Wanda St. Hilaire
Freelance Writer & Author
Human Interest
Story Writing
Nonprofit Campaigns
Email Campaigns
Feature Stories
Facts and stats don't touch our hearts.
Storytelling is the most powerful way to express what your organization is doing and why. A compelling story told compassionately builds a strong connection to donors or clients through emotion and empathy.
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I am skilled at interviewing people for human interest stories. I'll distill and organize the story in a way that is well-paced and has an arch and flow.
All too often, standard templates and verbiage is used in nonprofit for ease and speed. Unfortunately, your expensive campaigns can end up in the recycle pile in seconds if you are getting staff to use time-worn copy.
My passion is bringing stories to life; I want the reader to feel—deeply. I love words and will take the time to rewrite until it's right. My style is a little avant-garde; I will engage the reader and hold their attention to the end by getting to the heart and truth of a story.
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I will also be sure to illustrate how your organization helps those in need to survive and thrive.
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All people have a story to tell—their hero's journey. If you want your stories to captivate, connect donors to your cause, and raise money, let's talk.
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Self-Publishing
Consultation
Are you writing a book or dreaming about writing one?
Would you like to know more about how to self-publish a book?
My self-publishing adventure began with the Circle of Life, a series of 10 gift books published in 1999. I successfully sold thousands through bookstores and gift shops. I next created a workbook in 2002 for fledgling entrepreneurs which I sold at workshops. In 2004, I published a bestselling poetry/journal called Of Love, Life and Journeys and republished it in 2019 in an updated format as a companion book.
I had always wanted to write my travel memoirs, and my dream project, The Cuban Chronicles, A True Tale of Rascals, Rogues and Romance, was launched with multiple Cuban-themed parties and readings in 2009.
My next book, a detailed labour of love, What To Do After "I'm sorry, it's cancer." was published and launched in the summer of 2017.
A long awaited book, Fragments of French, An Unexpected Journey of the Heart, was unveiled in the autumn of 2019 with successful French-themed launches in Edmonton, Kelowna, and Calgary.
Writing the book is just the beginning.
I have 20+ years of experience with all aspects of the self-publishing process, both with paperback and e-books. My extensive hands-on production work, research, launching, and trial and error can save you endless hours of research time and costly errors before you make decisions on how to birth your book into the world.
During your phone consultation you’ll learn:
• The key aspects of maneuvering through the world of self-publishing.
• How to create a professional book that meets traditional book standards.
• The difference between self-publishing and supported self-publishing (and traditional publishing) to determine which path is best for you.
• How to sell worldwide online to end users (readers) and set up wholesale distribution for bookstores, libraries, retailers, and institutions for both e-book and paperback.
• How to negotiate with independent bookstores so that you don’t end up with a financial loss.
I will also answer questions that pertain specifically to your project. You'll get an info-packed session, so be prepared to take notes and feel free to record the call.
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