Last Look
You're ready to submit!
Perfect for: Feedback on a piece you want to submit to publications & editors.
On a film or photography shoot, Last Look means every department, from hair & make-up to props & lighting, checks their work before the camera starts rolling.
You're working on an essay, a pitch, or an application for a workshop or program. You think it’s ready, but something is holding you back. We often hit the ‘submit’ button simply to get the dang thing over with. This is the moment to get fresh eyes on your work.
Before you hit that submit button, get the expert feedback you need with Last Look, offering Live Loom editorial notes on one essay, pitch, or three flash pieces, covering a range of written works such as essays, articles, newsletters, and even film/TV/magazine submissions, ensuring your work is polished and ready for publication.
This service is perfect for writers who are about to post on their Substack or newsletter, submit a piece for a competition or publication, or pitch to a magazine editor. Last Look is also ideal for writers who are writing cover letters or artists’ statements.
Option to purchase a 10-pack for added convenience.
book a session
What can we do with Last Look?
Once I receive your submission and questionnaire, I’ll read the material and research the subject, potential outlets, comparable titles or projects, and anything else that will make the feedback uniquely productive. I will do a Mark-Up version with editorial notes and analysis of language usage, grammar, and punctuation. You will receive the tracked changes version plus a Live Loom recording where I explain the feedback.
What we could work on:
One essay (2,500-word max)
3 x flash (2,500-word max.)
Pitch for one article
Newsletter / Blog Post
get started
This is perfect for you if...
YOU ARE READY TO POST A BLOG OR NEWSLETTER
You know what you want to say but haven’t found a style that feels authentic to your personality & voice.
YOU ARE READY TO SUBMIT AN ESSAY
You feel like your draft is 90% there, and you want someone to ask the hard questions to push you to 100% before submitting.
YOU ARE READY TO SUBMIT A PITCH
You want someone to give you instant feedback on content and style with a grammar, language, and punctation proof.
This isn't the best fit if...
you are writing in a specific genre
I love poetry, fiction, and some fantasy, but I specialize in creative nonfiction. (If you're looking for help in another genre, I’m happy to recommend someone.)
YOU WANT A STRATEGY FOR A CAREER CHANGE
You’ve been writing as a journalist, academic, or medical expert in a field that is prescriptive and want to begin writing a memoir or essay in first-person. (If that's what you're looking for, book a Strategy Session.)
YOU WANT TO WORK ON A LARGER PROJECT
You’re looking for someone to coach you through a series of essays or memoir chapters. (If that's what you're looking for, book the Project Development series.)
The Process
1 X LIVE LOOM RECORDING & TRACKED FEEDBACK
This includes:
An email with a link to your draft with tracked comments & edits plus a Live Loom recording where I explain the feedback. You are welcome to one round of questions about the feedback via email or in the marked-up draft.
INquiry & Questionnaire
Book the Last Look service to receive a questionnaire that addresses you and your project’s immediate needs:
Current status of draft. Where are you submitting? What are the guidelines? Word count? “Why you? Why now?” A sense of urgency. Any burning questions.
Read, research, review
I’ll use your questionnaire as a blueprint for reading your material.
In addition:
I’ll research the material, look for opportunities for the project, and suggest resources and outlets you may not have considered. I’ll do a pass for language, syntax, and grammar, as well as overall style and voice.
Book a session
What They're Saying:
Besides looking at my artist statement, she helped me polish my writing sample by posing a simple question: What if you cut this down by one third, and made it into a love story? This gave me clarity as to where the heat was in my piece and made revising fun—as well as effective. I not only got into the workshops, but the essay was published soon after.
"Michelle helped me fine tune applications for two writing workshops, and I got into both!
- Flávia Monteiro, Writer