I offer one-on-one lessons and manuscript consultations for students of all ages and abilities. In the past, I’ve worked with writers as young as twelve and as old as eighty-two; I’ve helped people write memoirs, develop short stories, and polish their poems. Describing a course I taught at the University of Iowa, a student wrote, “I took this class coming from a background of limited poetry writing experience. I really appreciated how Professor Altman took the time to explain some of the basics and explained the art of poetry in a way that was easy to understand.”
I specialize in large-scale editorial challenges—helping you find the structure for your manuscript—and in fine-grained line edits, working with you as you tune a line break or find the perfect metaphor. I have helped writers work toward publication, apply to MFA programs, and develop book manuscripts.
My teaching style is collaborative and exploratory. Rather than imposing my vision for writing on you, I help you realize the potential of your own writing. Describing his lessons with me, one student wrote, “[Toby is] extremely skilled and friendly, a great teacher…” Another student wrote, “I would recommend him to anyone who wants to improve his/her writing skills.”
I offer a range of editorial services; I can offer you written or in-person feedback. My base rate for private lessons is $80/hour. I also offer manuscript reviews, charging a minimum of $1,000, with an additional $250 for every 25 pages over 125 pages. I am also happy to look at smaller manuscripts or groups of poems at my standard hourly rate.
My rates are negotiable. If you’re interested in working with me, drop me a line at altman.toby@gmail.com. I look forward to working with you!