SEE YOUR STORY WITH CLARITY
Have critique partners, workshops, internet articles, or craft books have left you feeling lost in the weeds? Discover the difference of working one-one-one with a book coach.
Writing makes a lot more sense when you know how the engine of a novel works. There’s a better way to write than jamming ideas together by yourself, slamming the hood, and towing the finished manuscript to an editor for repairs.
Coaching teaches you to become your own story mechanic. Once you learn to work under the hood of your narrative, you gain the power to make your story fly.
Discover the one-on-one coaching advantage.
Think of me as a personal trainer for your writing journey.
You’ll get the guidance you need to shape and strengthen your story. We’ll dig into your concept and plot together, bringing your characters and themes to life. You’ll discover how story structure can work for you, and we’ll map out a clear path for your book. Along the way, you’ll get crystal clear about your genre, your readers, and where your book fits in the market.
The heart of what we do is one-on-one feedback that helps you see your work with fresh eyes. It’s like having your own dedicated alpha reader, editor, and storytelling guide—all wrapped up in one person who’s genuinely invested in your success. Our ongoing conversations will keep you moving forward with steady progress, supporting you all the way to the final page.
STORY ACCELERATOR 1:1 COACHING
Unlock your story’s full potential before investing in editing or a critique. Through personalized Accelerator coaching, I’ll work one-on-one with you to deepen your craft and strengthen essential elements, from plot structure and character arcs to thematic resonance. Together, we’ll open new creative doors and turn your first effort into a compelling story that’s ready for the next stage.
STORY INCUBATOR SMALL-GROUP COACHING
Energize your writing journey through weekly online group coaching. In our live sessions, you’ll gain targeted feedback, master essential craft elements, and build momentum with fellow writers. From storytelling skills to publishing insights, productivity tools to creative practices, get the structured support and accountability you need to finish your novel.
CRAFT LAB
WRITERS GROUP
Experience intimate, intensive writing support through weekly live video sessions focused on craft mastery and manuscript development. Our carefully curated small groups (just a handful of writers) ensure deep engagement with every writer’s work. Applications open twice yearly for this high-touch, fully coached creative circle.
Coaching or editing?
If you resonate with the “move fast and break things” philosophy, you might feel inclined to jump straight from writing and self-revision into editing. But if you prefer to get your bearings before diving into something new and appreciate having an experienced guide by your side, coaching could be exactly what you’re looking for.
WRITERS ARE SAYING
So call her Mrs. Miyagi. And while you’re at it, probably book her to take your manuscript to the next level, too.
I plant the seeds—you grow the story.
My approach to coaching and story development combines in-depth analysis with respect for your creative journey. I focus on getting it right for readers, not racing to the finish line. I know how vulnerable it feels to share your creative work. My feedback is always clear and gentle, and as we build trust, you can expect direct, thorough guidance that aims at excellence.
Over more than ten years of coaching fiction writers, I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out what works best for new writers and why. I offer lots of information and best practices and suggestions. More importantly, I ask a lot of open-ended questions. This is your book and your creative vision. I plant the seeds; it’s your job to harvest and grow.
Coaching is a fit for you if …
- This is the first novel you’ve written, or you’re an emerging writer hoping to break out to the next level.
- You want to write using best practices and proven, classic techniques.
- You want the process of writing, revising, and editing your book to teach you more about writing it.
- You need efficient, effective techniques for turning your story into scenes.
The popularity of story coaching is soaring as more authors realize the importance of getting the strongest possible start for their writing careers.
Story coaching is designed to help you develop a compelling story and tell it in a way that readers can’t resist. We talk about your story idea itself and how it fits into today’s marketplace. We examine the techniques and creative choices you’ve used to tell your story. We work together to tune the plot, character arcs, and themes of the story. We may also hone techniques for handling scenes, point of view, narrative modes, and more.
Story coaching is not the sort of book coaching that walks alongside you as you write your book (a process that could be seen as a sort of incremental editing). Story coaching positions your first draft to do the work of several early drafts, getting you closer to an edit-ready manuscript sooner in your writing and revision process.
This is not motivational or accountability coaching, which is designed to keep you on track with deadlines and completion goals. To be a good fit for story coaching with me, please arrive with your creative energies and motivation fully and amazingly ablaze.
You could—but I don’t recommend it.
Many new writers figure they’ll begin with a simple proofread—“just clean it up,” they’ll say. They want to see how the book does before they invest significant money, or they figure it’s not worth spending a lot of money until their books begin selling enough money to make back the investment in editing.
This is flawed thinking. A novel isn’t a weekend crafts project. This project will consume months or even years of your time as you vie to get noticed among the tens of thousands of books published every week. Welcome to Thunderdome—thousands of books enter, few books leave. Why waste your time and effort writing an entire novel with anything less than an intelligent, informed approach?
I love using the Plot Accelerator prior to drafting a book. Based on my experience, it results in faster, cleaner drafting and reduced need for major revisions and edits. Reader reviews of my first Plot Accelerator-planned book are a full star level higher than its predecessor, making it a valuable part of my process.—K.A. Wiggins
Not every author needs story coaching. If you’re a seasoned author who’s already mastered the techniques of storytelling and writing fiction, coaching or multiple rounds of editing could be overkill.
Even so, most of my established clients run a compressed version of Plot Accelerator coaching before or after their first drafts. It’s an invaluable way to ensure your story is on track.
Story coaching is not designed to help you create your story from scratch or from early ideas. Before you begin working with me, you should already have a complete story in mind. You may not yet know all the road bumps or how’s and why’s, and you may be stuck at some point in the writing, but you should be clear on where the story is headed and how it ends. You’re probably ready for coaching if you can write a coherent one-page outline or synopsis of the story, even if that includes some uncertainties at points along the way.
Coaching is such an individual process! Your quote will be based on our conversations about your publishing goals and the needs of your manuscript.
Individual coaching sessions start at $99, with monthly plans from $399—less than many people consider a monthly car payment.
I’m not currently offering written query and submission critiques.
Line editing clients get automatic access to self-paced Query Accelerators (traditional publishing) or Blurb Accelerators (self-publishing) along with their edits.
Head in the right direction, from start to finish.
There came a point when I knew I needed the help of a professional editor to tame my writing and to help me tailor my book to a specific reader. I had no plot, deficient character motivation, and little conflict—three essential elements of a commercial novel. I will always remember, Lisa told me I had a ‘manuscript-length discussion of theme’ . . . all the icing and decoration but no cake! I needed to crack some more eggs. She has a great sense of humour, too! Now I can’t imagine working with another editor.
We worked on two manuscript evaluations, a line and copy edit and she provided me all the hours writing coaching I needed in order to finish my book. I’m so pleased with Lisa’s editing services and the support I received from her. I really felt I was being pushed in the right direction from start to finish. Thank you, Lisa!
MORE COACHING SERVICES
I also offer flexible support tailored to your specific needs: one-time consultations, focused problem-solving sessions, creative brainstorming, month-to-month coaching, and custom solutions designed just for you. Whatever stage your novel is at, reach out and let’s discuss how I can help bring your story to life.
Take the next step.
I partner selectively with writers I know I can guide to success. The first step is simple: Share your project and goals with me via email, and I’ll provide a focused assessment to ensure we’re the right fit.
I accept limited one-on-one coaching clients each quarter, and coaching groups fill up early. Take the next decisive step toward seeing your book in print: Contact me today to start the conversation.