I’d be thrilled to write any and all future books using the excellent coaching and editing skills of Heather Garbo. Heather immediately had a deep understanding of my vision and goals for my middle-grade book Ginger Mancino, Kid Comedian. Her insightful feedback and constructive critiques helped enhance the overall narrative and structure, while preserving my own voice and style. She has great attention to detail, tone, and flow and was pivotal in my successful publishing journey. Her passion for the craft of editing and commitment to helping authors is unparalleled. Plus she has a wonderful personality to boot!
Wendi Aarons, author of Ginger Mancino, Kid Comedian and I’m Wearing Tunics Now
I could not be more pleased with the coaching I receive from Heather Garbo. As a writer working on a debut novel, Heather’s feedback on my manuscript channels my work from big ideas to big impact. Her expertise in what makes a good story informs my editing while her knowledge of industry trends guides my vision. Never heavy handed, she guides me in a way that is both honest and encouraging. Every writer has her story; it takes a partner with Heather’s insights to make that story soar.
Tami LoSasso, women’s fiction author, 2024 winner of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers' Gold Rush Literary Award in mainstream literary fiction
Heather is attentive, professional, and knowledgeable. She brings it and the experience has been great! Heather’s feedback/insights helped me craft a query letter that generates page and full manuscript asks from agents. I feel energized! I also feel more confident in making edits and the oh-so-painful acts of killing off darlings is much less angst ridden. I chose to continue to work with Heather because I appreciated her approach and the manner in which she provides
feedback. She is helpful without coddling, encouraging without sugar-coating. She’s an editor/coach who inspires. but it is up to the writer to do the work. I wouldn’t steer you wrong and neither will Heather.
Aurrice Duke Rollings, women’s fiction writer
Heather's experience and guidance was exactly what I needed as I started my journey as an author. Not only are her methods tried, true and impactful, but her ability to be a supportive sounding board throughout our process together made a world of difference in my confidence and my writing. We followed up our Blueprint work with Monthly Coaching and her Manuscript Evaluation, all with invaluable feedback and the gentle and professional push I needed to believe in this new path for myself. I would recommend Heather to anyone ready to take the leap. I know I couldn't have done it without her.
Shayna Ferm, upmarket fiction author currently on submission, repped by Elizabeth Copps, Confluence Literary Agency
It's the most detailed, actionable feedback I have ever received on a long form piece of writing. Very comprehensive. What I most enjoyed about this experience was feeling like someone besides me was invested in my work.
Billie Best, upmarket fiction and memoir author
www.billiebest.com
After a year of unsuccessful querying, I was ready to give up. Then I connected with Heather Garbo. Had it not been for Heather’s expertise, I would have walked away from my manuscript for good. She shined a light on what my query package lacked, then helped me make the changes that would take it to the next level. With her fresh take on both my query letter and synopsis, and a list of agents she curated especially for my manuscript, I’m excited to get back in the query trenches. And with her brilliant editorial notes, I’m more in love with my manuscript than ever before.
Suzy England, women’s fiction, author of Letters for Lucien and Perfect
I have loved working with Heather on my book project. What sets her apart is not only her exceptional editing skills but also her ability to truly listen and respect my vision and expertise in the subject matter, while also offering her own unique insights and perspectives that I hadn’t considered. This exchange of ideas has enriched the creative process and significantly improved the overall quality of my work. Her encouraging guidance and feedback have been invaluable, and I have learned a great deal from her. I appreciate Heather not only for her professional prowess but also for her genuine passion for helping authors succeed. She is not just an editor and book coach; she is a supportive partner in the creative journey. I wholeheartedly recommend Heather to anyone seeking a dedicated and insightful editor who goes above and beyond to enhance every project she touches.
April Moore, nonfiction narrative; author of Bobbing for Watermelons; former director, Northern Colorado Writers
Thoughtful, laser-focused, and smart feedback I could easily incorporate into my story. I gave her a very messy draft, and she helped me to get clear on the story I really wanted to write. I wish I had hired Heather sooner! Heather’s method helps you get into the writing flow. With her expertise, patience, and thoughtful guidance, she can help make your book the best it can be. I’d recommend her to anyone feeling isolated or overwhelmed in the writing process. She’ll help you gain clarity on your story while offering encouragement and cheering you on every step of the way.
Katie, upmarket fiction writer
It's time to write your next chapter.
I empower aspiring women’s fiction writers in midlife to (re)discover their writing voices and reach their book-writing goals…because no woman should regret not pursuing her creative dreams nor doubt the value of her voice.
"I’d be thrilled to write any and all future books using the excellent coaching and editing skills of Heather Garbo. Heather immediately had a deep understanding of my vision and goals for my middle-age book Ginger Mancino, Kid Comedian. Her insightful feedback and constructive critiques helped enhance the overall narrative and structure, while preserving my own voice and style. She has great attention to detail, tone, and flow and was pivotal in my successful publishing journey. Her passion for the craft of editing and commitment to helping authors is unparalleled. Plus she has a wonderful personality to boot!"
