Testimonials
Sam is the perfect balance between your biggest cheerleader and a strict teacher. You have to be an adult and meet deadlines, show up on time for meetings, and do the preparation for your meetings. She will help you take everything circling around in your head and get it down on paper, where you can both determine whether it's meeting your goals for your story or not. She's patient and positive and whip smart - a great combination.
I will never try to start a book without an Inside Outline and a book coach again!
Campbell Walmsley, Author | Instagram: @cmckella, Twitter: @cmckella
What stands out as particularly helpful about working with Sam is her personality and constant positivity around my ability to do this, that I'm getting close, that it's a good story. It feels like Sam really loves MY story, that she gets what I'm trying to say and thinks it's worth saying, and that she clearly wants me to succeed. It's so refreshing. She has that rare talent of being able to provide constructive criticism in a positive way... a way that makes me want to improve instead of making me feel inadequate. It's wonderful.
If you're even considering working with her, DO IT! Sam is amazing, insightful, positive, encouraging, and can find those little holes that make all the difference.
Tammy Euliano, Author | www.teuliano.com
After working with Samantha I landed my first book deal, so I cannot say enough great things about my experience. My debut novel will be published by TouchPoint Press.
I was lucky enough to be paired with Samantha as my mentor through the Women's Fiction Writers Association. She zeroed in on the weaknesses in my manuscript and pushed me to be a better writer. Most importantly, she truly understood my vision and worked with me to make the necessary changes without compromising my goals for the story. Samantha was simply a joy to work with and she no doubt helped me polish my manuscript. I wouldn't hesitate to work with her again and I will certainly take the skills she taught me straight into my next project.
Joelle Babula | Instagram: joellebabula22 | www.joellebabula.com
This is by far the best thing I have invested in during my years as a writer (over 25 years). I have taken courses in Creative Writing and have a Bachelors in Creative Writing, but this really made me see what Outlining can do. I have outlined before but never this deep. It made me see my story in such a deep way. I now know my characters better than I know my family. Don't wait! This will be the best investment for your writing you can make.
Marita Brännvall, Author, Book Coach, and Editor | maritabrannvall.com
Sam’s help is worth every penny, and then some. She has helped me believe in myself as a burgeoning author, giving me provocative feedback on my novel-in-process. She is the best investment I’ve made in my writing aside from putting my butt in the chair!
Kay Larrieu, Author
Sam blew me away by her attention to detail. She was able to read my manuscript for the first time and pick out so many elements that needed attention/revision in order for my story to make the most sense -- something I desperately desired!
The way she delivered her evaluation was spot on with the way I prefer constructive criticism, and I was in shock at her love and understanding of this story that means so much to me. Your story will be stronger than you could have ever done on your own. You will feel more successful and fully inspired. You won't regret a single penny.
Trevor Brooks, Author + Book Coach. Instagram: trevorbrooks
[Sam’s] support and encouragement reminded me why I started writing to begin with. The critiques and suggestions pointed out my book's weaknesses. The calls helped me figure out exactly how to fix those in the way I wanted. I never received a critique that she didn't follow up with a suggestion on how to fix it, and as a result, I never felt lost or frustrated, only inspired.
I've had lot of people read my book and offer suggestions before, from critique partners to beta readers. None helped me as much as her!
Amanda Solimando, Author | www.amandasolimando.com (WFWA Mentee Spring 2022)
Within a couple of weeks of working with Sam, I made more progress on my manuscript than I had made in years of working on my own and with writing groups! She provided me with clear and actionable steps on how I could move forward successfully.
It is such an invaluable experience to have someone to who knows your book almost as if it is their own. To have someone to bounce ideas off of and brainstorm with is such a gift, especially when times get hard, and you can't see the forest for the trees.
Rochelle Sangabriel, Author and Book Coach
Sam’s in-line comments were extraordinary, way, way, beyond the call of duty. I am putting them to good use.
Karen Laws, Author | Twitter: @karenlaws
Sam’s book coaching has been instrumental in my efforts to polish my debut novel to a level worthy of publication. She helped me recognize the points that needed work and, most importantly, helped me improve on the stakes of the conflict, as well as my main character's arc of change through the story. My novel is a far better book because of her, and I am extremely grateful.
Stephen Mann, Author
Working with Sam was wonderful! I'd been feeling stuck and unsure of how to move forward with drafting my novel, but through Sam's kind, encouraging, and helpful feedback I learned more about myself as a writer, the story I truly want to tell, and how my story looks from someone else's perspective. I'm feeling energized about making big (and necessary!) changes to my story so that it can be powerful and compelling. I highly recommend working with Sam!
Katie Wall, Fantasy Writer and Book Coach at Craft Better Books
Sam’s insight into my manuscript has been extremely valuable. Her balanced feedback helps me recognize what sections are effective and which could benefit from more attention. Her ability to provide thought-provoking suggestions has definitely made my writing stronger. I would highly recommend her as a book coach.
T.J. Hock, Author
Sam is a pleasure to work with. She provides insightful and well-considered feedback that gets to the heart of the story on the page in a supportive and helpful way. Aware of the elusive nature of the creative process, she helps writers appreciate their strengths while encouraging them to explore other areas to find the perfect balance for their story.
Lisanne Davidson, Author
Interested in working with me?
Fill out my contact form below to get started. We’ll set up a free, no-obligation 25-minute zoom chat to discuss your project, timeline, and goals; for you to get all your questions answered; and for us to make sure we’re a good fit. If we mutually agree to move forward, I’ll generate a quote for you to review and sign, and we get started! To see a list of my book coaching packages and how I guide clients through the revision or novel planning process, check out my book coaching page.