Teaching, Mentoring and Editing

I'm a teacher, tutor, mentor and editor with nearly twenty years of experience. I've taught in further, adult and higher education, and in a range of community settings, from workplaces and care homes to the Royal Opera House. I've worked with writers on novels, short stories and poetry collections. 

In my teaching I value and build on existing knowledge, encouraging students to learn through reading, playful writing activities, sharing and discussion. I'm committed to creating learning spaces that are caring and inclusive, in which everyone feels able to ask questions, make mistakes, and take risks.

I've previously taught for City University London, the University of Oxford, and Royal Holloway, University of London. I'm currently teaching for Middlesex University and the Poetry School, as well as doing private tutoring and editing work. I have an MA in Creative and Life Writing (Goldsmiths College), a PGCE in post-compulsory education (Institute of Education) and a PhD on radio poetry (Royal Holloway). I'm a fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a member of the National Association of Writers in Education. I specialise in teaching poetry and creative writing but I've also taught English and essay writing skills from pre-GCSE upwards. 
 

What I offer

Tutoring and mentoring

One to one sessions and courses (usually one-off sessions or 'term' blocks) with a focus or topic of your choice. Subjects have included: creative inspiration/ starting points, overcoming writer's block, responding to visual art, writing sonnets, poetic form and music, flash fiction, and essay writing. 

Feedback and editing

Line edits and suggestions for improvement and development for work in progress. I've worked on poetry collection manuscripts, poetry anthologies, short stories, novels, and creative writing portfolios. 
 

Client feedback
 

'I worked with Kate in a developmental edit of my work-in-progress manuscript. My main concern was finding someone who understood my vision, and it was clear that Kate did. She gave honest, actionable feedback on both the strengths and weaknesses of the work, and how it needed to develop in order to realise my vision more fully. I wouldn't hesitate to work with her again.' 
- Jonanthan Payne, author of Citizen Orlov

'All praise and gratitude to Kate, a gifted and inspirational teacher. I desired to master the art of poem-making. However, it was difficult to find an instructor well versed in traditional prosody. I am fortunate to have found Kate. She has been tutoring me one-on-one for several years online. The result: I feel knowledgeable about traditional forms, and have confidence in my composition skills. Four of my poems have been published online, and one poem has been included in an anthology of contemporary traditional poems.'
- Mary Jane Myers, writer

For enquiries, please email poet@katepotts.net or use the contact form below.