Coaching and editing for memoir
Stories create empathy, and empathy changes the world.
You want your memoir to inspire, educate, and activate your readers.
I’m here to help you write one that will.
I've been helping writers with their manuscripts for over 15 years. Since 2018, I have specialized in working with people to write their first memoir – whether they've got a published novel under their belt, a long-running blog, or no writing experience whatsoever.
I have always believed in the power of story to build empathy –and that building empathy is the way we change the world. You have a powerful story of transformation and discovery to share. I'll guide you through every page, making sure your memoir packs all the game-changing, inspiring, activating force of your experiences.
~Stephanie Mitchell
15+
years’ experience
How I Can Help
Whether you've got just the germ of an idea or a full manuscript, together we can bring your memoir to its full strength.
Coaching
You're looking for real-time support while you write
You prefer talking face to face over emailing
You want flexibility around your schedule and your budget to book hours as and when you need them
Manuscript Review
You've already written some or all of your manuscript
You prefer emailing over live calls
You want a quote by the word, rather than by the hour, so you know exactly how much the service is going to cost
Courses
Self-paced and live courses coming soon
Get Started for Free
Download my free workbook, "Write Your Memoir with Confidence," to quickly identify which scenes and stories belong in your memoir.
You'll also be joining my newsletter, so you'll get weekly tricks and techniques to help with your writing, landing in your inbox every Wednesday.
Join the Community!
Come hang out in the Memoir Writers' Book Club
Every month, we read a published memoir and discuss what makes the writing work. Come get to know other writers, trade tips and notes, and learn from some excellent examples. It's free!
I’ve worked with many editors and experienced the full gamut of feedback styles, but after working with Stephanie, I never needed to look for another editor again. She is by far the best. Her comments and suggestions have elevated my writing in ways I never imagined, helping me refine my manuscript with clarity and confidence. Unlike other editors, she is relentless in the best way possible—noticing things no one else has, pushing me to improve, and ensuring that every sentence serves its purpose.
More than just an editor, Stephanie is a true partner in the writing process. She takes the time to understand what I’m trying to say and helps me express it with greater impact. Her feedback is honest, constructive, and always helpful, and I trust her insights completely.
Writing a memoir is like baring your soul, and Stephanie’s kindness and compassion make all the difference. She listens, she understands, and because of that, I feel safe trusting her with my story. Her attention to detail, dedication, and unwavering support have been invaluable—I couldn’t have asked for a better editor and coach.
Elaine Yu
My life was a jumbled mess of experiences both traumatizing and rewarding. There was a story there, but the beginning blended with the ending and the middle was lost in memories that seemed to have no coherent theme. Until I took Stephanie’s memoir writing course.
In five weeks I came to understand the reason for writing a memoir, how not to write a memoir, the importance of through lines and voice, and above all, how to stay true to myself and my journey.
Stephanie presented information in weekly online Zoom sessions, and she provided modules on each topic that we could easily view at our leisure. There were writing assignments that kept us on track, and advice and wisdom about self-care while undergoing this journey.
Compassion, wisdom, and support combined with knowledge and enthusiasm has helped me lay a foundation for my memoir that I’ve been struggling with for a while. I accomplished more in five weeks with this course than I had in the last year and a half.
Janine Phillips
I am already a writer but have never attempted a full-length book of any kind before, let alone a memoir. I was hoping that I would receive some structure and guidance to start myself off well—I got that and more. The tools and skills I gained make me feel more capable and confident than ever. Stephanie's expertise and compassion as she walked me through vulnerable places made me feel like I wasn't alone. Stephanie helped me get to the core of why my story needs to be told to the world, and how I can get it there.
Jacqueline Steiger, Magic Hour Instructional Design
