Not a ghostwriter. Not an editor. Something even better: a partner in the process.

Some authors want to take the journey themselves. Some aren't ready for a developmental edit. These writers are in the thick of it: drafting, revising, wrestling with a shapeless idea, or trying to take a book from I know what I want to say but it's not compelling to OMG, this could be it!

That's where book development comes in. It's a strategic, hands-on partnership that helps you think, plan, structure, troubleshoot, and finish your book with confidence.

This is for writers who want expertise without outsourcing the writing. These writers become the expertise.

• Writers with a workable draft but unclear stakes, structure, or direction
• Nonfiction and memoir authors who need shape, clarity, and market alignment
• Novelists who want guidance on character arcs, emotional beats, and genre expectations
• Romance authors who want help tightening beats or building stronger intimacy between the hero and heroine
• Writers who want accountability, thoughtful coaching, and strategic support
• Anyone stuck in the middle of a book and unsure how to write through it

✨This service pairs well with Draft to Dreams, my Buy Me a Coffee-based writing community, but goes much deeper and is much more individually tailored.

Where writers come to get unstuck, sharpen their instincts, and finally build the book they’ve been carrying around for years. It’s an online space for honest craft talk, practical guidance, and the kind of momentum that only happens when someone believes in your story as much as you do. 

If you’re ready to grow, your manuscript and your confidence as a writer, you’ll feel right at home here.

Draft to Dreams is on the Buy Me a Coffee platform. Follow the cup.

Making sure the heart of the book is strong enough to carry to THE END

Plot, beats, narrative drive, emotional arcs. Together, we build the skeleton that supports your draft.

What readers expect, what agents care about, and how your book fits in and stands out

Consistent check-ins, deadlines that hold, and deep support through the messy middle

Instead of an editing sheet of everything that needs to be fixed, a focused plan so revision feels bite-sized and doable, not overwhelming

If something isn't working, we'll dig into why and repair it.

For authors on the traditional publishing path, whether fiction or nonfiction, you'll get guidance on comparable titles, market positioning, and platform strategy.

This isn't line editing or ghostwriting. This is expert-level guidance from someone who understands the market and can help you get your book where it needs to go.

You tell me where you are with your book and what you need. I suggest the simplest, most effective path forward.

based on your goals and timeline:

• One-time deep dive
• Three-session package
• Monthly book development retainer

after each session. No fluff. No busywork. Just real progress.

you can send questions or pages (depending on the tier) to keep momentum alive.

A single, 90-minute session to solve one big problem: structure, stakes, character arc, romance beats, or market positioning. Comes with a follow-up summary and next steps.

Industry average: $150-$300/session

My range: $225-$295/session

For writers who want a strategic blueprint and accountability across several weeks.

Includes:

• Three 60-90 minute sessions
• Feedback on up to 50 pages per session
• Concrete next-step plans
• Email, video call & phone call support between sessions

Industry average: $450-$900

My range: $650-$825

For writers who want an ongoing partnership. This is your "editor in your pocket" option.

Includes:

• 2-3 calls per month
• Feedback on pages or outline sections up to 50 pages
• Accountability check-ins
• Priority scheduling and support

Projects vary widely, so retainers are quoted after reviewing materials.

If you're not sure which you need, I'll tell you honestly.

Developmental coaching is collaborative, strategic & hands-on, but you do the writing.

Developmental editing happens later, when you have a full draft that needs deep analysis and fixes.

"My progress is definitely a reflection of your coaching. For me, it’s all about accountability. I’m the same way with strength training. I know this about myself, and I think it’s because of my age that I have more confidence in myself, or at least, I don’t tolerate bullshit anymore, especially my own. You help me write forward while still having fun. There’s a freedom in that."

Kennedy West, contemporary/spicy romance

"I can not say enough GREAT, AWESOME, WONDERFUL things about Laura. If you want the BEST, hire her. She is very, VERY professional, an expert writer/editor, and worth every cent. Her communications are always timely. She met and exceeded all of my expectations. She has a clear vision of the projects she takes on, and she believes in them. That was so important to me. Her work is thoughtful, thorough, exceptional quality, and the list goes on. I couldn't have chosen better. I feel lucky to have found her and consider her a major player to the success of my project. Her talent, passion, commitment, professionalism, communication, responsiveness, ideas, and efforts will make any person lucky to have her on board. I plan to hire L.A. Mitchell for future projects and for all of my developmental/editing needs. She's that great!!!!!"

Stephanie Espy, STEM Gems; nonfiction biographies, YA audience

Whether you're shaping a novel, structuring a nonfiction book, or building a memoir with purpose, you don't have to go it alone.

Let's find the best way forward to bring your book to life