Memoir Consultation & Editing
Your Life Story, Thoughtfully Crafted
Every life contains stories worth telling - moments of transformation, resilience, joy, and meaning that deserve to be captured with care and insight. Whether you’re writing for publication, family legacy, or personal reflection, a memoir offers the opportunity to make sense of your experiences and share your unique perspective with others.
But the journey from memory to memoir is rarely straightforward. Finding the narrative thread that connects disparate experiences, deciding what to include and what to leave out, developing your authentic voice, and structuring your story for impact - these challenges can feel overwhelming even for experienced writers.
This is where thoughtful guidance makes all the difference.
Your story matters. Not because it is extraordinary (though it may be), but because it is yours - a unique perspective on what it means to be human in this complex world. The act of shaping this story with intention is a profound gift, both to yourself and to those who will read it.
I work with a limited number of memoir clients to ensure personalized attention. I respond to a ll inquiries within 48 hours.
Your Life Story, Thoughtfully Crafted
Every life contains stories worth telling - moments of transformation, resilience, joy, and meaning that deserve to be captured with care and insight. Whether you’re writing for publication, family legacy, or personal reflection, a memoir offers the opportunity to make sense of your experiences and share your unique perspective with others.
But the journey from memory to memoir is rarely straightforward. Finding the narrative thread that connects disparate experiences, deciding what to include and what to leave out, developing your authentic voice, and structuring your story for impact - these challenges can feel overwhelming even for experienced writers.
This is where thoughtful guidance makes all the difference.
Your story matters. Not because it is extraordinary (though it may be), but because it is yours - a unique perspective on what it means to be human in this complex world. The act of shaping this story with intention is a profound gift, both to yourself and to those who will read it.
I work with a limited number of memoir clients to ensure personalized attention. I respond to a ll inquiries within 48 hours.
Your Life Story, Thoughtfully Crafted
Every life contains stories worth telling - moments of transformation, resilience, joy, and meaning that deserve to be captured with care and insight. Whether you’re writing for publication, family legacy, or personal reflection, a memoir offers the opportunity to make sense of your experiences and share your unique perspective with others.
But the journey from memory to memoir is rarely straightforward. Finding the narrative thread that connects disparate experiences, deciding what to include and what to leave out, developing your authentic voice, and structuring your story for impact - these challenges can feel overwhelming even for experienced writers.
This is where thoughtful guidance makes all the difference.
Your story matters. Not because it is extraordinary (though it may be), but because it is yours - a unique perspective on what it means to be human in this complex world. The act of shaping this story with intention is a profound gift, both to yourself and to those who will read it.
I work with a limited number of memoir clients to ensure personalized attention. I respond to a ll inquiries within 48 hours.
My Approach
I believe that powerful memoirs are built on three foundations:
Truth: emotional honesty that resonates with readers
Meaning: insights that transform personal experience into universal understanding
Craft: narrative techniques that engage readers and honor your story
My role is not to tell you what your story should be, but to help you discover the most compelling and authentic way to tell it. Together, we’ll find the meaning within your experiences and shape them into a narrative that resonates with readers while remaining true to your voice and perspective.
Services Offered
Memoir Visioning Session: for those beginning their memoir journey
A structured consultation to help you:
Clarify your memoir’s purpose and audience
Identify the central themes and narrative arc of your story
Explore potential structures and approaches
Understand the emotional and practical aspects of memoir writing
Develop a sustainable writing plan tailored to your life
Investment: $250 (90-minute session with follow-up material)
Developmental Manuscript Consultation: for those with a draft or substantial material
A comprehensive analysis that provides:
Detailed feedback on structure and narrative flow
Identification of themes and opportunities for deeper exploration
Guidance on scene selection and development
Insights on voice consistency and emotional impact
Strategic recommendations for revision
Investment:
Partial manuscripts (up to 20,000 words): $825
Full manuscripts: $0.05 per word (60,000-word memoir: $3,000)
Ongoing Memoir Coaching: for writers seeking regular guidance and accountability
Personalized support throughout your writing journey:
Regular feedback on new material
Guidance on craft and technique as specific needs arise
Strategic planning for continued progress
Emotional support through challenging material
Accountability to maintain momentum
Investment:
Monthly package (4 sessions): $650
Bi-weekly package (8 sessions): $1,200
Weekly Intensive (12 sessions) $1,650
All packages include between-session email support)
Memoir Editing Services: for completing and refining your manuscript
Professional editing tailored to memoir’s unique needs:
Structural editing: narrative arc, pacing, and scene selection
Stylistic editing: voice consistency, dialogue, and description
Copy editing: grammar, clarity, and precision
Sensitivity reading: perspective on how other might receive your story
Investment:
Structural/Developmental Editing: $0.08 per word
Stylistic Editing: $0.05 per word
Copy Editing: $0.04 per word
Comprehensive Editing Package: 10% discount when combining services
The Process
For consultations:
Preparatory questionnaire: before our first meeting, I’ll send a thoughtful questionnaire to help you reflect on your memoir goals and challenges
Initial consultation: we’ll meet virtually or in person (local to Denver) to discuss your vision, explore possibilities, and identify your next best steps
Strategic planning: following our consultation, I’ll provide you with customized recommendations, resources, and a proposed path forward - including cost quote
Implementation support: whether through ongoing coaching or periodic check-ins, I’ll help you maintain momentum and overcome obstacles
For Manuscript Editing:
Preliminary assessment: I’ll review a sample of your work to understanding your voice, style, and specific editing needs
Proposal & Agreement: you’ll receive a detailed proposal outlining the recommended editing approach, timeline, and investment
Collaborative editing: I’ll provide comprehensive feedback and suggestions while maintaining dialogue about key decisions
Refinement: we’ll work through revisions together, ensuring the final manuscript honors your vision while engaging readers
Why Choose Written Samantha
Unlike editing services that focus primarily on technical elements, my approach to memoir work centers on the meaningful intersection of life experience and narrative craft. My background in reflective writing and personal development brings unique insight to the memoir process. I understand that writing about your life requires:
Emotional courage and vulnerability
Discernment about sharing stories that involve others
Balance between honesty and compassion
Technical skill in narrative techniques
Clarity about purpose and audience
Most importantly, I recognize that each memoir - like each life - is unique. The guidance I offer is never formulaic but always tailored to your specific story, voice, and goals.
Is this right for you?
Memoir consultation and editing is ideal for:
Individuals with significant life experiences to share
Writers struggling with structure or narrative focus
Those seeking to leave a written legacy for family
Professionals writing memoirs for thought leadership
Anyone feeling stuck in the memoir writing process