Unstick Your Writing ✨
We all have those moments when we feel stuck: with a small or large project; with a writing practice; with creativity in general. I've been through this, and I can help you get through it too.
I write a free monthly newsletter about getting unstuck. Join the 2k+ subscribers on Substack!
I work with writers in a variety of ways.
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Writers with a completed project:
I edit shorter pieces (essays, articles, short stories, etc), for a sliding scale of $150-$200 an hour. One hour minimum.
I also edit book-length manuscripts in any genre. This includes line notes, an edit letter, and an hour-long meeting to discuss, and my fee is $.04 a word.
For more in-depth developmental book editing for works-in-progress, please contact me for a quote.
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Writers who are ready to submit to agents (or want to be):
I will review your agent query letter + first ten pages for a flat fee of $300.
For a review or developmental edit of a book proposal, contact me for quote.
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Writers who are in a generative place (or want to be):
My Get Unstuck Coaching Package is tailored to writers' needs, but generally is shaped something like:
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An introductory hour-long phone call or video chat during which we discuss your writing goals and process. We can work together to set up a process that will help you stick to your writing and break through on your current project.
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5 additional weekly (or every-other-week) meetings, which can be hour-long Zooms or hour-long phone calls. If you'd prefer written feedback, I can use our scheduled hour to write up editorial responses to your work.
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In between our meetings, you can send me up to 5k words of writing -- either something you're working on, or responses to generative prompts I provide. I will add some very light line notes. During our meetings, we can discuss what you have and how to keep going.
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The price for this package is $1500. This includes our meeting times and the time I spend reading and editing your work. I offer a discount to former students, so if you've ever taken a class with me, let me know!
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If you'd like more editorial feedback, we can arrange this and the price will change according to how much of my time is required. And if you'd like to keep going after our initial 6 sessions, we can arrange that, too!
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Contact me for more information, or go ahead and schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
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Wait, why YOU?
Oh I'm so glad you asked! I have nearly twenty years of experience editing for publications and organizations including Medium, JSTOR, Condé Nast, and the literary magazine Joyland. I've taught for Yale Writers' Workshop, NYU, Sackett Street Writing Workshops, Gotham Writers Workshop, The Resort LIC, Catapult, and Story Studio Chicago.
I've published five novels with major publishing houses, and hundreds of essays in publications like Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, Coastal Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, and the New York Times Modern Love column.
My editorial and coaching clients have gone on to publish in outlets like the LA Times, Jezebel, Tablet, Katie Couric's Wake Up Call, and literary publications like Funicular and Human Parts. Writers I've worked with have published books with major publishing houses, including Hachette, Macmillan, and Penguin Random House. I've helped writers to query and sign agents, grow their newsletters, hone book proposals, and (maybe most importantly) get back on track with their creative practices after serious blocks.
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Testimonials
"When I reached out to Amy, I felt like I was writing in a vacuum, unsure if my book was on the right track. During those moments of self-doubt, her time and energy were invaluable. Her keen editorial eye helped me avoid throwing out perfectly good writing, and her insightful feedback gave me clarity I needed when ideas felt scattered. On top of that, Amy generously shared ideas and resources to explore article opportunities that might build momentum towards my book launch!"
-Vanessa Chakour, author of Earthly Bodies: Embracing Animal Nature (Penguin Random House, 2024)
"Working with Amy has been an incredibly positive experience. Her coaching sessions are not only filled with valuable advice but also a great sense of humor that makes the process enjoyable. Amy has a unique ability to help you see new ideas and perspectives in your own writing. Thanks to Amy's support, I've been able to integrate writing into my daily practice and continue growing as a writer."
- Lizzy H., first-time novelist
"After struggling away on my manuscript for many years alone, Amy was a light in the darkness, guiding me with authority, practicality and humour. She was gentle with her (spot on) criticism of the weaknesses in my draft, and showed me how to turn the overwhelming task of revision into a series of steps I was capable of doing. I still don’t know if I will ever finish this book or, if I finish it, whether it will ever get published, but Amy helped me make it so much better, and made the process feel less lonely and so much more fun."
-Hilary T., first-time memoirist
"Amy's insightful feedback helped me take my manuscript draft to the next level. I would definitely use her services again for novel revisions, as well as query letter guidance. If you're feeling stuck, or just want another pair of eyes on your work, Amy is the one to reach out to!"
-Laura Merli, standup comic and first-time novelist
"Working with Amy Shearn took me from aspiring writer all the way to publication. The work we did together was incredibly valuable. In working with me on my manuscript, Amy taught me how fiction works, from character development to narrative arc to believable dialogue. I highly recommend working with her if you have a manuscript that needs to be taken to the next level."
-Amy Poeppel, award-winning author of the novels Small Admissions, Limelight, Musical Chairs, and The Sweet Spot.
"I had so much fun working with Amy Shearn on my manuscript, I only wish I had more time/funds/novels to workshop with her. I found her to be a very thoughtful editor who gave incisive yet supportive feedback. She took a great deal of care and was thorough in helping me re-think my book. She also brought some new insights to my story that had not occurred to me. I loved working with her so much that I’m going to risk misspelling the following word: exemplary."
-Tina Lee, author of the YA novel-in-progress Winnie Kim's 1984 Mix Tape.
"I was lucky enough to meet Amy while revising my first novel. I had dusted off my manuscript, laid it out on the operating table, and needed a fresh editorial perspective from someone not a blood relative. Working with Amy was awesome. She gave my book a very thoughtful, careful read and came back with insights that really helped me make cuts (killing your darlings isn't easy!) and edits that got the story arc where it needed to go. Amy has a keen editorial eye and great sense of humor (important in this business) and I'd recommend her to any fellow writer."
-Helen Wan, author of The Partner Track, a Book Club selection of REAL SIMPLE and The National Association of Women Lawyers. (Now a Netflix streaming series!)
"Highly recommend you work with Amy! Those hard choices you can't get yourself to make with your manuscript? She'll spot every one of them and tip you toward the right path."
-Meghann Foye, editor and author of the novel Meternity
"I still don't know if this book will ever get written (I give it a 50-50 shot) but you really inspired me. Thank you for your wisdom and insight. You also inspired me to think a little differently about some of my work management -- I have the same strengths and challenges in my work life as I do in my writing life, and thinking about "themes" vs "action" is relevant there too. Just wanted to express my appreciation, especially since writing, editing, and teaching take so much talent and work and yet often go under-lauded. So, here's some laud."
-Emily J., future middle-grade novelist (and current CPO at a tech company)
Editorial Work:
Essays
for Human Parts, Medium's literary publication:
"Faces of Jeanne and Tom," by Jonathan Lethem
"How to Really, Truly See Yourself," by Savala Nolan
for Forge, Medium's personal development publication:
"Self-Care Won't Cure What Ails You," by Ada Calhoun
"It's Time to Reset Your Relationship's Power Dynamics," by Brigid Schulte
"How Google Drive Can Make Every Corner of Your Life Easier," by Alexandra Samuel
for JSTOR Daily:
"The Fairytale Language of the Brothers Grimm," by Chi Luu
"Being a Victorian Librarian Was Oh-So-Dangerous," by Livia Gershon
"Charles Knowlton, the Father of American Birth Control," by Amy Sohn
Fiction
for Joyland Literary Magazine:
"Long Exposure," by Hala Alyan
"We Drew This Picture of JonBenet," by Megan Walsh
Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation.