Book Coaching from Beginning to Done
All slots are full for 2025!
Check back later in the year for availability in 2026.
The time has come to finish your first draft and get your book into the world.
You know this, but the path to getting your manuscript to the point where an agent and editor want it so badly they’re willing to fight for it can be winding, thorny, and seem endless.
These 1-to-1 sessions are the clear path to finishing your manuscript. You get my expert eye on your manuscript and guidance to eventually land an agent and/or a book deal with a traditional publisher.
You can’t find this level of expertise and mentorship anywhere else.
This is for
Writers working on their first draft of a manuscript—you’re just starting or in the initial stages
How it works:
⚫️ For writers starting from zero, with a messy first draft or something in between:
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.
Cost:
$7,000 total
12 45-minute 1:1 sessions completed at your own pace up to 8 months from the start of our work together.
You will be given a regular meeting slot that fits your schedule.
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.
Testimonials
Working with Sarah has been my secret weapon for my writing. I feel more confident in my writing and I know how to continue improving as a writer. I can honestly say she sped up my learning curve by years.
—Latham Turner
It’s hard to come up with just one reason why writers should work with Sarah. Firstly she has a warm personality and genuinely cares about writers. Her passion is teaching and it shows. She has decades of experience and insider knowledge. Sarah told me exactly what to change and how. She is the best teacher I've had in a long time.
—Leon McFayden
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 you do line edits and proofreading?
No. This is developmental editing only.
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 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.
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.
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.
Legal Terms & Conditions
By engaging my services, you acknowledge and agree that all fees are non-refundable. Payment indicates your acceptance of these terms. While I strive to provide high-quality editorial guidance, I make no guarantees regarding publishing success, agent representation, or specific outcomes. Our work together constitutes professional feedback and coaching only.
I maintain all rights to my editorial insights and methodologies. Any suggestions or feedback I provide are offered as professional recommendations only. The client retains sole responsibility for their manuscript and any decisions regarding its development or submission.
These services are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. I shall not be liable for any damages arising from the use of these services, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages.
All communications between us are confidential, but I reserve the right to disclose that we have worked together unless explicitly agreed otherwise in writing.