Unstick Your Writing ✨
We all have those moments when we feel stuck: with a small or large project; with a writing practice; with creativity in general. I've been through this, and I can help you get through it too.
I write a free monthly newsletter about getting unstuck. Join the 2k+ subscribers on Substack!
I work with writers in a variety of ways.
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Writers with a completed project:
I edit shorter pieces (essays, articles, short stories, etc), for a sliding scale of $150-$200 an hour. One hour minimum.
I also edit book-length manuscripts in any genre. This includes line notes, an edit letter, and an hour-long meeting to discuss, and my fee is $.04 a word.
For more in-depth developmental book editing for works-in-progress, please contact me for a quote.
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Writers who are ready to submit to agents (or want to be):
I will review your agent query letter + first ten pages for a flat fee of $300.
For a review or developmental edit of a book proposal, contact me for quote.
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Writers who are in a generative place (or want to be):
My Get Unstuck Coaching Package is tailored to writers' needs, but generally is shaped something like:
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An introductory hour-long phone call or video chat, where we discuss your writing goals and process
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Weekly meetings, which can be Zooms, phone calls, email exchanges, or potentially in person (!) if you're in Brooklyn. Before our meetings, you send me writing (something you're working on, or responses to generative prompts I provide). During our meetings, we can discuss what you have and how to keep going.
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Accountability check-ins via text or email
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6 weeks minimum commitment; price for 6 week session is $1500
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Contact me for more information, or go ahead and schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
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Wait, why YOU?
Oh I'm so glad you asked! I have nearly twenty years of experience editing for publications and organizations including Medium, JSTOR, Condé Nast, and the literary magazine Joyland. I've taught for Yale Writers' Workshop, NYU, Sackett Street Writing Workshops, Gotham Writers Workshop, The Resort LIC, Catapult, and Story Studio Chicago.
I've published five novels with major publishing houses, and hundreds of essays in publications like Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, Coastal Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, and the New York Times Modern Love column.
My clients have gone on to publish in outlets like the LA Times, Jezebel, Tablet, and literary publications like Funicular and Human Parts. Writers I've worked with have published books with major publishing houses, including Hachette, Macmillan, and Penguin Random House. I've helped writers to query and sign agents, grow their newsletters, hone book proposals, and (maybe most importantly) get back on track with their creative practices after serious blocks.
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Testimonials
"After struggling away on my manuscript for many years alone, Amy was a light in the darkness, guiding me with authority, practicality and humour. She was gentle with her (spot on) criticism of the weaknesses in my draft, and showed me how to turn the overwhelming task of revision into a series of steps I was capable of doing. I still don’t know if I will ever finish this book or, if I finish it, whether it will ever get published, but Amy helped me make it so much better, and made the process feel less lonely and so much more fun."
-Hilary T., first-time memoirist
"Amy's insightful feedback helped me take my manuscript draft to the next level. I would definitely use her services again for novel revisions, as well as query letter guidance. If you're feeling stuck, or just want another pair of eyes on your work, Amy is the one to reach out to!"
-Laura M., standup comic and first-time novelist
"Working with Amy Shearn took me from aspiring writer all the way to publication. The work we did together was incredibly valuable. In working with me on my manuscript, Amy taught me how fiction works, from character development to narrative arc to believable dialogue. I highly recommend working with her if you have a manuscript that needs to be taken to the next level."
-Amy Poeppel, author of the critically-acclaimed novels Small Admissions and Limelight.
"I had so much fun working with Amy Shearn on my manuscript, I only wish I had more time/funds/novels to workshop with her. I found her to be a very thoughtful editor who gave incisive yet supportive feedback. She took a great deal of care and was thorough in helping me re-think my book. She also brought some new insights to my story that had not occurred to me. I loved working with her so much that I’m going to risk misspelling the following word: exemplary."
-Tina Lee, author of the YA novel-in-progress Winnie Kim's 1984 Mix Tape.
"I was lucky enough to meet Amy while revising my first novel. I had dusted off my manuscript, laid it out on the operating table, and needed a fresh editorial perspective from someone not a blood relative. Working with Amy was awesome. She gave my book a very thoughtful, careful read and came back with insights that really helped me make cuts (killing your darlings isn't easy!) and edits that got the story arc where it needed to go. Amy has a keen editorial eye and great sense of humor (important in this business) and I'd recommend her to any fellow writer."
-Helen Wan, author of The Partner Track, a Book Club selection of REAL SIMPLE and The National Association of Women Lawyers
"Highly recommend you work with Amy! Those hard choices you can't get yourself to make with your manuscript? She'll spot every one of them and tip you toward the right path."
-Meghann Foye, editor and author of the novel Meternity
Editorial Work:
Essays
for Human Parts, Medium's literary publication:
"Faces of Jeanne and Tom," by Jonathan Lethem
"How to Really, Truly See Yourself," by Savala Nolan
for Forge, Medium's personal development publication:
"Self-Care Won't Cure What Ails You," by Ada Calhoun
"It's Time to Reset Your Relationship's Power Dynamics," by Brigid Schulte
"How Google Drive Can Make Every Corner of Your Life Easier," by Alexandra Samuel
for JSTOR Daily:
"The Fairytale Language of the Brothers Grimm," by Chi Luu
"Being a Victorian Librarian Was Oh-So-Dangerous," by Livia Gershon
"Charles Knowlton, the Father of American Birth Control," by Amy Sohn
for Joyland Literary Magazine:
"Long Exposure," by Hala Alyan
"We Drew This Picture of JonBenet," by Megan Walsh
Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation.