Critiques
All critiques are developmental-based. I search for the meaning of each piece, what it’s trying to say. And then I focus on how to strengthen its core and make it shine.
For short stories, I’ll ask some initial questions about the author’s intentions with the piece and if there are any specific problems they want me to tackle. I’ll take notes on the story and expect some back-and-forth communication with the author to help in the process of molding the story to their satisfaction.
Coaching
For coaching sessions, I ask to receive a flash piece (if possible) of yours to work on during the session and a favorite story (flash) that can be discussed and analyzed to figure out what makes that story shine.
Together we will discuss any problems you struggle with and will find ways to improve your writing in those areas that matter the most to you.
I also offer double (or triple, if necessary) sessions to discuss short stories up to 5,000 words. In such a case, the entire time will be spent looking over the story on a deeper developmental level to try and get the best out of it.
Testimonials
Kai Delmas has been instrumental in improving my writing through his editorial services. Kai’s attention to detail and story structure is indispensable. He gives advice and instruction in a way that is understandable and helps you understand the rationale behind his edits. Great for line and developmental editing.
— Don Money
Kai is a brilliant writer and teacher. He helped me to diagnose several areas of my short fiction that needed improvement and guided me to grow with my own writing process and voice. Kai has a kind but direct approach and his teaching style is easy to follow. I've become a better writer of short fiction thanks to my lessons with Kai.
— Chris Balliet
Kai Delmas intuitively understood what I was going for with my story and really helped to find places where I could strengthen what was already on the page. I appreciated his insights greatly and will be happy to work with him again in the future."
— Elijah J. Mears, speculative fiction writer
Kai's expertise in the market very quickly pinpointed why my story kept getting the 'close but not quite' pile. He was great at offering helpful suggestions while keeping my intentions in focus. Kai is very easy to chat to and full of little industry gold nuggets. I highly recommend his editorial services!
— Emmi K
"I found my consultation with Kai very helpful. He’s a master at flash and drabbles and gave me some excellent pointers to improve my story. I found him very attentive, knowledgeable and well spoken. Highly recommend."
— Robert Stahl
Kai’s coaching service was very helpful, considerate, and tailored to me in a way that felt unique. We started by going over my writing goals and how these would fit into my work. We dug deep into how my story could fulfill the promise to pay off better, and then we had an in-depth discussion of where my story was doing well and where it could be expanded. I definitely recommend working with Kai!
— Faith Allington
