Coaching for Fiction & Nonfiction Writers
Are you struggling with any of the following?
- A lack of confidence in your writing
- Perfectionistic habits that harm your craft
- Getting that fantastic story idea on the page
- Rejection, comparison, distractions, and other obstacles
I know the feeling. I’ve pursued writing and editing for most of my life. And while I’ve honed my skills, become a published author and poet, and experienced other joys and successes along the way, I’ve also dealt with the many challenges of being a writer.
You and I aren’t the only ones. All writers experience fear, insecurity, and setbacks during their careers, especially when they first start out. Sadly, some quit before they realize their full potential. Others never put that incredible idea they’ve been thinking about for years into words.
But your story doesn’t have to go unfinished and untold.
In fact, you have more strength, courage, and determination than you might think. You have what it takes to overcome your doubts and make your writing dreams come true.
You just need some support and clarity from someone else who’s been there. Someone who knows the importance of balancing the practical and mindful sides of the writing process.
That’s why I created Heart of the Story Editorial & Coaching Services: to help writers like you.
In addition to my editing services, I offer one-on-one coaching for writers, poets, and other storytellers seeking extra guidance and a boost of self-esteem. So whether you’re stuck on how to bring that story idea to life, build a secondary world for your fantasy novel, or regain faith in yourself and your craft, I can help you.
And the timetable? Or frequency of sessions? That's totally up to you. I'm available for a one-time 90-minute session or a regular program of 60-minute sessions once or twice a month for at least three months. We’ll work together using live coaching calls, goal-setting, and fun “homework assignments” like writing exercises, specially crafted worksheets, and curated online reading.
By the end of our time together, you’ll have a good chunk of pre-planning or first-draft writing completed, depending on your needs. You’ll also feel more empowered and motivated than ever before to continue writing and make further progress toward your dreams. Maybe you'll even discover something amazing about yourself!
Here are some of the areas where I can help:
- Developing a stronger understanding of storytelling elements (e.g., plot, characters, worldbuilding, dialogue)
- Starting or finishing the first draft of a manuscript
- Establishing a consistent writing practice that fits your lifestyle
- Cultivating the right habits and mindset to fuel your process
- Workshopping your areas of concern or improvement
- Gaining clarity on what you want out of writing, and developing accountability so you’re consistently moving forward
- Reigniting your creativity if you’ve been away from writing for a while
- Nurturing your talents in novel writing, poetry, and other types of writing
Ready to become braver, more productive, and more mindful about your craft?
Then let's schedule a free call to talk about it!
Just to recap, here’s what you’ll get when you hire me as your writing coach:
- A one-time 90-minute call OR at least three months' worth of 60-minute calls once or twice a month via your choice of Skype, Zoom, or phone
- Incremental goals (or “stepping stones”) for continued progress on your project
- Customized writing exercises, worksheets, online reading, and other assignments I’ll send after our call(s)
- Email support for questions, accountability check-ins, meltdowns, breakthroughs, and so on
- A 30- to 45-minute catch-up call OR an email check-in one month after our time together ends, plus a long-term plan you can follow so you can keep moving forward on your project
Also, if you choose the three-month program, we can extend your program beyond that timeframe if you feel you need continued support or accountability.
Testimonials for Fiction and Nonfiction Coaching
This was my first experience working with a book coach, and I was a little nervous. Sara set me at ease with her calm, caring, and positive personality. Her feedback was very thorough, and she explained her edits in detail. She was very reliable and always followed up after we met with notes on what we went over and next steps. Sara made me feel like she genuinely cared about my book and helping me.
Kimberly Daly, Educator, mindfulness advocate, and author
Working with Sara was the smartest thing I could have done for my autobiographical fiction novel. Not only did we have several coaching sessions (which helped me immensely in taking a third-person POV and making sense of it), but she also did a comprehensive line edit that cleaned up the manuscript and brought a fluidness to reading it. I highly recommend Sara.
L.J. Woolfe, Author of Train
I can’t say enough good things about my experience working with Sara as I prepared the stories in my collection for publication. Her insights, knowledge, and professionalism were all immensely helpful. She was always on time and prepared for our meetings, and without question helped to improve every story we reviewed together. I would recommend anyone who is looking for editorial and coaching services to contact Sara. Of the seventeen pieces we worked on together, six have already been published!
Brian Mosher, Poet and short story author
To check out what other writers have said about working with me, click here to read more testimonials.
Ready to get to the heart of your story?
Click here to schedule your free call, and we'll go from there!
