Kristen Overman
Editor, Book coach, and consultant in all genres and categories, at all stages of the writing process
Story mastermind Facilitator, conference teacher And Speaker
I offer all of the editing services listed on the Good Story Editing page, and specialize in all genres of Outlines, Novels, Memoirs, and Picture Books. Hiring an editor is an investment in yourself. I, in turn, believe in investing in our relationship. My editorial clients often select an add-on of a consulting call to review their written feedback. I especially enjoy meeting my clients on Zoom, and learning the story behind their stories, what motivates them, and their goals to get their writing to the next level.
Consulting with writers in the brainstorm and outline stages—thinking through a story’s potential pitfalls before it’s fully written—is one of my specialties. A former pantser myself, I understand the urge to take an idea and start writing freely without constraints. If you feel you could use some guidance on your process, from fleshing out rough ideas to polishing a completed draft, let’s talk!
Looking for one-on-one feedback and encouragement as you write or revise? Hire me as your book coach. Together we will work from the brainstorm and outline stage all the way through to a complete manuscript. Book coaching packages are tailored to meet your needs. I offer an outline-only 4-session package, an 8-session novel package, bi-monthly, and monthly options. We can find what works best for you!
When we lived in New England, we’d tell our sons, “Ski the snow you get.” With writing this means don’t wait for the perfect moment, the right circumstances, or divine inspiration. If you have a story idea, start writing about it today. Brainstorm, outline, write character bios. Do whatever it takes to help you transform it into the story you envision. Show up, get out there, and do the hard work. Everyone has a good story to tell! As your coach, I’ll help you find the best version of your story, and provide the structure, accountability, and support you need to see it through.
In addition to editing and coaching, I also co-teach the Story Mastermind Novel and Story Mastermind Outline classes with Mary Kole. In 2022 Mary and I co-taught Outlining the Novel/Memoir at the WIFYR conference in Sandy, Utah, where I also gave a presentation on writing active dialogue. I’ve presented both online webinars and in-person writing workshops for organizations such as WriteOn Con and the Chesapeake Bay Writers.
My degree is in English and Political Science, and post grad I took classes in Advanced Memoir and Writing the Novel at Harvard. I belong to James River Writers and Chesapeake Bay Writers, and am a former member of SCBWI and the Writers Loft (MA). A Boston native, I now live in Virginia with my family.
When not daydreaming about driving a Jeep near the ocean, radio on and windows down, I can be found writing, reading, or watching my sons play baseball. You can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, and see what I’ve been reading on Goodreads.
About Kristen
Services
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Novel and Memoir
Full Edit (Proofreading, Extensive Margin Notes, Written Overview): $0.04/word
Reader Report (Extensive Margin Notes, Written Overview): $0.03/word
Overview Edit (Written Overview only): $0.02/word
Combo Edit, Customized to your needs: Priced according to the service split.
($.0.04/word on portion with proofing, $0.03/word on portion with margin notes, $0.02/word on overview-only)
Novel and Memoir Outline Edits
Written Review: $299
Written Review with hour-long Zoom discussion: $399
Picture Book
Full Picture Book Edit (Proofreading, margin notes, and overview): $199
Full PB Edit with 45-minute consulting call: $299
Submission Package (PB, Novel, Memoir)
Full Submission Package (Query, Synopsis, first 10 double-spaced pages): $275
Query Only: $99
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Introductory Package, Novel or Memoir: $2500
Includes 6 biweekly hour-long Zoom discussion sessions with review of up to 40 manuscript pages
Unlimited Discord Q&A between sessions: $500
Additional sessions (up to 4): $350 each
Monthly Novel or Memoir Coaching (4-month minimum)
Biweekly: $800/month
Monthly: $500/month
Outline Coaching: $1500
Includes 3 hour-long sessions to brainstorm and develop a comprehensive novel or memoir outline, with detailed scenes which create fully realized plot and character arcs.
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Consulting Calls:
Brainstorm a new project, discuss your work in progress, or talk through feedback you’ve received. All sessions held on Zoom.
(No written feedback, but you will receive a recording of the call.)
30 minutes: $99
One hour: $199
Contact Kristen
What People Are Saying
“Thank you so much for helping me process my plot and storyline. Your information was invaluable, and I’m looking forward to applying some of your ideas to my story. I had so many great lightbulb moments today. You are definitely in the right job for your skill set!”
— Liz T, Consulting Client
“When you’re trying to write a best seller it’s extremely easy to feel lost, lonely, and frustrated because you have no idea if you are writing anything exceptional. Kristen Overman kicked all of those feelings out the door for me! Through her one-on-one teaching techniques, the weaknesses in my manuscripts were exposed and incredible key strategies were presented that allowed me to write characters that truly think, a plot with so much more depth that is fun and inspiring, and much more. When working with Kristen, get ready to clear your calendar and buckle down because you will not want to waste a second with her.”
— Sarah Leith Bahn, Book Coaching Client
“I could not have written what I have this week without the help of the one and only Kristen Overman. She is a star and has been of so much help this week (all weeks!) back and forth on Discord; I am truly grateful. I had no idea the level of service and support I would get on this course, and to have the experience, help and know-how of Kristen, I will be forever grateful for this week of Kristen's help! I even thanked her for being born at one stage during the week.”
— Kevin Doyle, Story Mastermind Participant