What to Prepare Before a First Consultation

You have a manuscript, a rough draft, or maybe just a scattered set of scenes. You have booked a consultation. Now what? The first meeting often sets the tone for the entire collaboration, and a little preparation goes a long way.

This post walks through the materials worth gathering before you sit down, the questions worth asking, and the expectations worth setting. It is written for writers who want concrete guidance, not vague encouragement.

Start with a One-Page Summary

Before anything else, write a single page that describes your project. Include the genre, the target audience, the current stage of the draft, and the specific problem you want to solve. This is not a synopsis. It is a working document that helps your consultant understand where you are and where you want to go.

Keep it plain. One page, three or four short paragraphs. If you cannot explain the project in that space, the consultation will likely drift into generalities instead of addressing your actual needs.

Bring a Sample, Not the Whole Draft

Unless the consultation is specifically a full-manuscript review, select a representative excerpt. A chapter that has been troubling you, a scene with heavy dialogue, or a section where the pacing feels off. The point is to give your consultant something concrete to react to.

Label the excerpt clearly. Note the page numbers, the context, and what you would like feedback on. This saves time and keeps the conversation focused on craft rather than logistics.

List Your Questions in Advance

Write down three to five questions before the meeting. They can be broad, like "How do I handle scene transitions in a dual timeline?" or specific, like "Does this chapter's opening hook work?" Having them written down means you will not forget them when the conversation gets interesting.

Order them by importance. If time runs short, you will have already covered what matters most.

Know What You Want to Get Out of It

A consultation can serve many purposes: a developmental edit plan, a craft lesson, a structural critique, or simply a sounding board. Decide which one you need before you book. This is not about limiting the conversation. It is about giving it direction.

If you are unsure, say so. A good consultant will help you clarify the goal within the first few minutes. But having a rough idea on your side makes the session more efficient.

Prepare to Take Notes

Bring something to write with, or have a document open. You will hear things that make sense in the moment and then slip away an hour later. Capture the key points, the examples, and any specific suggestions about your manuscript.

After the session, send a short follow-up email summarizing what you took away and what you plan to work on next. This keeps the collaboration accountable and gives you a record of the conversation.

Related Materials

If you are preparing for a consultation about a specific craft problem, these posts may help you frame your questions:

• Choosing a Service Format That Actually Fits — how to decide between a full edit, a coaching session, or a beta read.
• Questions Clients Ask Before Starting — common concerns writers raise before committing to a project.

The first consultation is a working session, not a test. Come prepared, stay curious, and leave with a clearer sense of your next step. That is the whole point.