Services
Book Talks Presentations
I love talking to groups about my writing process, my current and soon-to-be published books, or playwriting. I particularly enjoy weaving themes and processes from my debut fiction, That Summer She Found Her Voice, into my talks. These include: Authentic Voice and Historical Research in Writing. In addition, I have presented a hands-on session entitled, "The Road to Traditional Fiction and Nonfiction Publishing: One Author's Journey" for those interested in learning about this process.
To assist authors, I combine my theater and writing skills to present "Take Your Author Reading from Drab to Dynamic: Tips & Practices to Improve Your Presentation." This workshop balances content delivery with interactive exercises so that participants will be able to apply practices in real time. Another fun workshop in this ilk is "Five Theatre Techniques That May Enhance Your Fiction Writing," where participants will be asked to think like an actor, like a production designer, and even a director.
I also present on publishing topics such as "Keys to Successful Nonfiction Publishing" and "A Road to Traditional Publishing: One Author's Journey," which can be adapted for literary, academic, or business audiences. If your organization is looking for a speaker, please keep me in mind.
Testimonials
"I recently attended a gathering of the Carroll Chapter of the Maryland Writers Association with Jean Burgess as speaker. She shared her experiences while publishing her non-fiction and fiction books and how best to apply the difference in the processes of writing and presenting to prospective editors and publishers, imparting many resources for newbie and experienced writers alike. Burgess was engaging, articulate, thought-provoking, and expressive. Her concise presentation helped me to understand the dedication and levels of application that go from writing the story to publishing the work."
C.L. Schuster
"When a writer feels that he or she has a story to tell, it inevitably feels like a mystery to get it published. The writer may have a fabulous story and a fabulous built- in audience, but how does he or she convince a publisher to accept and publish the finished manuscript? Author Jean Burgess takes the mystery out of publishing for beginners and veteran writers alike. She offers audience presentations which cover all of the nuts and bolts of transforming a manuscript into a printed work. If you attend one of Jean's presentations, you will be informed, inspired and will leave with newfound confidence about your book."
Sylvia Blair, owner, Blair Copywriting and Communications, LLC
Book Clubs
For book clubs, please note that "Topics for Discussion" are included in copies of That Summer She Found Her Voice. As a bonus, book clubs interested in receiving a FREE Book Club Activities idea sheet can email me at jean@jeanburgessauthor.com.
Writing Workshop Presenter
I present a range of writing workshops to teens and adults. My writing workshops focus on Character, Dialogue, and World Building as well as Playwriting.
Editing/Proofreading/Content Writing Services
In addition to writing my own works, I freelance as a copy editor and proofreader to other writers as well as business clients. I am also available to write content such as blog and newletter articles as well as web landing pages.
Testimonial
"Jean is one of the most talented content writers and supremely skilled editors I've ever had the pleasure of working with! She is quick to offer her professional advice and is very thorough with her work. Her processes are simple and highly efficient. Whether she is writing or editing, you can expect no less than the absolute best from Jean!"
Ashlee McCarty, www.vibrantvaservices.com
For any of these services, feel free to contact me for additional information via the Contact page or at jean@jeanburgessauthor.com.