“I can state, with absolutely no doubt whatsoever, that Annie Finch taught me to discover the music in my own body. I have never encountered again someone so unflinchingly passionate about the art of poetry and so dedicated to its potential. My confidence on the page and my continuing joy in the possibilities of the written line can be traced to the moment I found Annie Finch and said “Teach me to listen.”
—Patricia Smith, Winner, National Poetry Award for Blood Dazzler
“Annie Finch combines panoramic sight with close-up vision. Following her critique, I’m mumbling to myself, “Right!” “Good idea!” “Now it’s moving!” I testify: she gives beautiful guidance.” —Tamam Khan, Author, Fatima’s Touch: Poems and Stories of the Prophet’s Daughter
“Annie Finch was absolutely wonderful — a brilliant teacher, writer and prosodist. . . .This woman is worth her weight in gold. I had an hour consultation and she was great, thorough.” —Ann Robinson, Marin Poetry Center, CA
“I had a huge pile of poems that I had chosen as possibilities for my book. I was overwhelmed by the thought of how to organize it all, what poems to choose, which to leave out, figuring out what the overall theme was. I didn’t realize I was working with a Master! I had heard good things about her, but I never imagined how astute, impassioned, respectful, generous, fun, and empowering a mentor Annie was and is. Soon I had a book! And it didn’t end there. After the workshop was over, Annie kept her eye out for publishers that she thought might be interested in my book. . . . I would highly recommend Annie’s manuscript workshop. She is a miracle worker. She is a poem whisperer.” — Wilderness Sarchild, Author, Old Women Talking
PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS
Annie Finch provides occasional private phone consultations to poets as her time permits.
Depending on your needs, interests, and the nature of your work, Annie might share insights on your poetry’s literary context, voice, themes, diction, imagery, formal currents, and rhythmical vocabulary. She will offer succinct, pointed, and concrete suggestions to get your poems finished, as well as, if desired, writing exercises and reading recommendations.
Annie’s consultations have been useful for a range of poets from beginners to authors of award-winning books and apply to poems of any aesthetic, from metrical and formal poems to exploratory poems, free verse, and lyric prose.
Poem Consultation Rates
$500/hour to discuss up to 12 poems
$300/half-hour to discuss up to 6 poems
Special Single Poem Consult $80 to discuss a single poem up to one page
(limit once per poet)
Register here to Request Private Poetry Manuscript Consultation
Full Book Manuscript Consultations
Book manuscript consultations include feedback on all poems in the ms. as well as on book structure and order, titling, and pitching/publishing. Book consultations offer a discount off the hourly rate and usually require 3-4 hours total depending on the on the length, style, and condition of the book. Book consultation hours may be distributed over 6 months maximum.
Register here to request an estimate for a consultation, or contact Annie with questions.
$1300 for 3 hours of book consultation over 6 months
$1700 for 4 hours of book consultation over 6 months
(All poem and book manuscript consultations are subject to review of a writing sample before the first session; payment will be immediately refunded if the ms. is not yet ready to benefit fully from a consultation).