My prices reflect the type of client I want to work with most—they do NOT reflect less expertise or less attention to my clients than other providers.

I started out ghostwriting for a high-end company, so when I went out on my own, I focused on high-end clients. The goals of these clients tended to be how their book could generate money for them by getting them more customers and clients.

But I also started teaching low-cost memoir-writing classes in my community, and these writers had different goals: they wanted to write so they could share part of their lives with others, so they could learn about themselves, and so they could become better writers.

Soon I realized I was much happier working with this type of writer, so I decided to revamp my business. Lower prices would make my services accessible to the writers who inspire me most. I make less money, but I still make enough money. And I enjoy my work a lot more!

No. And anyone who guarantees you that kind of success is misleading you.

There are too many variables at work for me to promise that your book will be all that you want it to be. However, I will work with you to define your goals, be up front about how realistic those goals are, and do everything I can to help you meet them.

I’ll also talk with you about why I believe that with any creative project, the value can come from unexpected places.

It depends on many factors. For all projects, we’ll talk at the beginning about time frame and set clear expectations.

With book coaching, we’ll talk about when you want your project finished and check in regularly about how far along we are.

With ghostwriting, the average project of 50,000 words takes six to eight months, but there are many elements that can shrink or extend that time frame.

On average, editorial letters take two weeks, developmental editing takes three, and line editing four or more—again, it will depend on the length and condition of the manuscript.

A hybrid memoir combines memoir—telling part of your life story—with another element, such as how-to, informational nonfiction, self-help, history, spirituality, or even recipes. Some examples include Stanley Tucci’s Taste, and Juli Berwald’s Spineless: The Science of Jellyfish and the Art of Growing a Backbone.

I work with memoir writers at any level. Writer experience isn’t as important to me as the why behind a memoir.

I work best with writers who genuinely enjoy using the written word and who want to create something that no one else could create. I also work best with writers who truly want a partner, whether I am functioning as a book coach, ghostwriter, or editor.

No. Payment structure depends on the type of job you hire me for, but in general you’ll pay me in installments that allow you to be confident that you’re getting what you pay for and allow me to avoid working for free. We’ll set up a clear payment plan at the beginning of your project, and I’ll answer all questions.

No. That would be so boring! I love customizing my services to what each project needs, I like tinkering with processes to make them better, and I like getting inspired by my clients to try new things.

No, but I can help you make your book ready to show to agents and publishers or for self-publishing/hybrid publishing. We can also discuss what your publishing options are, and I can direct you to resources to help you find agents and publishers.

Teleportation, no question.