Memoir Coaching
For the memoirist who craves clarity, accountability, editorial feedback and guidance while they plan, write, revise and/or pitch their book.
You have something to say — a story others need to hear — but…
you’re stuck and don’t know how to move forward
you need help identifying the universal story in your unique experience so you can answer the question, why does my story matter?
you’re struggling to shape your experiences into a story others will want to read
you crave honest feedback and emotional clarity from a knowledgeable guide to keep you on the right track
you’re tired of writing alone and you wish you had someone to brainstorm your ideas with.
you’re tired of writing alone and you wish you had someone to brainstorm your ideas with. Someone who gets it.
you don’t just want to write a book, you want to write a book with impact.
If so, I can help. I’m a certified book coach helping writers find the clarity, confidence and momentum to author brave memoirs.
“Jessica got me to dig deeper into my past in ways I never imagined and helped me find the belief in myself that I could do this…If you’re thinking about writing a memoir, you want someone like Jessica by your side. I swear my memoir would not exist without her.”
—JESSICA LEIBE
Writing doesn’t have to be a struggle.
Imagine this instead:
You have a clear and comprehensive road map to follow so that you don’t have to wonder what to write next.
You get personalized editorial feedback on a regular basis and you know exactly what you need to do to improve it and stay on track.
You have a professional with whom to brainstorm and problem solve as you write so you're never going at it alone.
You feel confident and inspired when you write instead of overwhelmed, confused, and full of doubt.
You have a finished draft that’s a reality—not just something on your vision board that feels out of reach.
You’re clear on your publishing goals with a cheerleader in your corner.
“Jessica is an amazing coach and knowledgeable editor. She made me feel like my book was important and that I was capable of writing it. She showed up to each meeting ready to move the needle forward and at times it felt like she was more invested in my project than I was! She has the compassion to not overwhelm, the tenacity to go the distance, and the bandwidth to hold your vision with you, and for you when needed.”
—PAIGE BRADLEY-PECOUL
What’s My Coaching Style?
As a coach, I'm equal parts knowledgeable guide, story strategist, developmental editor and biggest fan.
My clients say I have a way of getting in their heads. Really, it's just deep listening combined with my deep understanding of what makes a good story and my ability to hold the door open as they find the courage to walk through.
My rooms are inclusive spaces with zero judgement and an invitation to vulnerability. We dig deep to uncover truths you might not have even known you were hiding, and those truths often become the key that unlocks your story, thus taking your book from good to great.
It's my job to help you write the best version of the story only you can tell. On the days you doubt your writing ability or worry if anyone will actually want to read your book, I'm here to remind you that you CAN and they WILL. I don't believe you would invest so much of your heart, your time and your money into something you didn't believe was absolutely worth it.
“I have clarity on how to move forward with my manuscript. I came into coaching confused, writing in circles with a lot of words and a jumbled storyline. Through our work, and mostly through [Jessica’s] edits, I was able to see the story come to life. I had it all there, but she was able to guide me to its potential. Her heart-centered approach was amplified in the way she delicately held the hard parts in a nonjudgemental and beautifully objective way while I sifted through the pain points. She has given me the gift of believing in myself as a writer, again. There is something undeniably healing in that.”
—KATHRYN VIGNESS
Get ready for accountability, encouragement, guidance and tough love.
Together:
● We’ll work through a series of exercises designed to map your memoir — a process that builds off the Author Accelerator Blueprint developed by Jennie Nash that hundreds of writers have used to and get super clear on the story they want/need to tell
● We’ll create a writing and editing schedule that fits your lifestyle and feels sustainable and exciting while pushing you (slightly) out of your comfort zone
● We’ll work through personalized solutions for any mindset issues that are getting in your way (bye bye writer’s block, imposter syndrome and procrastination!)
● We’ll keep you motivated and on track through submission deadlines, editorial feedback, instruction and support.
● We’ll determine your publishing path and the steps to make it happen, whether you want to self-publish or work with a hybrid or traditional publisher.
“Working with Jessica has helped to open new dimensions for my memoir manuscript. Through The Memoir Map and structured discussion, she has really helped me to dig deep into the heart of my story, uncover my motivation for writing it, and reveal the gaps in my narrative, including ideas for best opening and closing scenes. For anyone working in memoir, I would not hesitate to recommend them to work with Jessica!
—WILEY WEI-CHIUN HO
Let’s Work Together!
Story Strategy Session
Together we will identify the heart of your story, define your transformation, and discuss the best places to begin and end your book, plus how to structure your narrative and more.
What you get:
A detailed story strategy workbook
Detailed editorial feedback on your story and structure
One 90-minute Zoom session with Jessica to discuss dive deeper so you can walk away with a clear roadmap for how to write forward
$750
Here are two ways I can help you write your memoir…
1:1 Book Coaching
If you’re looking for customized, ongoing support to hold yourself accountable, stay motivated and on track, and write the best version of the memoir only you can write, this six-month container is for you.
What you get:
The complete Story Strategy Session
Two 60-minute Zoom sessions per month
Detailed editorial feedback on up to 50 double-spaced pages per month (25 per cycle)
A six-month container to help you stay committed to your memoir
Unlimited email support between meetings
$1,000 / month for six months
“Jessica is a master at this process. Working with her helped to untangle the yarn in my head and pull the threads 🧵 into a methodical order that I can knit into a cohesive narrative. Thanks, Jessica! It was getting awfully woolly up in the ‘ole noggin.”
—LESLIE B. SCOTT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Absolutely! Send me an email so we can chat more about your story and how I can help. My email is jessica [at] jessicajhill.com
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I work with all kinds of memoir, whether it’s narrative, literary, hybrid, speculative, autofiction, or something experimental.
I'm not the right coach for genre fiction or traditional nonfiction projects.
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If you’re still searching for the heart of your story (the "why it matters”), the right structure, or help with publishing and you think a coach can help, then absolutely!
If you’re looking for someone to read your full manuscript and provide a manuscript evaluation or developmental edit, then no. I don’t currently offer full editing services.
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Absolutely not! I wish I could, but nobody can promise that. The publishing industry is very subjective, and there are no guarantees even for already successful authors.
However, I can promise you that through dedication, guidance and a lot of heart, both your writing and your confidence will improve. And both are key ingredients to publishing.