Book Coaching and Editing Services
No one knows your story better than you
But a fresh set of eyes and a different point-of-view can help unlock your novel and take it from good to great.
As a book coach and developmental editor, I can help you keep your novel moving forward, brainstorm when you’re stuck, and shape your finished draft into a powerful story.
Here are some ways I can help:
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Book Coaching
Keep your novel moving forward with regular accountability and feedback.
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Developmental Editing
Take your manuscript to the next level with in-depth analysis and feedback.
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Creative Boost
Get motivated, solve story problems, or brainstorm ideas with these focused one-off sessions.
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Workshops & Classes
Join me for group classes and workshops for writers.
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![Kathleen Guthrie Woods]()
"Lisa Manterfield coached me through the soul-searching lows and the heart-pounding highs of putting my memoir-with-a-message out into the world. She is a knowledgeable and experienced guide from inception through publication, and exactly the champion you want on your team. Highly recommend."
— Kathleen Guthrie Woods, author of The Mother of All Dilemmas, one of Katie Couric’s 37 Life-Changing Books You Won’t Be Able to Put Down.
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![Rayne Lacko]()
"I love Lisa's editing style. I really appreciate the way she gives feedback along with kind and complimentarv comments."
— Rayne Lacko, Author of A Song for the Road
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![decorative pen illustration]()
"Before meeting Lisa, writing had become another to-do list item, somewhere just after walking the dog for the third time and cleaning behind the toilet. But in just a few short months, she transformed me from an avid dog walker and toilet cleaner into a real writer who gets excited about sidling up to the keyboard each day. Lisa instilled confidence, but more than that, she brought the best parts of me forward on the page. Now, not only am I moving swiftly toward my goal of finishing and publishing this work, but I am inspired to dream beyond that to future projects. Lisa is better than therapy."
— Jason Luban
Book Coaching
Writing is deep, emotional work.
It can also be lonely work.
Sometimes you need a partner to help you through the rough spots.
As your Book Coach, I can help you complete that first draft or guide you through heavy revisions. I will:
Begin with a kick-off meeting via video or phone to learn about your goals and vision for your book, discuss areas where you may need extra help, and decide on a production schedule that works for you.
Keep you accountable to your writing schedule to keep your project moving forward.
Provide feedback on your work to make sure your story stays on track.
Offer support, encouragement, and ideas when your writing hits a rough patch.
Celebrate your progress and, of course, completion.
Assist is navigating your path to publishing.
A typical schedule includes written feedback via email on up to 50 pages per month, submitted weekly or bi-weekly to suit your writing pace. In addition, I will be available for two one-hour video or phone meetings each month, as needed.
Rates from: $600/month*
*Three month minimum commitment.
Developmental Editing
When you’re ready to take your book to the next level, you need a more detailed analysis of the work and guidance toward your next revision.
As your Developmental Editor, I offer:
A full evaluation of your manuscript.
A 5-10 page editorial letter highlighting strengths of the manuscript and areas that need work, such as plot, character, world/setting, pacing, voice, and tension.
In-line comments to guide your next draft.
A 60-minute follow-up call to discuss the main areas of concentration for your next round of revisions and to answer any questions.
Rates from: $0.03 per word
"Get Unstuck" Creative Boost
Maybe you’ve hit the saggy middle of your story or you can’t figure out your ending. Perhaps a secondary character has taken over and you’re no longer sure whose story you’re telling.
Maybe you have a glut of brilliant ideas and can’t decide which one to work on first.
A “Get Unstuck” Creative Boost will get you back on track. You’ll get:
A 60-minute “Get Unstuck” video meeting or phone session to help you uncover your story problems and figure out what’s holding you back.
A writing assignment to help you find the answers.
A 60-minute follow-up session to fine-tune the details and get you back on track.
Rates from: $300
8-Week Publishing Intensive Workshop
Coming January 2025
Shirin Yim Leos and I will be teaching an nine-week publishing intensive, via Zoom.
This will be a hands-on, in-depth, how-to, and let’s-do-it-together kind of course that aims to have all participants leave with their strategic, pitch, and marketing plans in place, and maybe even some completed materials in hand. Some of our industry friends will also be joining us to give you the benefit of their professional experience.
You can find information about a previous version of this workshop here.
Meet Your book Coach
Over the past decade, Lisa Manterfield has published five novels, two works of non-fiction, and five non-fiction ebooks, and coached many other authors to publishing success.
She has taught writing and publishing at libraries, writing communities, and for Stanford Continuing Studies. Her work has been published in Los Angeles Times, Psychology Today, Huffington Post, and The Saturday Evening Post, and she has appeared on NPR, Sacramento & Company, and KOMO News Seattle.
She is an Independent Publishers Book Award winner, Best American Fiction Finalist, and UCLA Kirkwood Prize in Fiction nominee.