For authors and aspiring authors, having Kathy on your side with her wisdom, technical expertise, industry experience and supportive style, is invaluable. Kathy is very skilful, facilitating the group in way that ensures everybody gets what they need and feels safe. She nurtures the group to become much more than the sum of its parts.”
Each group begins with a quick update from everyone and then each writer will work in turn. Typically, they will bring a sample of their writing they would like feedback about or perhaps a dilemma about plotting, structure or characterization. They may also bring a variety of challenges they may be facing, such as problems with motivation, writer’s block or finding time and space to write. The groups can be particularly helpful in providing structure and deadlines for writers, who often find the discipline of writing for the next group meeting very useful.
Kathy leads feedback and then peers in the group share their thoughts and ideas. Over time the author’s work progresses until, ideally, they are ready to submit for publication, at which point they are supported to prepare outlines and sample chapters and/or covering emails to send out to agents. Where the standard is high enough, Kathy will approach agents on the author’s behalf.
Practical details
If you are interested in joining a Writers’ Studio group, you will be asked to send a synopsis of your latest project and a small sample of your writing to Kathy, and answer some questions about your work. Kathy will then choose the authors best suited to the group.
In some cases authors will want to work both in the groups and separately and independently with Kathy. This is often necessary for authors who have already written a large part of their book and need more time to focus on it than the group time allows.
The groups are online via Zoom and take place fortnightly on Fridays between 2 and 5pm. Each term consists of six meetings.
Joining a Writers’ Studio group is intended to be a long-term commitment because the work deepens and improves the longer a group has been together and it is envisaged that authors in Writers’ Studio groups will provide an ongoing network of support and encouragement for each other.
Dan Light is a member of a Gale & Co Writers’ Studio group. He is now represented by the David Higham literary agency and will be published by Oneworld in 2024.
After working with Kathy, Helen Sanderson received offers from four literary agents and chose Curtis Brown. Her book, The Secret Life of Clutter, is published by Hachette.
Chris Phillips worked with us with dedication and commitment for many months. Treating Depression Naturally is published by Floris Books.
“It’s none of their business that you have to learn to write. Let them think you were born that way”
Fees
The fee per term is £430 and Kathy will provide additional one-to-one support for a fee of £100 an hour.
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About Gale & Co
Gale & Co was formed to provide authors with a uniquely helpful way to develop their writing. Find out more about us and our history here…
Testimonials
We are very proud of the work we have done to support writers and writing. Take a look at some of the great things people have said about us here…