If interested, please send me a query for details and availability.
All services can be tailored for individual needs.
Manuscript Consultation
Are you looking for feedback on your poems? Do you have a batch of 5-10 poems, a chapbook length manuscript, or a book-length manuscript?
As your consultant, I provide full, deep-level consultations that include feedback on strength of manuscript as a whole, sentence-level edits, suggestions for possible publication and a one-hour phone call. Alternatively, I offer global consultations (that do not include line edits) at an estimated hourly rate.
I work with beginning and established writers.
- $150 flat fee for feedback on batch of 5-10 pages of poems
- $450-$600 Chapbook-length work (18-24 pages)
- $1000-$1500 Book-length collection of poems (50-70 pages)
“Laura Van Prooyen is both insightful and kind. Her critique was illuminating. After her global reading, I felt like I had the awareness I needed to take this work to the next level. I highly recommend working with her!”
Kelly Fordon, client and author of two short story collections I Have the Answer and Garden for the Blind (Wayne State University Press) and a poetry collection, Goodbye Toothless House (Kattywompus Press).
Workshops for Teachers
Poetry for STAAR
Gretchen Bernabei and I have put together a wonderful new process to “pop the hood” on a poem to discover what makes it work, using text structures to unlock the engine of a poem. Teachers will participate in the modeled lessons, reading and re-reading a poem closely, to identify the author’s craft and text structure of the poem, and to leverage what they have learned to write their own evocative poems. All lessons are TEKS-aligned, and teacher’s will participate in creating text-based questions using STAAR stems. Book required for participants: Text Structures from Poetry.
Teacher Training in Reading and Writing Poetry: Grades 3-12
I individually design workshops for schools, districts, and regional education service centers, based on client needs.
Query me for workshop fees and availability.
“Amazing, insightful, and enjoyable! I loved being able to experience lessons just as students would, so I know how they feel and what to anticipate. It was a lovely mix of STAAR-helpful prep and authentic creative writing. Thank you!”
Elizabeth Bartels, 4th grade ELA Teacher, Southwest ISD
Creative Mentorship
Is your writing/creative life at a stand still, and you wish you had some one-on-one personal guidance? Would you like to have reading suggestions, generative exercises, discussions about the creative life and your work? Do you want regular feedback on your drafts and ideas?
As your mentor, through an hour-long phone call, I come to understand your goals and desires and create individualized suggestions based on your needs. Together we build a relationship where we have monthly exchanges, initially for four months, with the possibility of continuing long term.
- In-person or virtual
- $150-$250/ month depending on depth of the exchange
Writing Workshops
Are you looking for an engaging experience for your group? I work with all ages and all levels, designing workshops based on your needs.
- Writing workshops, in-person or virtual
- $500 for one, 2-hour workshop for up to 10 members
- $200 per person for a six-week workshop series, in person or virtual, 1.5 hours per week for 6-10 members
Workshops for expressive writing toward healing and wellness (for veterans, active-service members, trauma survivors, retirement communities, and other interested groups) are available. Contact me for details.
“Laura Van Prooyen has taught the Martha Spoor Young Writers’ Workshop each summer since 2015. I am impressed by the quality of the workshop when I see the students in action during the session and in the writing they read at the culminating reception. As an audience, we are always moved by their pieces and by the joy they obviously experienced in the workshop with Laura. These middle-school students really connect with her. They feel safe to explore themselves in both playful and significant ways. The workshop is a great success!”
Frank E. Alfaro, Ed. D., Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services
Alamo Heights ISD, Alamo Heights, TX
Readings
I am available to read my poems (and teach workshops) and at universities, in schools, and within community settings. I also can accommodate small groups for readings/discussions of my work.