Author | Book Coach

Book Coaching & Editing

Memoir | Creative and Prescriptive Nonfiction

Pen on top of pieces of paper in a dark shadow.

You have insights and expertise to share, but…

All that knowledge and experience can feel overwhelming. How do you know where to start, how to end, and what to include in between?

Planning a whole book can seem daunting, especially when you're not sure how to organize your thoughts.

Do you feel like you have a book inside you, but you’re…

worried your idea isn’t strong enough?
unsure where to even begin?
stressed because the idea of planning—and writing—a book feels intimidating?
overwhelmed because you have so much to share but don’t know how to put it into words?
struggling to organize your notes, ideas, or the various drafts you’ve started?

Imagine…

Having a clear vision for your entire book, one that gives you direction while still allowing flexibility for changes as you go.
Knowing exactly where your book begins and ends so you can confidently draft your memoir or develop your nonfiction proposal.
Feeling confident about your idea, with a clear sense of what to include, the timeline, or chapters so you can keep moving forward with focus and intention.

If you’re ready to…

Clearly define your story or book idea.
Share your insights and expertise with impact.
Feel confident in your book’s concept and structure before you start writing.
Save time and avoid the frustration of writing without a clear direction.
Get excited about your book and the journey of bringing it to life.

Then, you’re ready guidance and direction to move from confusion to clarity about your idea and book.

What People Are Saying

“Maurene is a powerhouse, and she’s been so instrumental in helping me give birth to my book! She’s organized, sharp, and wonderfully insightful, but most importantly, she gives very straightforward feedback in the kindest way possible; we have great collaborative conversations, and her coaching is top-notch. I was struggling with the organization of my book, and Maurene was able to draw out which direction the book really needed to go, helping me see the path clearly. I wholeheartedly recommend working with Maurene as a book coach!”

— Rebecca B.

How We Can Work Together

I coach narrative and hybrid memoir (a mix of memoir and nonfiction) and prescriptive nonfiction (self-help and how-to). Please also see Frequently Asked Questions.

If You're Getting Started:

Book Breakthrough Session

The Problem Many Writers Face:

You’re swimming in too many story ideas.
You’re not sure which scenes belong — or which to cut.
You feel stuck, second-guessing your decisions.
You worry your story won’t connect with readers.

The Book Breakthrough Solution

In this 60-minute 1:1 session, I'll help you gain clarity about your book and create an actionable plan.

Examples include:

Sharpen your book's guiding message or idea.
Validate which types of scenes truly matter.
Strengthen (or cut) weaker moments.
Make a plan for your pivotal scenes.
Gain clarity on your book's main takeaway.

Turn your book ideas into a clear, confident plan in just one hour. Gain clarity about your book's message, choose your strongest scenes or points, and see your book's flow.

Your Investment: $97

I'm Interested

Monthly Coaching

This monthly coaching package is designed to help you where you are, whether you're drafting or revising.

If you're just starting, we'll create a plan to envision your book so you can start writing.

If you're in the drafting phase, coaching will keep you accountable.

I'll be with you each step of the way and will continue providing feedback and encouragement as you go.

Depending on where you're starting, the deliverables will vary. Examples include:

Regular submissions of book-planning pages.
Written work twice per month, up to 25 pages each (new or revised pages)
In-line comments for each submission
Detailed summary editorial letter for each submission
60-minute phone call after each submission (each recorded)
Ongoing support via email
Proper encouragement to keep going

Your Investment: $500 per month

I'm Interested

If You Have a Work in Progress:

Manuscript Momentum

Feedback on Your First 10 Pages

Your book’s first impression matters. Manuscript Momentum offers you personalized, expert feedback on the first 10 pages of your memoir or nonfiction work in progress. You’ll receive insights to clarify, captivate, and strengthen your work’s beginning.

Your first pages ignite the spark for your reader's imagination. How will you keep them hooked? Together, we'll fine-tune your writing voice and how you can craft a story that resonates with your readers from beginning to end.

Whether you’re fine-tuning pacing, sharpening character introductions, or establishing your book’s message, Manuscript Momentum provides you with actionable insights to help your work reach its fullest potential.

