There are a few things that make book coaching so rewarding.
When a writer catches on and finishes a draft that turns out to be just what they'd hoped for.
When a writer enjoys our work together as much as I do.
Blushing aside, here are what a few of the authors had to say:
"Michele was my first editor. As I tried to piece together a memoir about my son going to prison and us connecting through letters, she guided me and fished for the true story and refined my writing and encouraged me to keep at it. I was largely flailing at the time, a little too close to the story to be objective, but she kept fishing and nudged me toward the resonant parts of my experience. Near the end of six months of working together I offhandedly mentioned that my dad had died while my son was in prison and she gasped, "Well I want to hear more about that..." Now, four years later, that experience, and the son to father and father to son dynamic is an integral part of the narrative. Michele is not only an editor but also a story-sniffer. Okay, not the greatest way to put it, but any writer knows the value of someone who can sniff-out a story. So thank you Michele!"
- Ken Guidroz
"Fit is key. And timing. Michele Orwin has been a phenomenal mentor and ally from the get-go. Her love of the story and her belief in its place in the world has helped fuel me through countless moments of doubt and fear. She's authentic. Honest. Kind. Smart. Experienced. She's been my Obi-Wan. Her voice floating in my head saying, 'Feel the force, Luke . .. you got this"' "
- Annie Seyler, The Wisdom of Winter
Over two years of working together, I have successfully revised a manuscript under her guidance. She treated my work with respect and was supportive and encouraging, but she was also a tough editor when necessary, and a voice I have grown to trust and rely upon to make my story as strong as it could be. She gave me expert editorial advice, then guided me to clear next steps: beta readers and copyediting. My manuscript is being read by two interested agents right now and I am hard at work on my second novel with Michele. I can recommend her without reservation to any writer who is serious about putting their best work out into the world.” - David Gardner, Mercyville: a novel.“
"Michele Orwin was the perfect coach for me! She was super prompt, always providing thorough and useful feedback earlier than promised. She matched my energy, understood where I was going and was super helpful in getting me there—with honest, direct feedback and just enough encouragement."
- Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo, Threads of Awakening: An American Woman’s Journey into Tibet’s Sacred Textile Art
"Michele Orwin was really a star. She was very honest with what worked and what did not. She celebrated small victories, kept me on task, and best of all, she made me feel as though what I had to say was really important. I needed someone to hold me accountable, and Michele did a wonderful job with that; she was also quick to respond . She was also very complimentary of my writing, which kept me going - she instilled a faith in me and my book that I didn't have at the start . She was very encouraging.”
– Chuck Radke, Stuccoville: Life Without a Net
“Michele is terrific. She is very insightful and has helped me see the gaps as I formulate my story and move forward. The accountability and feedback from a book coach are incredibly helpful!”
– Jennifer B.
“I was having a really difficult time getting started and felt as if I would not accomplish anything. I felt my story needed to be told, but I could not figure out how to write the volume of work that I needed. I asked my coach to pivot and help me develop my work as a short story. I needed a measurable achievement!”
– Heather B.
And lastly, the reason I wake up excited each morning at 4:30 a.m. is because of my work with Michele Orwin. I am an embarrassing level of grateful for her. The speed with which she turns my submissions around, her sensitivity to my feelings on some hard family history and her keen eye make her absolutely essential to the work of a first time memoir writer like me. Even though I have only just begun the revision process, I can say that this is a true highlight of my life.