I’m so glad you’ve made it to Confident Authors! This page is all about what to expect with book coaching and editing.
Writing a book is a big commitment, and one that requires dedication, patience, and courage.
I love supporting authors on this path, and hope to hear more about the unique book you’re writing and where you want it to take you in your life!
What does a developmental editor do?
A developmental editor is part strategist, part story magician—and an expert in modern publishing.
This first pass on the manuscript is designed to help you figure out:
Is my book manuscript effective?
Is it delivering a great reader experience?
Are there places where readers could get confused or bored?
Is my story memorable and will people want to actually finish this book?
Developmental editing strengthens a book's overall structure, organization, narrative arc, pacing, clarity, and central message.
This is high-level editing that looks at how the manuscript works as a whole and what it needs to become more compelling and effective for readers.
As your dev editor, I’m asking questions like:
Is this book living up to its potential? Where can it be improved or changed?
What strengths do you have as a writer and how can we play even more to your strengths?
Are the chapters in the right order? If not, why not?
Learn more about developmental book editing and how I work with memoir and nonfiction authors.
Do you edit nonfiction books about spirituality and psychology?
Yes. I specialize in memoir and nonfiction, including books exploring spirituality, psychology, personal growth, healing, consciousness, identity, and the meaning of the human experience.
Here are some examples of the types of authors I’ve worked with in the past. I love working with people who are unconventional thinkers, neurodivergent, or blending a mix of Western and Eastern approaches in what they do:
A mental health practitioner who is also a shaman writing about supernatural experiences and how they changed him
A death doula reflecting on her experiences with grief, change, family, and healing
A psychologist who coaches people on relationships, sexuality, and transformation talking about her own healing journey from abuse and trauma
A memoirist in her 60s reflecting on family secrets, claiming her power and her voice, and taking a feminist stance later in life
An ex-Mormon woman sharing stories from her divorce, spiritual awakening, and a new chapter of her life
Do you work with authors writing spiritual nonfiction?
Yes! I work with authors exploring spiritual awakening, consciousness, the soul's journey, personal transformation, and finding meaning in life's challenges. I can help you clarify your message, strengthen your manuscript's structure, and communicate spiritual concepts in a way that resonates with your intended audience.
Can you help me write a book about psychology and spirituality without making it too academic?
Yes. One of my strengths as an editor is helping you strike the right balance and find the voice and tone that will fit with YOUR audience.
I can help you find the right balance between “showing” and “telling,” between data/facts/analysis and reflection or storytelling.
How much of your life should be in the book? How deep should the stories go? We’ll answer all of those questions and bring out more of your unique perspective to make the book memorable and effective.
Do you edit self-help and personal growth books?
Yes! I’m obsessed with self help books and have been since I was in high school ;)
I work with authors writing self-help, personal development, and transformational nonfiction. I can help you organize your ideas, strengthen your central argument, create a logical chapter structure, and ensure your book delivers a kick-ass experience for readers. The self-help genres are suuuuuper competitive and saturated, so let’s figure out what’s going to make your book unique so it stands out.
Do you work with therapists, coaches, and healers who want to write a book?
Yes. I support therapists, coaches, healers, and other professionals who want to turn their knowledge, original ideas, and lived experiences into a book. Whether you're writing a professional nonfiction book, a personal growth guide, or a memoir, I can help you shape your ideas into a cohesive manuscript.
Do you offer developmental editing for memoir?
Yes. Dev editing for memoir is one of my favorite things to do—ever! I help memoir authors strengthen their narrative arc, organize life experiences into a cohesive story, develop meaningful scenes, balance storytelling with reflection, and clarify the deeper questions driving the book. My goal is to help you create a memoir that honors your lived experience while engaging readers.
With memoir dev editing, we’re going to take a very close look at:
The arc of your story—and how the pacing and characters keep the reader moving forward
Surprises—are there enough of them? Will the reader lose interest anywhere?
