1:1 Coaching

Simply put, an editor provides feedback on your pages, most often a completed manuscript, while a book coach is with you every step of the way while you work on your book project, providing accountability and emotional support, as well as feedback on the page. Think of me as your sherpa, your guide on this book writing journey. I help prepare you for the journey then walk with you each step of the way.

Although I am trained to coach both fiction and nonfiction, I currently work exclusively with nonfiction writers. If you are writing fiction, I have many excellent colleagues I can refer you to.

WIthin nonfiction, I specialize in coaching memoir and creative/narrative nonfiction. I also coach self-help books that are heavy on story and lighter on "how-to" or directives. 

I work with writers at all levels of experience, and I particularly enjoy working with beginners. You do, however, need to be willing to be coached and ready to put in the work. Coaching will only succeed if you are all-in. 

Pages need to be formatted as follows:

• Microsoft Word
• Times New Roman, 12 pt font, 1-inch margins
• Left aligned
• Double-spaced
• Paragraphs should be indented, with no extra space between paragraphs
• One space after periods

This is the industry standard. Once you are in a coaching program, you'll receive more detailed information about how you will submit pages and receive feedback.

I provide big picture feedback, what's known as developmental editing.

In memoir and narrative nonfiction, I focus on (1) story arc and narrative drive, (2) whether the protagonist's emotions are on the page (is the writer "showing" as well as "telling"?), and (3) whether the reader is anchored in time and place throughout the narrative. 

In prescriptive nonfiction, I focus on (1) the clarity of the book idea or message, (2) whether there is a clear path of transformation for the reader, and (3) whether there is a balance between anecdotes, research, data, and advice. 

I will occasionally point out concerns around grammar and style, but I do not copy-edit or proofread. If you are in need of copyediting or proofreading services, I have several trusted colleagues I can refer you to.

I do not offer refunds. 

What I do offer is a complimentary discovery call where you can ask all your questions and then decide if we are a good fit before you commit to a coaching package.