What is PaperCut Coaching?

PaperCut Coaching is a one-on-one creative writing coaching service designed to help writers go deeper into their work by blending emotional insight, intuitive guidance, and writing craft. It’s about trusting your own process and writing from the inside out.

Who is this coaching for?

This is for aspiring novelists and creative writers who want personalized support. If you’re stuck, burned out, returning to a project, or just beginning—this is a space for you. I work with writers who are ready to go deeper and want to explore the emotional layers of their work.

Do I have to be writing a novel to work with you?

Nope. While many clients are working on novels, you don’t have to be. If you’re working on short stories, journaling, personal essays, or just trying to get back into a writing routine, we can absolutely work together.

Do you coach a specific genre?

I write psychological thrillers, so I have a special love for stories with tension, emotion, and deep interiority—but my coaching isn’t limited to one genre. The tools I focus on—like emotional depth, character development, pacing, and trusting your own voice—apply across genres. Whether you’re writing a novel, a memoir, or something in between, the heart of the work is the same: feeling your way into the story and writing from the inside out.

What do you mean by Bleed Into the Page?

It means writing with emotional honesty and intention—letting your truth show up on the page, even when it’s messy or uncomfortable. At PaperCut Coaching, we work together to embrace that process, using your emotions to deepen your writing rather than avoid them.

Is this therapy?

No. This is not therapy or a substitute for mental health care. While we talk about emotions and life experiences as they relate to your writing, the focus is always on your creative process and personal growth as a writer.

What is intuitive coaching?

Intuitive coaching means I listen closely—to you, your energy, your writing, and what’s not being said. I don’t follow a fixed formula. Each session is shaped around what you need that day, helping you reconnect with your instincts and write from a place of trust and clarity.

Will you read or edit my writing?

Yes, but think of it as light, intentional feedback—not hardcore editing. I’ll read short sections of your work and offer margin comments and a brief editorial letter focused on what will support your growth. We might explore areas like character development, pacing, emotional tone, or dialogue—and I’ll also help you strengthen key craft elements, like “show, don’t tell,” so your writing resonates more deeply with readers. The feedback is meant to guide, not critique—to help you trust your voice, deepen your work, and write with more intention.

Will I need to submit writing samples?

Yes. Before each session, you'll submit 5–20 pages of your writing, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins—industry standard format. What you choose to submit is flexible—scenes, chapters, or even rough drafts—but turning in pages is a firm and essential part of the coaching process. For formal written pages, industry-standard formatting is required, but other types of written material (like outlines, journaling, or freewriting) have more flexibility. I’ll offer light margin comments and a short editorial note focused on areas like emotional depth, character development, pacing, dialogue, and teaching “show, don’t tell.” This is not a deep-editing service, but a chance to receive personalized, intuitive feedback that helps you grow as a writer.

How much does it cost?

Coaching is offered in packages only. My current introductory package is called The First Cut—it includes four 60-minute coaching sessions over Zoom, held bi-weekly over 8 weeks, for $400.

This is an introductory rate designed to give both of us space and time to settle in, explore your process, and allow me to refine my approach as we go.

A free 30-minute discovery call is required before booking. It’s a chance for us to connect, talk about your writing goals, and make sure we’re a good fit before diving in.

Do you offer payment plans?

At this time, full payment is due upfront for all coaching packages. This helps us stay fully committed to the work ahead. After your free discovery call, if you decide to move forward, you’ll receive a private scheduling link to book your package. This streamlined process includes reviewing and agreeing to the coaching agreement, privacy policy, and terms of service—all in one place. You'll then submit payment securely and schedule all four sessions at once. Please note: all sales are final and non-refundable.

Do you offer refunds?

Please make sure you’re ready to commit before purchasing your package. Once payment is made, there are no refunds. This policy ensures we are both committed to the process, and we’ll move forward with the coaching sessions as scheduled. For full details on my policies, please review my Terms of Service.

How do I book a session?

I don’t offer individual sessions—you’ll be booking a coaching package. But before that, you’ll need to schedule a free 30-minute discovery call first. This helps us connect, talk through your goals, and make sure we’re a good fit before moving forward.

The call is held virtually over Zoom. Just choose a time, fill out a short form, and you’ll receive an email confirmation with the Zoom link and all the details. After our call, if we decide to move forward, you’ll receive instructions for booking The First Cut coaching package.

Do we meet in person or virtually?

All coaching sessions are held virtually over Zoom, so you can work with me from anywhere. I’m based in the Eastern Time Zone (U.S.), but I work with writers in various time zones and will do my best to offer session times that can work for both of us. As long as you have a stable internet connection and a quiet space to chat, you're all set.

What happens after The First Cut?

After completing The First Cut, there will be additional coaching packages available for those looking for ongoing support. I’m planning to offer weekly sessions for writers who want more frequent guidance, as well as other longer-term options with a commitment to deeper work. Details are still being finalized, but I’m excited to provide more opportunities to continue your writing journey.

If you prefer, you can always book The First Cut again for another round of bi-weekly sessions to keep progressing at your own pace.

What if I feel blocked or unsure what to talk about in a session?

That’s okay. You don’t need to come in with a perfect outline or a polished draft. Some of the best breakthroughs happen when you're stuck. I’ll guide the session with questions, insights, and support to help you untangle whatever’s coming up—on or off the page.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?

If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please provide at least 24 hours' notice. Any cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will be considered a missed session or forfeited, and the session will not be rescheduled. For full details on cancellations, rescheduling, and any other policies, please refer to my Terms of Service.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out at info@papercutcoaching.com.