working with alissa as your coach
You already have a story worth telling.
Let’s make it unforgettable.
Have you dreamed of finishing your book for as long as you can remember? Do you have a story burning in you that just can’t wait to find its place in the world?
Let’s make it unforgettable.
Have you dreamed of finishing your book for as long as you can remember? Do you have a story burning in you that just can’t wait to find its place in the world?
You're not alone in this dream. More than half of us imagine writing a book someday. But here's the hard truth: most people who dream of writing never start. And of those who do? Only about 3% actually finish.
It's not because they lack talent or passion. It's because writing a book is hard—and trying to do it alone can feel nearly impossible. The blank page is unforgiving. The doubt creeps in. The path forward gets murky, and suddenly that burning story starts to feel like something you'll get to "someday."
But your story is too important for someday.
Working with a book coach or editor changes everything. It turns that solitary, overwhelming journey into one where you have clarity, accountability, and someone who believes in you and your vision every step of the way. Someone who knows the craft inside and out, who can help you see what's working and what needs attention, who can guide you through the stuck points and celebrate your progress.
Alissa has helped writers transform their dreams into finished manuscripts—and she can help you become part of that 3% who actually complete their books. Whether you're just starting out, stuck in the middle, or polishing a draft that's almost ready, Alissa will meet you where you are and create a personalized plan to get you where you want to go.
It's not because they lack talent or passion. It's because writing a book is hard—and trying to do it alone can feel nearly impossible. The blank page is unforgiving. The doubt creeps in. The path forward gets murky, and suddenly that burning story starts to feel like something you'll get to "someday."
But your story is too important for someday.
Working with a book coach or editor changes everything. It turns that solitary, overwhelming journey into one where you have clarity, accountability, and someone who believes in you and your vision every step of the way. Someone who knows the craft inside and out, who can help you see what's working and what needs attention, who can guide you through the stuck points and celebrate your progress.
Alissa has helped writers transform their dreams into finished manuscripts—and she can help you become part of that 3% who actually complete their books. Whether you're just starting out, stuck in the middle, or polishing a draft that's almost ready, Alissa will meet you where you are and create a personalized plan to get you where you want to go.
Alissa serves fiction and memoir writers who:
- Feel stuck—whether it's a specific scene, the overall shape of your project, or your entire writing process—and need help finding the path forward
- Have a story burning inside them but aren't sure how to get it onto the page, or how to structure it once it's there
- Are drowning in scenes and chapters that don't quite fit together yet, and need help seeing the bigger picture
- Have lost their way in the middle of a draft and are wondering if they should keep going (you should—let Alissa show you why)
- Are ready to give up on their writing, or on themselves, and need someone to remind them why this story matters
- Have a complete or nearly complete manuscript and need professional eyes to help evaluate what's working and what needs attention
- Are preparing for the next step—whether that's revision, pitching, querying, or navigating the publishing process
- Need longer-term support, accountability, and encouragement to stay the course and actually finish what they've started
- Wherever you are in your journey—first page or final draft—if you're committed to your story and ready for guidance, Alissa is here to help you bring it to life.
Alissa coaches the following genres and forms:
- Fiction: short pieces and book length-works
- Memoir/personal essay: short pieces and book-length narrative works
Why choose Alissa as your coach?
You already know your story matters. Alissa is here to help you bring it to life.
With more than a decade of experience as a developmental editor, managing editor, and certified Book Coach through Author Accelerator, Alissa guides fiction and memoir writers through the entire creative journey—from that first glimmer of an idea to a polished manuscript ready for the world. She's worked with writers on everything from flash fiction and grants to full-length novels and memoirs, and she's passionate about helping writers navigate the often-overwhelming world of pitching and publishing.
Alissa combines the laser focus of an editor with the big-picture vision of a coach. She sees both the forest and the trees—helping you identify what's working beautifully in your writing and what could shine even brighter, then creating a clear, personalized plan to get you there. Her approach is rooted in clarity and compassionate critique, always honoring the integrity of your vision.
Because here's the truth: you are always in control of your story, your voice, and your process. Alissa is there to offer craft guidance, accountability, and encouragement—to be the professional set of eyes and the cheerleader in your corner when you need both most.
Writing can be a lonely endeavor. Having someone who understands the craft deeply and cares about you and your work can make all the difference—not just in your manuscript, but in your entire writing journey.
Alissa believes that everyone, everywhere should have the privilege of knowing their voice matters and the chance to share it. She's committed to equity and access in creative writing education, and she brings that same care and respect to every writer she works with.
Your story is worth telling. Let's get it into the world.
