Author Coaching
You know what I love?
Author coaching: helping writers and writers-to-be find joy and confidence in their creative journeys.
I work with memoirists and novelists, with a special focus on older adults who are finally giving their stories the time and attention they deserve.
My lifetime of writing practice, 4 published novels, over 40 years teaching and coaching experience (20 of them in English language specifically to both native-English speakers and to English language learners), 10 years of professional editing experience, and a nurturing, collaborative style, are available to help you express your ideas and stories with clarity and purpose.
Why is author coaching important?
Because your story matters.
Because you matter.
How Author Coaching Supports Your Writing Journey
The first thing to know is that I meet you where you are, and we move forward from there together. Having said that, some broad categories of help that you can expect are:
- Manuscript Development:
Together we’ll shape a manuscript that feels complete and authentically yours. I offer careful reading, insightful feedback, and developmental editing to ensure your work comes together smoothly. - Writing Craft Guidance:
I give you practical knowledge about writing techniques. This helps you discover patterns in your language and structure and grow as a writer. - Encouragement & Feedback:
I provide thoughtful input and positive reinforcement to spark your creativity and keep you motivated. - Practical Organization Strategies:
I offer strategies for managing your time, organizing your thoughts, and structuring your material. Writing becomes less overwhelming and more enjoyable.
A Common Misconception About Author Coaching
Some people believe that working with an author coach means they are incapable of writing independently, and are too weak to hack it on their own.
That’s completely wrong.
In reality, seeking support when you feel you need it is a sign of strength and of commitment to your craft. Besides, what’s wrong with a little handholding? I don’t know about you, but there are times in life when that’s exactly what I need to see me through.
I love handholding because there’s no better feeling than to know someone is solidly in your corner and prepared to ease your load even a little bit.
My role as your coach is to be your creative ally: to help you step back and see the bigger picture when you’re deep in your project. I’m your cheerleader while offering kind, actionable critiques.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and bogged down in the details of writing.
I’m here to help you regain perspective and confidence.
What Author Coaching Gives You
- Collaborative idea generation in a safe and supportive environment
- Step-by-step guidance to strengthen your writing
- Gentle help organizing your thoughts and materials
- Positive accountability without judgment
- Enthusiastic encouragement to keep you motivated
- A process you can truly enjoy
You Are Not Alone
You don’t have to tackle writing alone. I can help your writing journey become more productive and fulfilling.
Try Me
I offer a FREE 30-minute discovery call so we can get to know each other and decide if we’re a good fit. Just send a query to hello@wordservings.com or click the link at the bottom of this page.
Investment*
*For global clients, rates are in USD. For Canadian clients, rates are in CAD.
1-on-1 personalized author coaching is $150 an hour. There’s no pressure to buy in blocks or commit to months of coaching. However, if you choose to book and pay in advance for 5 one-hour sessions*, there’s a 10% discount.
If you’d like to combine coaching with feedback/editing on larger chunks of writing than we can handle in an hour, we can do that too. To get full value from this arrangement, you will need to commit to at least three months of working with me. These packages don’t have a fixed price because each one is custom-designed for you. We identify your needs and create a path forward during your no-fee 30-minute discovery call.
*Must be taken within a 60-day period.
A ballpark price would be around $3600 for
- 3 months of coaching calls (typically 1 per week), plus
- detailed editorial feedback of up to 15,000 words a month, and
- email assistance between calls.