Craft a proposal that captures your story’s power—and helps it take flight.
A book proposal is part sales document, part creative pitch, part act of faith. Writing one can feel so daunting. I know how vulnerable it is to place your story in someone else’s hands. My goal is to help you create a proposal that honors your journey while giving agents and publishers a clear reason to say yes.
A strong proposal doesn’t just summarize your book—it communicates why your story matters now, who it’s for, and why you’re the person to tell it. I’ll help you weave those threads together so your proposal shines with clarity, professionalism, and heart.
Who I Work With
I work with memoirists and narrative nonfiction writers who are ready to share their stories with the world. You might already have a draft of your manuscript or be in the middle of revisions. You might also be staring at the blank page where a proposal should be and wondering how to begin.
Wherever you are, I’ll meet you there—with equal parts industry know-how and trauma-informed support. Together, we’ll turn your vision into a compelling roadmap for your book’s future.
Ways We Can Work Together
1. Proposal Strategy Session $300
If you have a draft or partial proposal—or even just an idea—I’ll review up to ten pages of materials to help you assess what’s working, what needs more depth, and how to make your proposal irresistible to agents and editors.
You’ll receive
- A careful review of your materials.
- A 60-minute coaching session focused on clarity, direction, and next steps.
- A clear action plan for moving forward with confidence.
Perfect for: writers who desire expert eyes on the marketing-driven portion of the proposal and want to develop a strategic plan that will help them better understand and reach their audience as they complete their proposal.
2. Chapter Outline & Sample Chapter Review $800
If you’re interested in assessing your story’s viability or how your content holds together, I can complete a deep review of your chapter outline and sample chapter(s).
You’ll receive:
- Detailed feedback on your chapter outline (its pacing, structure, hook, flow, and resonance).
- Editorial notes on your sample chapter(s) up to 25 pages (6,250 words): voice, clarity, narrative tension, scene/summary balance, and whether it aligns with your proposal’s promise.
- A 60-minute coaching session (via Zoom) to unpack the feedback together, clarify revisions and map next steps.
Perfect for: writers who are building the heart of their book and want expert guidance before or during proposal development.
3. Full Proposal Review $1500
If you have a full proposal, you can submit it for a comprehensive review where I’ll assess what’s working, what needs more depth, and how to make your proposal irresistible to agents and editors.
You’ll receive:
- A careful review of your materials.
- Written feedback on what’s working and what requires improvement.
- A 60-minute coaching session focused on clarity, direction, and next steps.
- A clear action plan for moving forward with confidence.
Perfect for: writers who want expert eyes on their proposal and tailored feedback that blends craft, marketing, and mindset.
Full Proposal Development Package $3000
If you’re ready to create a complete, submission-ready proposal, I’ll walk beside you through every stage of the process. Together, we’ll build or refine each major section—overview, audience, comps, marketing plan, chapter summaries, and sample chapters.
Along the way, we’ll also tend to the emotional terrain that arises when you share vulnerable work with the world. You’ll gain:
- Four 1:1 coaching sessions (via Zoom).
- Detailed editorial feedback and revision support.
- Accountability and encouragement throughout.
Perfect for: writers ready to take the next professional step with a fully polished, agent-ready proposal.
Why Work with Me
I’m not just here to polish your sentences. I’m here to help you step into your power as an author.
As a trauma-informed writing coach, mental health professional, and memoirist, I understand how deeply personal and complex this process can be. The stories we write often hold our most painful truths—and transforming them into something artful and publishable requires tenderness, clarity, and courage.
I bring years of experience in both the literary and publishing worlds, along with a gift for helping writers connect their inner truth to the outer structure a proposal requires. My clients often tell me they leave our sessions not just with a stronger proposal—but with a stronger sense of self.
What You’ll Gain
Real Stories, Real Results
“Crafting an impactful book proposal seemed so intimidating at first. I knew I’d only have one chance to make a first impression. Lisa offered insight, experience, and collaboration every step of the way. The result was an impressive proposal I’m proud of, positive feedback from all 5 agents I queried, and a choice in who I want to represent me. Lisa walked me from “scared” to “signed.”
Tia Levings
Tia Levings, author of the New York Times bestseller, A Well-Trained Wife (St. Martin’s Press)“Lisa helped me write for a general audience and gently coached me to the finish line. She is an outstanding teacher, editor, guide, cheerleader, coach, and critic. She is a fountain of knowledge and insight. Her editorial suggestions were always spot on. Without her, much of my writing would sit in a computer file, untouched.”
Nora Demleitner J.D.
Nora Demleitner, author of Built to Punish, forthcoming in 2026 (Promethius Press)“Lisa isn’t just a writing coach. She’s a book doula! ”
Gretchen Pianka M.D.
Pediatrician, founder of Resilience University and author of Coaching Families for Resilience (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Ready to begin?
Let’s talk about your project and see how I can support you.
My calendar fills quickly, so early booking is encouraged. I can’t wait to help you craft the proposal—and the future—you’ve been envisioning.