Book Coaching and Developmental Editing
Book Coaching and Developmental Editing
The time has come to finish your book and get it into the world.
You know this, but the path to getting an agent and traditional publishing (and great reviews and bestseller lists) can be thorny and hard to navigate.
It can make you feel lost.
These 1-to-1 sessions are the clear path to finishing your manuscript based on expert editorial feedback with an eye toward landing an agent and/or a book deal with a traditional publisher.
For Writers Starting Their First Draft:
Develop a comprehensive outline that provides a clear roadmap for your book using methods I've refined through years of teaching at top MFA programs
Establish realistic and motivating word count goals tailored to your writing style and schedule informed by my experience writing to deadline for The New York Times and other major publications
Master essential craft techniques—primarily voice and storytelling—for this and future books
Learn strategies to sustain your writing momentum and overcome creative challenges, which will last for your entire writing career
For Writers with a Completed Manuscript:
Revise and polish your work using the same techniques that shaped my memoir into an Apple Best Books pick praised by The New York Times
Strengthen your prose and storytelling to captivate readers and stand out in a competitive market
Prepare your manuscript for submission with a keen eye for what agents and publishers seek—based on the twenty years I’ve been in the publishing industry and as a HarperCollins author
Create a compelling query letter that effectively showcases your book's unique strengths
Gain valuable insights into the publishing industry to navigate your path to publication
You can’t find this level of expertise and mentorship anywhere else.
Cost:
$12,000 total
Sessions can be completed at your own pace up to 1 year from the start of our work together.
You will be given a regular meeting slot that fits your schedule.
How it works:
For Writers Starting Their First Draft:
Our 12-session program is designed to guide you through completing a first draft with publication in mind. Each 45-minute session builds your skills and industry knowledge.
Drafting Phase (8 sessions)
Cultivate your unique voice—because voice is everything
Learn to create a marketable premise and compelling structure
Master techniques for pacing, tension, and (if appropriate) narrative arc
Understand genre expectations and how to meet or subvert them
Initial Revision Phase (3 sessions)
Assess your manuscript's strengths and areas for improvement
Learn real self-editing techniques used by professional authors
Identify and eliminate common mistakes
Industry Preparation (1 session)
Understand current market trends and publisher expectations
Learn about the querying process and how to position your work
Additional benefits:
Flexible scheduling to accommodate your writing process
Email support for quick questions between sessions
Access to curated resources on craft and the publishing industry
This program equips you with the tools and knowledge to complete your manuscript and shape it into a product that meets industry standards and attracts the attention of agents and publishers.
For Writers with a Completed Manuscript:
Our collaboration includes 12 focused sessions (45 minutes each) to refine your manuscript and prepare for submission.
Revision Phase (8 sessions)
Assess your manuscript on a macro level and create your revision strategy
Address big-picture elements, e.g., structure, plot, character arcs
Refine for thematic consistency
Ensure overall cohesion and reader impact
Polishing Phase (3 sessions)
Assess your manuscript on a micro level for style
Implement stylistic changes needed
Address final concerns and questions
Next Steps (1 session)
Write and review your query letter and submission strategy
Additional Support:
Sessions scheduled flexibly
Email support between sessions for quick questions
Access to writing resources and techniques
About Me
In a nutshell, I’m the creator of two bestselling, Featured Substacks; a member of Substack’s Product Lab; an award-winning HarperCollins author; a former advisory editor at The Paris Review; a freelance writer for The New York Times, et al.; and a member of the creative writing faculty at Northwestern University.
I’m also a private Substack consultant who has helped onto the platform with Substack’s guidance and who’s now helping hundreds of Substack writers double and triple (and more) their subscribers, increase their revenue, and get real engagement.
I have many degrees—M.F.A., M.A., Ph.D. My debut memoir Pathological: The True Story of Six Misdiagnoses (HarperCollins) was an Apple Best Books pick, hailed in The New York Times as a “fiery manifesto of a memoir,” and named by Parade Magazine as one of the sixteen best mental health memoirs to read.
I write for many publications, including The New York Times, The Atlantic, Time, and The Paris Review, where I was an advisory editor. My essays have been chosen as a Notable Mention in Best American Essays and nominated for Pushcart Prizes. I’m the recipient of the Hopwood Award for Literature, as well as grants and fellowships from Yaddo, the Mellon Foundation, and the MacDowell Colony, among others. I’m currently on the creative writing faculty at Northwestern University.
FAQs
What's the difference between book coaching and developmental editing?
Book coaching is an ongoing process where I guide you through the writing of your manuscript, offering support, feedback, and accountability. Developmental editing typically happens once you have a complete draft, focusing on big-picture elements like structure, plot, character development, and themes.
Do I need to have started writing my book to work with you?
Not at all! I work with writers at all stages, from those with just an idea to those with a completed manuscript to those who felt they’d completed their manuscript only to have trouble finding an agent and know they need to revise again.
How long does the book coaching process typically take?
The duration varies depending on your project and pace. Our work together can last up to one year, but some writers complete their goals more quickly. We'll establish a timeline based on your specific needs and goals.
What genres do you work with?
I have experience with a wide range of genres, including literary fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, and more. If you're unsure whether your genre is a good fit, please reach out and ask.
How often will we meet during the coaching process?
We have 12 scheduled 45-minute Zoom sessions, which we'll space out to best support your progress. Typically, we'll have more frequent sessions during the drafting process and space them out more during revision.
Will you write or rewrite parts of my book for me?
No, I don't do any writing or rewriting. My role is to guide, teach, and provide feedback to help you improve your own writing skills and create your best work.
What if I can't make one of our scheduled sessions?
I understand that life can be unpredictable. If you need to reschedule, please give me at least 24 hours notice, and we'll find a new time that works for both of us.
Do you offer refunds if I'm not satisfied?
Due to the nature of the work and the time invested, I don't offer refunds. However, I'm committed to your success and will work with you to ensure you're getting the support you need throughout our time together.
Will you help me find an agent or publisher?
While I don't directly connect clients with agents or publishers, I do provide guidance on the submission process, including how to write query letters and identify potential agents. My insider knowledge of the industry can be invaluable in this process.
What makes your coaching different from other programs or courses?
My unique combination of experience as a published author, teacher at top MFA programs, and former advisory editor at The Paris Review gives me a comprehensive understanding of the writing and publishing world. This, coupled with my personalized, one-on-one approach, ensures you're getting tailored guidance that can't be found in general courses or programs.
Can I see testimonials from other writers you've worked with?
Absolutely! I'd be happy to share testimonials from previous clients. Please email me, and I can provide you with a selection of success stories and feedback from writers I've coached.
What happens after our work together is complete?
After our formal coaching period ends, many writers feel prepared to continue on their own. However, if you need additional support, we can discuss options for continued coaching or specific consultations as you move forward with your project.