it’s finally time to tell your story
wRITE A MEMOIR THAT MATTERS
why should a reader care about your life?
bECAUSE IT SHOWS THEM SOMETHING ABOUT THEIR OWN.
You’ve tried to outline your memoir and felt overwhelmed by the process. Written a first draft that you can’t begin to untangle. Rewritten the first chapter more times than you can count, hoping that if you get it “right” it will unlock the whole story.
And when life–work, caregiving duties, health issues–gets in the way, you just stop trying.
But that story still has its hooks in you.
As a memoir book coach for women at midlife and beyond, I help writers make it to “The End.”
With a MFA from New York University’s prestigious writing program, and a book coaching certification from Author Accelerator, I bring both rigor and compassion to the process, so you never have to go it alone.
Who I help
I coach women 40+ writing memoir who are ready to commit to their writing practice and need guidance and support along the way.
Working with me, you’ll find the best structure for your story, the scenes that help you tell it, and how to build the kind of tension that keeps your readers turning pages.
If you’ve written pages, but lost your momentum, or keep telling yourself you’ll write your memoir “someday,” you’ve come to the right place.
What you get
When you work with me, you’ll always know what to do next. My book coaching includes:
A customized framework so you have a clear plan instead of relying on guesswork.
Detailed, constructive feedback on your pages that respects your voice while helping you hone your craft.
Accountability and encouragement so you keep moving forward, even when life gets busy.
WhY mE?
I have an MFA from New York University, one of the most prestigious writing programs in the country.
I’m certified in coaching fiction and memoir by Author Accelerator, founded by book coaching and publishing expert Jennie Nash.
I have 20+ years of experience as a writer, editor, and publishing professional.
I have been in your shoes. I’m the single mom of a young man with autism and know what it’s like to try to juggle all of the things. My coaching combines expertise with deep empathy for the realities of your life.
Note: As an Author Accelerator certified book coach, I am qualified to coach writers using Author Accelerator's strategy, methods, and materials, but I operate independently of Author Accelerator and am not affiliated with them.
Testimonials
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Jen was so easy to work with. She laid out the plan clearly, hit all her deadlines with me, was flexible, and had that rare quality of being easy-going but totally on task. When it came time for comments on my work, she probed all the right weak spots and asked the kind of questions that helped me think deeper about what changes to my character and plot could move my novel forward. Her comments were kind but so on-target
Marcia A.
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Jen's editorial revisions were smart and lent greater clarity to my work, while her feedback in conversation demonstrated a close reading of my work. She was organized and communicative throughout the process, met milestones on time, and came to our meeting well-prepared. What's more, Jen's insights prompted me to undertake further revisions that ultimately led the book in the direction it needed to go.
Samie F.
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Throughout the process of completing a manuscript evaluation of my memoir, I found that Jennifer’s prompt communication, professionalism, and clear expectations not only met my goals but made the process deeply fruitful (and less nerve wracking as a first-time memoirist). Her detailed comments highlighted impactful passages and posed insightful questions that helped me reconsider the storyline and revise for clarity from the reader’s perspective. I now feel confident moving into the next revision with a clear, purposeful plan to ensure every scene supports and advances the story.
Susan W.
FAQs
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My primary focus is memoir, where I specialize in books that explore complicated family dynamics and emotionally charged territory.
I am certified in fiction, and coach select novelists working in lliterary and upmarket fiction.
Please note that while I am honored to support memoir writers, I am not a licensed therapist and encourage my clients to seek outside counsel when needed.
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Yes, I do. I can work with you to figure out what story you want to tell, why you want to tell it, and most important, what you want your readers to take away from your memoir.
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I can help you put together a pitch package, which includes a synopsis, query letter, and increasingly frequently a full proposal including market research.
However, I don't guarantee you'll be offered representation by an agent. No reputable book coach would.