What’s Included:

In-Depth Feedback: Receive expert comments on clarity, flow, and tone in your opening pages.
Genre-Specific Guidance: Understand how your writing aligns with memoir and nonfiction conventions.
Reader Expectations Analysis: Get feedback on the expectations set by your first pages and how to align them with your message.
Actionable Refinement Strategies: Tailored suggestions to enhance pacing, develop characters, and create a compelling opening.
A 30-minute follow-up call to discuss the feedback and next steps

No matter where you are in your writing process, feedback from Manuscript Momentum ensures your work begins with strength and clarity. Start strong and give readers a reason to keep turning the pages.

Your Investment: $97

I'm Interested

Manuscript Analysis or Developmental Edit

Need feedback on your full manuscript or book proposal? Get expert input on the big-picture issues in your manuscript. Whether you're looking for a high-level overview (manuscript analysis), or an in-depth developmental edit, this is the option for you!

Both focus on key issues in your book. What's the difference? Great question!

A manuscript analysis is an overview of your book's main structure, themes, characterization, reader takeaway, and more.

Deliverables include:

A detailed editorial letter addressing big-picture issues about what works, what needs further development, and next steps.
A 60-minute follow-up call to discuss the feedback, address questions, and next steps

A developmental edit is takes the manuscript review to the next leve: it includes comments directly in your manuscript pages, as well as a full editorial letter.

Deliverables typically include:

In-Depth Feedback: Receive comments on clarity, flow, genre-specific guidance, and tone throughout your manuscript.
Reader Expectations Analysis: Get feedback on the expectations set by your first pages and how to align them with your message.
Suggestions to enhance pacing, character development, structure, themes, and more.
A 90-minute follow-up call to discuss the feedback and next steps

Your Investment: $10 per page*

I'm Interested

* Standard manuscript formatting: 1-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced Microsoft Word document.

Not Sure Yet? No Problem!

Writing a Book is No Small Feat.

My Feedback & Coaching Style

You have some experience. You've been writing for a while and know the importance of quality feedback. Maybe you're looking to get some of the benefits of an MFA program—such as feedback from a teaching professional—without the additional cost or work required of an entire program. If this is you, read on!

If you are serious about your writing, have a growth mindset, are open to suggestions and feedback, and are willing to examine your work (sometimes deeply), I can help you find your way forward.

I'll help you step into your story more fully through in-depth, heart-centered coaching that helps you navigate the messy middle of revisions.

I'll provide you with specific examples and options so you can see how my suggestions can be implemented. You're not required to use them, so if you don't like them, focus on what they illustrate instead.

Please note that I offer no guarantees of publishing or landing agent, that you'll have a best seller, or that you'll agree with all of my suggestions. I also do not provide line editing, copy editing, or proofreading.

What You Can Expect from Me

I'll help you find and develop the deeper parts of your story to help your work connect with your ideal readers within a safe space. You'll receive detailed feedback specific to your work and goals. I provide honest feedback but aim to deliver it in as clear and compassionate a way as I can.

I do not believe in unnecessarily harsh feedback—but that does not guarantee that feedback on your work won't always feel warm and fuzzy. You need to be prepared to hear what may not be working and why. I'll encourage you but will be honest about your work and what it needs.

While I may occasionally note wording or spelling issues, I do not provide line editing, copy editing, or proofreading.

What I Expect from You

You are serious about your writing and making improvements, regardless of whether or not you're well published or are working on your first manuscript. You can meet deadlines (except for unavoidable life events).

You're looking for specific feedback about your work to make improvements, and you carefully consider the feedback rather than get defensive. If you're only looking to receive praise, I'm not the coach for you.

If you are writing a memoir, I will assume that you have enough distance from the event or events for the writing process. While I always strive to address the subject matter with sensitivity, I will also provide feedback from a more objective, story-focused perspective.

However, I’m not a counselor, so if you need additional emotional support during the writing process, please ensure that you have that in place.

Are you interested in becoming a book coach yourself? Learn more here!

*Additional Considerations for Monthly Book Coaching:

Multiple months may be needed to get through an entire manuscript and/or to ensure that all revisions are completed.

Also, because the revision process can be intensive, we may focus on one or two primary issues before tackling other areas. This approach ensures the revision process is tailored to your writing style and needs. Otherwise, the process may become too overwhelming or disjointed.

When it is appropriate to do so, based on your specific progress, we will discuss whether or not the manuscript or proposal is ready for pitching or if additional work is still needed. Writing is an ongoing process, and additional rounds of revision (together or on your own) may be needed.

I won't recommend pitching if I don't feel your work is ready. My goal is for you to be as successful as possible, and providing you with false hope does not support that goal.