Themes. What themes are carrying the story forward? What are the sub themes? What’s the thread that weaves through the whole story?
With memoir, I also coach you as the author to develop emotional resilience. Because getting your story into the world is a very courageous and sometimes difficult action to take!
I’m here to help you process your emotions, write safely when revisiting traumatic memories, and ultimately finish a book that you’re really proud of and feel safe sharing with the world.
What's the difference between a memoir editor and a memoir writing coach?
A memoir editor evaluates your manuscript and offers feedback on its structure, storytelling, pacing, and overall effectiveness. A memoir writing coach works with you throughout the writing process, helping you develop ideas, navigate challenges, make creative decisions, and keep moving forward.
Essentially the coaching piece is for you if you’re still drafting. Editing is if you have a full draft completed and want to refine and revise it to prepare to publish.
Depending on your needs, you may benefit from one service or a combination of both.
Can you help me develop a book from a partial manuscript?
Absolutely. You don't need a finished manuscript to work with me. I can help you assess an existing draft, identify gaps in your structure, clarify your central message, develop a chapter outline, and determine the next steps toward completing your book.
This is actually a great way to ensure a more fun, relaxed experience of writing! With a coach by your side, you won’t waste months or even years writing in circles. You’ll be able to make smart decisions and stay focused on each next step rather than getting distracted or frustrated.
Can you help me develop a nonfiction book proposal?
Yes, I do write proposals. I can help you clarify your book's premise, identify its intended audience, organize your chapter outline, and develop the core elements of a nonfiction book proposal. This is great if you're considering traditional publishing and want to prepare your project for literary agents or publishers.
What if I'm not sure whether my book is a memoir, self-help book, or spiritual nonfiction?
That's something we can explore together. Many meaningful books cross genres, combining personal narrative, psychological insight, spiritual exploration, and practical guidance. I'll help you clarify the book's central promise, intended audience, and structure so you can make informed decisions about how to develop and position it.
Can you help me preserve my authentic voice while editing my book?
Absolutely. My goal is to bring out more of your natural voice on the page. The way we do this is by meeting face-to-face on Zoom so I can hear your actual voice! I do also do voice note coaching through an app like Whatsapp or Telegram. If you don’t think of yourself as a “professional” writer, that’s okay! I can still help you bring out more of your natural voice in your writing.
If you need help identifying your unique style and tone, I have a ton of experience with that.
I provide thoughtful editorial feedback and collaborate with you on decisions about language, structure, and revision.
Can you help if English isn't my first language?
Yes, I’ve worked with authors whose first language is Spanish. I can help you refine your manuscript while preserving your individual voice, perspective, and style. Depending on your manuscript's needs, we can focus on developmental editing, clarity, sentence-level improvements, or copyediting.
Do you use AI to edit books?
No, I don’t.
I do sometimes work with authors who have used AI to draft their books, but this is on a case-by-case basis. In my contact form, there’s a question asking about AI use and if AI was used to draft your book.
How much does developmental editing cost?
Developmental editing costs depend on your manuscript's length, complexity, current stage, and the level of feedback required. I provide project-specific pricing based on your book and goals. Contact me with details about your manuscript to discuss the scope of work and receive a tailored proposal.
When should I hire a developmental editor?
It's often helpful to hire a developmental editor once you have a partial or complete draft, particularly if you're unsure whether your book's structure, argument, or narrative is working. You can also seek editorial guidance earlier if you need help developing your concept, outlining chapters, or evaluating the direction of your manuscript.
How do I find the right editor for my spiritual nonfiction or memoir?
Look for an editor who understands your genre, has relevant experience, communicates clearly, and respects your creative vision. Ask about their editorial process, the feedback you'll receive, and how they'll help you strengthen your manuscript. The right editor should offer honest, thoughtful guidance while helping you create a book that feels authentically yours.
If you made it to the end of this page, wow! Thanks for reading!
