Experience & source material
Ghostwriting
You have the experience, ideas, and source material. Together, we shape the book and develop the manuscript in a voice that feels like your own.
Memoir & narrative nonfiction
Expert guidance for your book, given with the care I'd give my own.
Ghostwriting, book coaching and developmental editing for memoir and narrative nonfiction. Together, we give your book the experienced guidance, clear structure and thoughtful feedback it deserves.
Three ways to work
Choose the help that fits where your book is now.
Writing in progress
Book coaching
You want to write the book yourself, with a knowledgeable partner beside you. I help you find your direction, strengthen your pages, and keep making steady progress.
An existing manuscript
Developmental editing
You have a draft and know it needs another level of attention. I help you see what is working, what needs shaping, and how to revise with confidence.
How I work
A writing partner with an editor’s eye.
I look for clues to what’s working, uncover what needs attention, and help determine the best path to a stronger book.
Every book begins with someone who has something worth saying. I love helping writers discover the shape of their story and bring their ideas together into a thoughtful, well-crafted book.
I specialize in memoir, medical narrative, and creative nonfiction. Whether I’m ghostwriting, coaching you through your own writing, or developing an existing manuscript, we begin by talking about your vision, what you want your book to accomplish, and the readers you hope to reach.
I bring an interviewer’s curiosity, an editor’s discerning eye, and a teacher’s patience to every project. I help you recognize what’s working, identify what needs attention, and build a clear, cohesive structure that serves your story and its readers. When I recommend a change, I explain why it matters, so you can make informed decisions and feel confident in the direction we’re taking. Your voice and vision remain at the heart of the work, and we agree on the scope, pace, and next steps together.
My approach is grounded in an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from UC Riverside and more than twenty years of teaching writing and literature. Those years taught me that writers do their best work when expertise is paired with encouragement, thoughtful questions, and clear guidance. That’s what I bring to our work together: the editorial judgment to help you build a stronger book and the collaborative care to make the process feel manageable, meaningful, and truly your own.
We’ll agree on scope, deliverables, timelines, and fees before work begins.
More about AnnetteBook coaching · James, memoir
“As a first-time author, I had a lot to learn. Annette stepped in and provided much-needed insight, knowledge, and expertise. She patiently guided my steps and provided encouragement that every new writer needs. I've been very impressed with Annette's professionalism and experience and hope to work with her again.”
Have a book in mind? Let's talk about where it stands.
Share a few details about your project. Scope and fees are discussed after an initial conversation.