Writing Coach

Testimonials

Developmental Editor
-I develop and edit personal essays, book proposals, and memoir (some fiction) manuscripts.

College Essay Specialist
-I help teenagers generate material for their common app essays and supplemental essays.

“Kimmi is the writer whisperer. Since day one, I have left every class/meeting/conversation with her inspired, but more than that—I have concrete, workable ideas for what to do next. She doesn’t coddle—she’s unflinchingly honest—and so I trust her. But she also doesn’t try to shape everything to her own style. She is intuitive and perceptive, and she communicates with me to figure out what my priorities are. Then we talk about how I can do that better. I really can’t say enough glowing stuff about Kimmi. I think she’s brilliant and fun and kind, and working with her has made me a better writer.” — Mary Adkins, writing coach and Harper Collins author of When You Read This, Privilege, and Palm Beach (2021).

“The work I did with Kimmi played a pivotal part in selling my book. She asked specific, deep questions that kept coming back to me for years. I feel like I couldn’t have come this far without her. I recently read some feedback she gave me in 2009 and it still resonated. I am grateful for her mind, talent and heart. She rocks!” — Tembi Locke, actress, advocate, author of NYT Bestseller FROM SCRATCH: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home (Simon & Schuster 2019)

“Kimmi transformed my writing so I could get an agent and then a book deal! When I came to Kimmi, I had been told by agents that I had a good story, but the writing wasn’t quite working. Kimmi’s brilliance, generosity, talent, and keen eye helped me see EXACTLY where the weak links were in my writing. Then she showed me exactly how to strengthen these areas. I quickly got an agent after working with Kimmi, as well as a publishing deal with HCI (part of the Simon & Schuster family). I am so grateful to Kimmi for helping me realize my dream. I highly recommend working with her.” — Laura Zam, performer, educator and author of The Pleasure Plan: One Woman's Search for Sexual Healing (Health Communications Inc 2020)

”As a reader and teacher, Kimmi has the unique ability to be sharply critical and, at the same time, truly encouraging. She focuses on a writer’s strengths as much as their foibles. She is insightful, rigorous and detail-oriented, and has a delicious sense of humor.” — Judy Batalion PhD, author of White Walls: A Memoir About Motherhood, Daughterhood, and the Mess In Between (Berkley 2016) and The Light of Days (Edge 2021)

“Kimmi has a gift for helping nonfiction writers define their narrative arc which is essential when writing a book proposal. She helped me figure out structure, pacing, and, most importantly, how to open the book—essential to capturing the reader’s attention. I trust her editorial eye and instinct for what is marketable.” — Erin Khar, author of STRUNG OUT: One Last Hit and Other Lies that Nearly Killed Me (Park Row 2020)

“Kimberlee is a fantastic writing coach who is helping me shape the trajectory of my new novel. As a writer and book editor (who has used many other editors), I’m thrilled with Kimberlee’s approach. She has an uncanny ability to zero in on the strengths and flaws in my storyline and character development and to create dramatic tension where the narrative falls flat. She has inspired me to look at my writing process in a new way, for which I am incredibly thankful. I can’t recommend her highly enough.” — Nicole Bokat, PhD, editor and author Of Redeeming Eve (Permanent Pr Pub Co 2000) and What Matters Most (NAL Trade 2006)

“Kimberlee’s instruction, guidance, cheerleading and friendship helped me figure out how to make my stories into a book. She calmed me down so many times and never lost faith in my project. I’ve never met anyone so giving in my life. ” — Margot Leightman, storyteller, teacher and author of Gawky: Tales Of An Extra Long Gawky Phase. (Seal Press 2013)

“Kimberlee was my mentor and coach. She helped me find my voice, taught me how to tell stories that connected my mind with my heart, and pushed me beyond whatever I thought possible. ” — Julie Tarney, advocate and author of My Son Wears Heels (University of Wisconsin Press 2016)

“Kimberlee saved my book. That is no exaggeration, no stretch of words. She asked the hard questions; she pushed me to dig in places I had avoided; she straight-talked me about what worked and what didn’t. And she did it all with love. Never once did I feel shamed or embarrassed or down. She had my back while she escorted me to my edge. Do not hesitate to enlist Kimberlee as an ally. She is a rare and gifted teacher. She will help you evolve your book, and in turn, you will evolve and learn about yourself—as a writer, as a human.” — Molly May, traveler, teacher and author of memoirs: Map Of Enough (Counterpoint 2014) and Body Full Of Stars (Counterpoint 2019)

“Kimmi is undoubtedly the best writing teacher I’ve ever had — not to mention insightful, professional, generous, and funny.” — Margie Goldsmith, Award-Winning Journalist and Author

“Kimberlee has a real talent for breaking down text and diagnosing exactly what’s working, what isn’t, and what can be done to improve it. She possesses the intelligence and knowledge necessary to rescue a stuck writer and a heart and spirit generous enough to encourage a tentative one.” — Eileen Kelly, comedian and writer