The Expert Behind Elan Writes
Enthusiastically applying industry knowledge and experience to YOUR work!
Terra Elan McVoy is the author of eight books for tweens and teens, a creative writing instructor (Yale Writers Conference, Smith College, Agnes Scott Writes among others), freelance editor, former independent bookstore manager, and creative strategist with over twenty years of experience in the writing and publishing industry.
What Others Have Said
"How do you improve in any sport? You need a coach. A coach points out the things you are doing right and corrects what you are doing wrong then trains you how to make the change. How do you improve as a writer? You need a coach. Terra has not only been a great coach, she’s been a cheerleader too. She has a knack for explaining what I need to do and then helps me make my story stronger. She takes time to really read and respond, and does not just correct spelling and grammar. She actually helps me understand how to mold my story into something powerful and believable. I feel way more enabled to present my manuscript to an agent after Terra helped me and am super thankful to have found her."
--ML Davis, author of Snatched
"I was so proud of myself for finishing my first middle grade novel. My early readers seemed to love it, and I did tons of research on how to find an agent. Yet when the first batch of agents I queried responded with rejection or silence, I knew that something was missing from my manuscript. So I turned to Terra McVoy for a consultation. I knew I wanted to talk to someone who knew the middle grade market as an author and a bookseller. What could be better? It’s a little intimidating to send your creative efforts off to a stranger. Yet within five minutes of our meeting, Terra felt like a trusted friend, showing me exactly what was needed to turn my story into something that would grab the attention of agents and publishers. Her suggestions were just what I had hoped for, important ideas and connections that I simply couldn’t see for myself. I have a lot of work ahead of me now, but I know what where to go and what to do, thanks to Terra’s stellar guidance.
I would hire her again in a heartbeat!"
-Andy Sarvady
"Terra Elan McVoy is a master of asking the right questions to prompt writers to dig deeper. She inspired me to create characters that live beyond the page. For example, to better understand their motivations, she offered fabulous exercises that put me firmly in their world. She also prompted me to use more descriptive language to make the setting come to life. The end result for me is a more visual story readers can sink into and characters with whom the reader can relate. After a few days working with Terra... my confidence in my writing and my ability to improve it grew exponentially."
--Maria Hebert-Leiter
What Can I Do For You?
Copywriting & Editing
Whether you need a brochure, newsletter copy, blog post, cover copy, or even a full manuscript, I can help!
Please contact for pricing and samples.
Manuscript Consultation
Multi-view process including an initial read-through (max 70K words), manuscript line notes, and an editorial letter (or 60-minute phone conversation) about suggestions for revision, through maximum of three revisions. Will require initial manuscript assessment beforehand to determine fees, but $600 minimum.
Creative Consultation:
60-minute phone conversation about general industry advice and manuscript guidance. $100
Creative Writing Tutoring
Helping young writers get inspired and focus on their writing skills (creative writing or academic) in individual one-hour sessions. Ages 8-18. $75/hour. (Local students can be visited in person. Outside of the Atlanta area, please contact for logistics.)
Payment and signed coaching agreement required before we proceed.
Interested? Please send me an email with the following information:
Name:
E-mail:
City & state:
Telephone number:
What is the title of your work?:
What is the nature of your work (e.g. novel, short story collection, memoir)?:
If your work is fiction, what kind is it (fantasy, science fiction, literary, etc.)?:
Is it for adults, young adults, or children?:
What is the word count of the manuscript?:
Is the manuscript complete?:
What is your writing background (e.g. journalism, MFA, college creative writing courses)?: