Writing Coaching
Contact me to schedule your free, 20-minute consultation.
What are you working on? Is it a novel? A memoir? A children’s book? A podcast? A play? Let me help you start and finish it! I’ve combined over 25 years of writing and teaching experience into private coaching, helping clients achieve their creative goals. Monthly guest speakers, technical editing, and courses on craft distinguish this writing coaching program. Dive in! Scroll down for coaching offers:
PRIVATE COACHING:
“Melissa is amazing! She helped me identify my fears and face them, so I could finally get my writing practice underway. With her structural know-how, dialogue virtuosity and comic gifts, she is an excellent technical coach as well as an insightful and inspired motivator.”
Mary O., Santa Monica, CA
“I just wanted you to know Blind Rage (true-crime podcast) is in the bag and published. I cannot express how grateful I am for your help with this project.”
Carol C., Los Angeles, CA
“BM (Before Melissa) I would have scoffed at the thought of working with an anything-coach, let alone a writing coach, but a friend recommended her and I trusted my friend. I had a 20-minute consultation call and she was so open, interested, and helpful that by the time we hung up I had decided to go for it. I signed up the next day (for the 5-month offer), and by the end of the week we were coaching. AM (Afer Melissa) I can tell you that I finished my script which is now with an agent (I got the agent from the script), and I had 11 coaching sessions that were engaging, funny, motivating and even profound. Melissa is so good at her job. Don’t fear coaching! It’s real and it’s helpful. I will hire her again for my next writing project.”
Marcus A., New York, NY
“I hope you know how deeply I appreciate you seeing and celebrating my gifts, as well as all your brilliant, helpful insights and our fertile-as-heck back-and-forths that were so freaking fun and expansive.”
Marlene M., Sydney, Australia
THE DEEP-END PACKAGE
- Year-long coaching program
- Best for those starting a new project, or have an early draft of a project, and need accountability, editing, feedback, access to guest speakers and classes.
- 2x month/hour-long coaching calls to spitball ideas, discuss progress, set goals, receive feedback.
- 20 pages per month deep reading/editing of your pages with written feedback. Light editing after 240 pages, until the end of your project.
- Guest speakers throughout the year, including agents, publishers, producers, podcasters and authors.
- Access to 3 courses/workshops over the year, on craft, structure, content.
- By the end of the year you will have a solid draft (or more) of your project.
- Pay-in-full discount
Learn more, see pricing, and get started with a free 20-minute consultation today.
THE SHALLOW-END PACKAGE
- 5-month coaching program
- Best for people who have a draft of a project but still need some time to finesse, need accountability, editing, feedback, access to guest speakers and classes.
- 11, hour-long coaching calls to use at your convenience to spitball ideas, discuss progress, set goals, receive feedback.
- 15 pages per month reading/editing of your pages with written feedback.
- Guest speakers throughout the program, including agents, publishers, producers, podcasters and authors.
- Access to 2 courses/workshops over the 5-month period, on craft, structure, content.
- By the end of the 5-months, you will have a working draft of your project.
- Pay-in-full discount
Learn more, see pricing, and get started with a free 20-minute consultation today.
“Melissa is such an inspiring coach! She helped me shape my book into something much more powerful! I’m so happy to have her!”
Barbara R., Los Angeles, CA
“The writing accelerator exceeded all my expectations. I learned about writing, so it propelled me to write. The idea I’ve had in my head for years finally took shape – zero to 13,000 words in 8 sessions.”
Jennifer K, Mexico City
“I’m so glad I hired Melissa to help me finish my book, which is now with an agent. She was always prepared with insights and edits. I enjoyed my time with her immensely.”
Claire W., Philadelphia, PA
“Thank you a thousand times over, Melissa. This was such great experience, and I am finally enroute to finishing my memoir.”
Karen B., Los Angeles, CA
CURRENT CLIENTS
Book your coaching sessions here:
https://calendly.com/writingpool/writing-coaching-session?month=2022-01&date=2022-01-10
Upcoming Speakers:
Please RSVP to the upcoming talks you’d like to attend and a Zoom link will be sent to you on the day of the talk.
October 3, 2023, 5pm PST
Screenwriter Irene Turner
Screenwriter Irene Turner co-wrote (with Tommy O’Haver) THE MOST HATED WOMAN IN AMERICA, a Netflix Original Film. Showcasing Melissa Leo as fiery atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair, it gave voice to a long-forgotten fighter for freedom of speech and religion.
Other collaborations with Tommy include the gritty true-life drama AN AMERICAN CRIME. The film premiered at Sundance and received Golden Globe, Emmy and Writers Guild Award nominations. She also produced his gay romantic comedy BILLY’S HOLLYWOOD SCREEN KISS.
Past Speakers:
Author Tara Altebrando
Author/Television writer/Producer Gina Fattore
Producer Fonda Snyder
Children’s Author Rochelle Strauss
Author/Screenwriter Rachael Biggs
Author/Screenwriter David Kukoff
Author Christine Chang