Poetry Consultations
with Allison Mei-Li
Sometimes a poem needs another set of eyes.
You know something isn't quite working, but you can’t figure out why. Maybe you're wondering if the ending lands, whether you chose the right metaphor, or if the poem feels complete. Maybe you've revised it so many times, you can no longer see it clearly. (Been there.)
I offer one-on-one poetry consultations for poets looking for thoughtful, collaborative feedback on their work. I’ll help you find the heartbeat of your poem and bring it more fully to life.
We’ll meet live over Zoom and talk through your poems in real time. Some topics we may cover include:
the poem's emotional center
structure and movement
imagery and metaphor
what might be cut, expanded, or rearranged
beginnings and endings
clarity versus mystery
rhythm, line breaks, and word choice
individual lines that aren't quite landing
HOW IT WORKS
45-minute consultation: $60
Send me 1-3 poems before we meet. I'll read them ahead of time and prepare notes for conversation.
We’ll spend 45 minutes together on Zoom* talking through your work and marking up your document. For deeper dives, I suggest sending only 1-2 poems.
After the session, I’ll send you the marked-up copy of your poem and a recording of the session.
*I use Zoom to allow for screen sharing and a live, back-and-forth dialogue. Video is not required if you prefer to keep your camera off.
WHY MEET LIVE?
Edits without dialogue can be confusing. Through conversation, I can better understand your intentions and focus on changes that strengthen your poem without losing the heart of it.
ABOUT ME
I'm Allison Mei-Li, author of A History of Holding, founder of Third Moon Press, and poetry reader for The Turning Leaf Journal. My poetry collection was named a Bookseller Poetry Pick for Women’s History Month in 2026, and I’ve been shortlisted for poetry prizes by Central Avenue and the Alpine Fellowship. My writing has appeared or is forthcoming in podcasts, anthologies, and publications such as NELLE, Rust + Moth, ONE ART, and Sky Island Journal. I’m passionate about bringing poetry off the page, from hosting poetry sound baths to leading journaling workshops and open mics.
I also bring over a decade of experience as a speech-language pathologist to my work with poets. I’ve learned how to teach, explain, and give feedback in ways that are clear, encouraging, and actually useful. I bring the same thoughtfulness and warmth to every poetry consultation.
I can’t wait to read your work!