Wendi Aarons, author of Ginger Mancino, Kid Comedian and I’m Wearing Tunics Now
"I could not be more pleased with the coaching I receive from Heather Garbo. As a writer working on a debut novel, Heather’s feedback on my manuscript channels my work from big ideas to big impact. Her expertise in what makes a good story informs my editing while her knowledge of industry trends guides my vision. Never heavy handed, she guides me in a way that is both honest and encouraging. Every writer has her story; it takes a partner with Heather’s insights to make that story soar."
Tami LoSasso, women’s fiction
“Heather is attentive, professional, and knowledgeable. She brings it and the experience has been great! Heather’s feedback/insights helped me craft a query letter that generates page and full manuscript asks from agents. I feel energized! I also feel more confident in making edits and the oh-so-painful acts of killing off darlings is much less angst ridden. I chose to continue to work with Heather because I appreciated her approach and the manner in which she provides feedback. She is helpful without coddling, encouraging without sugar-coating. She’s an editor/coach who inspires. but it is up to the writer to do the work. I wouldn’t steer you wrong and neither will Heather.”
Aurrice Duke Rollings, women’s fiction writer
"Heather's experience and guidance was exactly what I needed as I started my journey as an author. Not only are her methods tried, true and impactful, but her ability to be a supportive sounding board throughout our process together made a world of difference in my confidence and my writing. We followed up our Blueprint work with Monthly Coaching and her Manuscript Evaluation, all with invaluable feedback and the gentle and professional push I needed to believe in this new path for myself. I would recommend Heather to anyone ready to take the leap. I know I couldn't have done it without her."
Shayna Ferm, women's fiction writer currently in submission, repped by Elizabeth Copps at Confluence Literary Agency
“It's the most detailed, actionable feedback I have ever received on a long form piece of writing.
Very comprehensive. What I most enjoyed about this experience was feeling like someone
besides me was invested in my work.”
Billie Best, upmarket fiction and memoir author,
www.billiebest.com
"After a year of unsuccessful querying, I was ready to give up. Then I connected with Heather Garbo. Had it not been for Heather’s expertise, I would have walked away from my manuscript for good. She shined a light on what my query package lacked, then helped me make the changes that would take it to the next level. With her fresh take on both my query letter and synopsis, and a list of agents she curated especially for my manuscript, I’m excited to get back in the query trenches. And with her brilliant editorial notes, I’m more in love with my manuscript than ever before."
Suzy England, women’s fiction, author of Letters for Lucien and Perfect
"I have loved working with Heather on my book project. What sets her apart is not only her exceptional editing skills but also her ability to truly listen and respect my vision and expertise in the subject matter, while also offering her own unique insights and perspectives that I hadn’t considered. This exchange of ideas has enriched the creative process and significantly improved the overall quality of my work. Her encouraging guidance and feedback have been invaluable, and I have learned a great deal from her. I appreciate Heather not only for her professional prowess but also for her genuine passion for helping authors succeed. She is not just an editor and book coach; she is a supportive partner in the creative journey. I wholeheartedly recommend Heather to anyone seeking a dedicated and insightful editor who goes above and beyond to enhance every project she touches."
April Moore, nonfiction narrative; author of Bobbing for Watermelons; former director, Northern Colorado Writers
“Thoughtful, laser-focused, and smart feedback I could easily incorporate into my story. I gave
her a very messy draft, and she helped me to get clear on the story I really wanted to write. I wish I had hired Heather sooner! Heather’s method helps you get into the writing flow. With her expertise, patience, and thoughtful guidance, she can help make your book the best it can be.
I’d recommend her to anyone feeling isolated or overwhelmed in the writing process. She’ll help
you gain clarity on your story while offering encouragement and cheering you on every step of the way.”
Katie, upmarket fiction writer
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“I have the spark of an idea but what now? How do I get it onto the page?”
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“This story won’t leave me alone, but I don’t know how to begin.”
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“I’m afraid if I start writing I’ll ruin this perfect story in my head.”
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“I’ve written my story, but it’s not quite right. Or maybe it is? I don’t know.“
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“I’ve spent years writing this and I can’t tell anymore if it’s finished or not.”
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“I love it but no one else has read it. And I’m afraid to show it to anyone.”
Wherever you are you in your writing journey...
I can help!
I can help!
01
Monthly Book Coaching
Are you struggling to get your story onto the page? Have you started writing a story but can’t make much progress? I can help!
02
Manuscript Evaluation
Do you have a manuscript draft but aren't sure if it's any good or how to even begin revising it? I can help!
Humans are natural-born storytellers.
Stories are how we passed down information for generations. Story is how we make sense of the world around us. I believe so many people feel compelled to write a book because it’s in our nature to share our stories.
But getting that story onto the page does not come naturally for many writers.
As with all successful pursuits, you can achieve your writing goals quicker (and it’s more fun!) if you work one-on-one with a book coach. It’s the reason professionals seek out a mentor and entrepreneurs hire a business coach. It’s why health-conscious individuals hire a personal trainer, and aspiring musicians or artists work with an instructor. Whether your endeavor is professional or personal (and writing is both!), it helps to have a guide.
No matter where you are in your writing journey, I can help you take the next step.