Level up your writing and find your voice
Are you the kind of person who needs help, a clear plan, and accountability to actually get things done?
Me too.
That’s why I’ve taken more classes than I can count, and work with my own coach to this day, and made sure that I always have someone waiting for my work.
This investment helped me get published in The New York Times more than a dozen times to date, as well as Elle, Vice, Vox, The Washington Post and Slate.
It got me my agent.
It’s led to two million-reader viral essays.
It forced me to quit wasting time and empowered me to finally call myself a writer.
When you work with an editor at a publication or press, you get mentorship, guidance, and, most importantly, accountability to get your work in on time. Your Personal Editor creates this relationship. You’ll have someone who cares about your progress, knows what editors are looking for, and can help you find the work you just need to dig a little deeper to create.
In this 12-week program, you’ll turn in at least 1,000 words per week, read them out loud, and discuss your work with me over a 30-minute weekly meeting. You leave with written comments, a recorded workshop, and a clear plan for next steps with the piece.
You’ll be a producing writer, somehow finally able to find the time and focus that often seems so out of reach. You’ll have an editor’s eye on your work, someone to help you see where you can add more power. You’ll have a clear plan and customized exercises for your next edit.
You’ll leave with more than 10,000 edited words, a sense of your gifts, a better idea of where you need to focus your study, and new habits honed by an editor with 20 years of writing experience.
Join the more than 75 writers I’ve worked with to invest in your writing life.
“I was stuck before working with Paulette. She helped me identify where I was strong and where I needed help. She gave me practical suggestions that helped me organize my writing, stick to a schedule and keep going even when uninspired.
I still get stuck at times but now I’m able to get unstuck by relying on Paulette’s suggestions. Her coaching was invaluable and continues to be invaluable. I look forward to working with Paulette again.”
This program is for you if:
You’ve been working for years but have plateaued in your progress
You’re committed to reading, writing, and working as much as you need to to get where you want to go
You’re ready to consider yourself a craftsperson, an artist, and a writer
This program is not for you if:
You’re chugging along just fine, being as productive as you think you should be
You’re not ready for honest feedback about where you are
You’re fine just writing for yourself
If you’ve been letting yourself down and not producing the quantity or quality of work you know you’re capable of, give yourself this opportunity to push past your blocks. If a calendar, reminders, or doing it on your own isn’t working, let yourself see what you can do with a coach.
See what other coaching clients have to say:
Stephani McDow, who went on to be accepted into Tin House’s Summer Workshop with the piece we worked on together.
Mandy Canales
FAQs
Q: What can I expect from the Your Personal Editor program?
A: Expect transformation. Your Personal Editor is a 12-week program designed to provide structure, accountability, and personal growth in your writing. Each week, you'll be expected to produce at least 1,000 words, which we will review together during a 30-minute meeting. You’ll receive constructive feedback, a recorded session for review, and a clear plan for improving your piece. By the end of the program, you’ll have over 10,000 edited words, a recognition of your strengths, targeted areas for development, and new, productive habits, all nurtured by two decades of editorial experience.
Q: Who is the ideal candidate for the Your Personal Editor program?
A: This program is tailored for writers who feel stagnant in their progress and are dedicated to honing their craft through consistent practice and learning. It's for individuals who see writing not just as a hobby but as an art and are ready to embrace their identity as writers. If you're looking for a breakthrough and are open to candid feedback, then Your Personal Editor is for you.
Q: Who might not benefit from Your Personal Editor?
A: If you're already finding success with your current writing routine and productivity levels, or if you're not open to frank assessment and change, then this program might not align with your needs. Similarly, if writing is a casual pursuit for you and you're satisfied with writing solely for personal enjoyment, then Your Personal Editor may not be the right fit.
Q: How will Your Personal Editor help me overcome my writing blocks?
A: Your Personal Editor is not just about editing—it’s about breaking through the barriers that hold you back. With a consistent submission schedule, you’ll build discipline. By reading your work out loud and discussing it, you’ll develop a keen ear for your voice. The personalized exercises and feedback will target your specific challenges, turning them into strengths. It’s a program that’s proved its worth, with many writers finding it invaluable for maintaining momentum and improving their craft.
Q: What successes have previous clients experienced with Your Personal Editor?
A: Writers who have joined Your Personal Editor have achieved remarkable milestones. From getting published in prestigious outlets like Wired and Huffington Post to getting admitted into the Tin House summer workshop, clients have seen tangible results. Moreover, they’ve developed the confidence to call themselves writers and have laid down the foundations for a sustainable writing career. Over 75 writers have found this program instrumental in revitalizing their writing life, and I’m honored that some have signed up for the program multiple times.
Q: How is accountability maintained in the Your Personal Editor program?
A: Accountability is a cornerstone of this program. As your coach, I ensure that there's someone eagerly awaiting your work each week. This expectation creates a powerful motivator, akin to the responsibility one feels when working with an editor at a publication. It’s about creating a professional relationship where your progress is paramount, and your deadlines are real and respected. With Your Personal Editor, you’re investing in a commitment to not just your work, but also to yourself as a writer.