With more than a decade of experience as a developmental editor, managing editor, and certified Book Coach through Author Accelerator, Alissa guides fiction and memoir writers through the entire creative journey—from that first glimmer of an idea to a polished manuscript ready for the world. She's worked with writers on everything from flash fiction and grants to full-length novels and memoirs, and she's passionate about helping writers navigate the often-overwhelming world of pitching and publishing.
Alissa combines the laser focus of an editor with the big-picture vision of a coach. She sees both the forest and the trees—helping you identify what's working beautifully in your writing and what could shine even brighter, then creating a clear, personalized plan to get you there. Her approach is rooted in clarity and compassionate critique, always honoring the integrity of your vision.
Because here's the truth: you are always in control of your story, your voice, and your process. Alissa is there to offer craft guidance, accountability, and encouragement—to be the professional set of eyes and the cheerleader in your corner when you need both most.
Writing can be a lonely endeavor. Having someone who understands the craft deeply and cares about you and your work can make all the difference—not just in your manuscript, but in your entire writing journey.
Alissa believes that everyone, everywhere should have the privilege of knowing their voice matters and the chance to share it. She's committed to equity and access in creative writing education, and she brings that same care and respect to every writer she works with.
Your story is worth telling. Let's get it into the world.
Why Writers Trust Alissa With Their Stories:
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Alissa has been immensely helpful in my search for an agent. She not only offered on-point editorial suggestions, but also provided me with a comprehensive list of agents to query and walked me through that process. She has been available for every question I've had and has talked me down from more than one ledge. She always lets me know her availability and is thorough, kind, and knowledgeable. I'd highly recommend her services for any part of the book writing process. I'm so grateful to have her in my corner!
—Dana B.
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I worked with Alissa as a coach when my story was hardly more than an idea and a starting point. Her process and guidance helped me determine where to go next, and also how to build out the rest of the idea. I was nervous that I didn't have enough to work with, but Alissa's approach made the journey valuable and fun, and I'm really glad I took the leap.
—Monica T.
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All I knew when I first met Alissa was that I wanted to write a longer piece of fiction, but I had only vague thoughts of characters and what I wanted to say. But Alissa has a very structured, well thought out, and personalized plan with guidance and exercises, feedback, and timely one-on-one sessions. With her guidance I started creating pages and pages of key events from my life then started to develop characters and potential plot lines and character motivations and obstacles…
I’m so appreciative of Alissa. I’ve been thinking about writing a novel for many years, but never had any idea of how to do it. She has helped re-awaken my love for writing fiction and has provided a pathway for me to accomplish it. I couldn’t recommend her more highly.
I’m so appreciative of Alissa. I’ve been thinking about writing a novel for many years, but never had any idea of how to do it. She has helped re-awaken my love for writing fiction and has provided a pathway for me to accomplish it. I couldn’t recommend her more highly.
—David B.
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It’s been a privilege to work with Alissa Butterworth, first as a long-time member of her
writer’s workshop and now, as a book coaching client. Alissa brings a full suite of education, experience, and professionalism to her work. Like all good teachers, she doesn’t do her clients' work for them, but offers something far greater: the tools to stimulate one’s own creativity. In my experience, her skill at guiding actionable discussions and providing “safe workshopping” experiences for writers is unmatched. Also unmatched is her strong work ethic, which ensures clients get what they came for, both professionally and monetarily. In my case, not since my college years have I made a better investment in myself.
writer’s workshop and now, as a book coaching client. Alissa brings a full suite of education, experience, and professionalism to her work. Like all good teachers, she doesn’t do her clients' work for them, but offers something far greater: the tools to stimulate one’s own creativity. In my experience, her skill at guiding actionable discussions and providing “safe workshopping” experiences for writers is unmatched. Also unmatched is her strong work ethic, which ensures clients get what they came for, both professionally and monetarily. In my case, not since my college years have I made a better investment in myself.
—Toni S.
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If you feel stuck in your writing, need support or otherwise would like to learn more about working with Alissa, let's talk.
Reach out here to get the conversation started with a Meet and Greet call.
As a certified Author Accelerator book coach,
Alissa is qualified to use Author Accelerator's strategies, methods, techniques and materials.
She operates independently of Author Accelerator and is not affiliated with them.
Reach out here to get the conversation started with a Meet and Greet call.
As a certified Author Accelerator book coach,
Alissa is qualified to use Author Accelerator's strategies, methods, techniques and materials.
She operates independently of Author Accelerator and is not affiliated with them.
To get your free copy of "The Home Writer's Retreat,"
announcements about events, publications, free writing resources, new course and coaching offerings, and early access to register for classes, join Alissa's mailing list below!
Your information will never be shared. Your privacy is respected, and you can opt out at any time.
announcements about events, publications, free writing resources, new course and coaching offerings, and early access to register for classes, join Alissa's mailing list below!
Your information will never be shared. Your privacy is respected, and you can opt out at any time.