It's fall, and for many of us, that season will always mean back-to-school. As the kids go back to school, and teachers return to work, I thought I'd let you know about some writing classes I'll be teaching beginning in the official new year--January, 2026.

I'm looking for five writers to complete a novel with me in 2026. We're going to have monthly Zoom workshops and check-ins, a weekend in-person intensive over the summer, and a celebration at the end. More details to come. In the meantime, if you're interested, let me know, and I'll send you a handout with plenty of information and an application.  KellyDwyer0077@gmail.com  

A weekend workshop over Zoom in which we'll discuss best practices for beginning a new novel or memoir (whether it's your first book or fifth), and complete written exercises, which we'll share. More details to come. 

Now that Dean Sanders of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has made the decision to shut down our beloved University of Iowa's Iowa Summer Writing Festival, I'm looking for new ways to write, learn, and build community in person together to keep the magic alive until Director Amy Margolis lets us know the next steps. I'd love to teach a weeklong and weekend workshop in Iowa City with others who are also interested. If you're a writer looking for community--whether you're a student, instructor, or both--let me know!

Editing Services: Because I'll be teaching Novel in a Year and working on my own writing (my fourth novel is coming along!) I probably won't be taking on any new clients in 2026. But my daughter Alice Wenzlow will be, and I (and her clients) highly recommend. Please read below for more information, and contact Alice if you're interested.

After earning an International Baccalaureate diploma from Madison County Day School, I attended the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, where I graduated in 2024 with degrees in English and Theatre. As a college student, I tutored other students in English, wrote and directed a feature-length film, and had poetry published in the journal Bombfire. I have always loved to help other writers achieve their artistic vision, as well as write myself, so in 2025, I earned my editing certification.

Editing Services and Rates

Developmental Editing: “Big Picture” feedback in terms of plot and story, point of view, character development and arc, etc. My developmental editing also includes margin comments on sentence structure, pacing, thematic coherence, natural sounding dialogue, and more. I always tailor my feedback to the unique goals and voice of each individual author. My aim is to help you see your manuscript more clearly, strengthen what’s working, challenge what could be stronger, and support you in shaping the story you want to tell.

Rate: 1.5 cents/word for manuscript editing. $30/hour for conferences over Zoom.

(Please note that this is below the Editorial Freelance Association average rate of 3 to 4 cents a word as I am just beginning my editing career. See  https://www.the-efa.org/rates/ )

For novelists, I am happy to offer a 1000-word edit and an initial 15-minute conference, both free of charge, so that you can make sure we are a good fit.

Brainstorming Sessions: As a poet, I love language. As a screenwriter and (budding!) novelist as well as voracious viewer and reader, I love story. I am happy to meet with writers to brainstorm ideas, plots, characters, and concepts at any stage of the process.

Rate: $30/hour.

Methods of payment: I accept Zelle, Paypal, Cashapp, and Venmo. Initial payment (half) is due upon my receipt of the manuscript. Final payment (second half) is due upon completion.

References and Recommendations

“During the final phase of polishing my manuscript for submission, Alice Wenzlow provided a precision copy edit. Additionally, she offered invaluable commentary regarding the flow and emotional impact of my story, which gave me such a boost of confidence during the daunting process of book publishing. Thanks Alice!” ----Annie B. Shapero, author of Runaway Rome. anniebshapero.com or taste-fully.com 

“Alice's editing is both detailed and expansive.  With respect for the manuscript, Alice enters into her work with a perceptive eye, emotional intelligence, and focused care.  She will zero in on the dissonant word; point out a character's incongruence; and find the plot inconsistency.  Alice's high-quality feedback will enable you to take your manuscript to the next level.” –Chali Davis, author of The Way Home

Email addresses for Annie B. Shapero and Chali Davis provided upon request.

Wishing you a wonderful fall filled with beautiful leaves, a Spooky Halloween, and wonderful reading and writing!