Writing for Women on the Verge
Monthly Journaling Membership
Tuesday mornings
October's Journal: Virginia Woolf, A Writer's Diary
Writing for Women on the Verge
via Writing Co-Lab
begins Oct 16
Writing MINI-RETREAT for Women on the Verge
at the Urbane Arts Club in Brooklyn
Nov 21
Self-Directed Writing for Women on the Verge
Go at your own pace
Creative Coaching
Stuck in a creative rut? There's something between going it alone and committing to an MFA program: this individualized coaching plan. Whether you're working on a book, or looking to commit or recommit to your creative practice, my coaching package can be tailored to your needs.
We'll have 6 weekly or biweekly meetings, which can be hour-long Zooms or calls.
In between our meetings, you can send me up to 5k words of writing -- either something you're working on, or responses to generative prompts I provide. I will add some light line notes. During our meetings, we'll discuss what you have and how to keep going.
If you'd like more editorial feedback, we can arrange this and the price will change according to how much of my time is required. And if you'd like to keep going after our initial 6 sessions, we can arrange that, too!
Clients have gone on to develop their creative practices, get into MFA grad school programs, sign with agents, hone their book proposals, and publish in outlets including the New York Times Modern Love column, The Sun, Audible Originals, Oldster, Vogue, Jezebel, LA Times, Tablet, Katie Couric's Wake Up Call, Funicular, Human Parts, and more.
“Amy’s feedback was essential in strengthening my writing and my pitch. She helped me get my agent!" - Dr Stacy Wentworth, author of CANCER CULTURE and creator of the podcast Less Radical
"You gave me so many valuable insights and practical suggestions for how to approach the challenges I’ve been struggling with in the story. I came away from our conversation feeling much clearer about the path forward and the next steps I need to take to address the things that have been nagging at me about the story for a really long time. I’m excited to dive into your suggestions and hopefully come back with a much stronger outline." - Marc Tannen, author of GODFATHER OF THE GHETTO, a graphic-novel-in-progress
"Thanks again for your input and editing suggestions. Your clarity and generosity made an important difference in these pieces." -Denise DiIanni, author of two Modern Love columns (so far!) and the novel-in-progress CODE PINK
"Amy is a wonderful writing coach. Through her gentle probing, astute suggestions and overall support, she has been instrumental in helping me view my work through a new lens. All four of my essays that we worked on have now been accepted for publication. She is kind, smart and attentive, and I cannot recommend her highly enough." - Diana Friedman, essayist and writing retreat-leader
Contact me for more information and rates.
Developmental Editing
In today's competitive marketplace, you need to get your book as close to perfect as possible before querying agents or submitting to publishers.
When I do a developmental edit, I read the whole book twice, adding line notes and writing up extensive editorial feedback. The fee includes a meeting over zoom or telephone to discuss notes, and any follow-up questions writers may have.
I always read and edit with an eye towards what you, the author, want the book to be, and your specific publication hopes and dreams.
My specialities are upmarket and literary fiction and memoir.
I love well-written tales of life upheavals, LGBTQ stories, and women on the verge. I also happily edit narrative nonfiction, romance and other genre fiction, and YA and middle grade books.
Clients have gone on to publish with major publishers like Workman, Hachette, Macmillan, and Penguin Random House. I’ve also 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.
"When I reached out to Amy, I felt like I was writing in a vacuum, unsure if my book was on the right track. During those moments of self-doubt, her time and energy were invaluable. Her keen editorial eye helped me avoid throwing out perfectly good writing, and her insightful feedback gave me clarity I needed when ideas felt scattered. On top of that, Amy generously shared ideas and resources to explore article opportunities that might build momentum towards my book launch!"
- Vanessa Chakour, author of EARTHLY BODIES: EMBRACING ANIMAL NATURE
"I re-queried after working through my agent query letter with you and got two offers almost immediately!"
-Laura Venita Green, author of debut novel SISTER CREATURES, an Indie Next pick
"I have nothing but good things to say about working with Amy Shearn. She is kind, brilliant and really good at explaining her notes. Amy’s edit of my manuscript draft was thorough on both the macro and micro level. With her guidance, I took my memoir draft from not quite working, but maybe cute, to something I was excited to submit. She helped me find the humor, the structure and the honest thread. She also gave tons of line edits that elevated my writing without getting in the way of my voice. I cannot recommend her highly enough to accompany you on a project that you find overwhelming or intimidating. She is an incredible listener and one of the funniest writers I know, and both come through in her editing. In short: I don't think I would be as mentally stable as I am now, having handed in my final draft, without Amy in my corner."
-Micaela Blei, author of "You Will Not Recognize Your Life" (Audible, 2024) and "The Secret Life of Your Third Grade Teacher" (HarperOne, 2027)