Book Coaching
Award-winning insights. Hollywood-honed plotting. Proven results.
Hi! I’m Kellye, an award-winning crime fiction author and book coach. If you’re looking for an experienced editor and mentor to help you take your crime fiction novel or career to the next level, I’d love to work with you!
Why Work With Me?
- I’m a former Pitch Wars Mentor and Executive Director, which is how I first fell in love with mentorship. I helped my mentees transform their manuscripts–reworking their stories via outlines and extensive developmental & line edits until it was “agent-ready.” Six out of my seven mentees secured agents and went on to sign book deals.
- I hold an MFA from USC’s famed screenwriting program. I didn’t just learn how to write; I learned the high-level craft of how to “beat out” a story and give actionable, professional feedback.
- In my “former life” as a TV writer, I honed the skill of collaborative storytelling. I bring that “writers’ room” energy to your manuscript, helping you find the pulse of your plot.
- I’ve been part of the crime fiction community for over a decade, including cofounding the award-winning Crime Writers of Color. I know what agents and editors are looking for and how to stand out.
Why I Might NOT be Your Person:
- You just need a copy editor/proofreader. I am a big-picture developmental specialist. If you need someone to hunt for commas, that isn’t my strength. (I’m sure there are typos on this page right now!).
- You write extremely dark stories. I’m not the right mentor for stories involving on-screen torture or abuse of any kind.
- You use AI to write your drafts. I work best with human-generated prose and original voices.
Services
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Traditional Developmental Edit, Manuscript Evaluation, and Book Coaching Packages
Includes a free 30-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
Developmental Edit
Designed for writers looking for a traditional developmental edit where I read your entire manuscript to evaluate plotting, voice, character development, structure, pacing, and POV.
- Full Manuscripts: $0.04 per word
(Ex: 80,000 words = $3,200) - Partial Manuscripts (min. 50 pages): $55 + $0.04 per word
(Ex: 15,000 words = $655) Deliverables: A 1–4 page edit letter with clear next steps, “spot edits” within the manuscript, and a one-hour call to brainstorm solutions.
Manuscript Evaluation (Edit Letter Only)
Designed for authors seeking high-level developmental feedback on big-picture story mechanics without line-by-line edits or live call time—this lightweight review provides a clear roadmap for your next draft.
Rate: $0.025 per word (Sample: $2,000 for an 80,000-word manuscript)
Deliverables: A comprehensive 1–4 page editorial letter evaluating plot, pacing, character arcs, structure, and voice.(Note: Does not include inline manuscript notes, spot edits, or a Zoom brainstorming call.)
Book Coaching
Designed for authors ready to tackle a major revision or writers seeking structured guidance to complete a manuscript—whether restructuring a first draft, deepening character arcs, or building momentum to the final climax—this offering breaks your project into manageable, rolling chunks so you never feel overwhelmed.
Instead of a single massive edit letter at the end, you’ll receive ongoing developmental feedback, line editing, and 1-on-1 strategy calls to keep your momentum high from opening chapter to final page. Packages combine a manuscript edit rate of $0.04 per word with discounted $160/hr strategy sessions (reduced from my standard $180/hr rate).
6-Session Coaching Package: Best for targeted revisions or guided drafting milestones. Includes 6 rolling editorial reviews + six 60-minute Zoom strategy sessions (Sample: $3,200 edit + $960 coaching = $4,160 total for an 80,000-word draft).
8-Session Coaching Package: Ideal for deeper structural overhauls or writers who want extra breathing room between submissions. Includes 8 rolling editorial reviews + eight 60-minute Zoom strategy sessions (Sample: $3,200 edit + $1,280 coaching = $4,480 total for an 80,000-word draft).
10-Session Coaching Package: Our most comprehensive package for major page-one rewrites, complex multi-POV mysteries, or finishing a full draft from outline to end. Includes 10 rolling editorial reviews + ten 60-minute Zoom strategy sessions (Sample: $3,200 edit + $1,600 coaching = $4,800 total for an 80,000-word draft).
The Submission Suite
Designed for authors with a polished, query-ready manuscript—having already survived multiple drafts, critique partners, and proofreading—this offering provides the final professional edge needed to secure an agent and does not include developmental feedback.
- Query Letter Critique: $75 (1 round) | $200 (3 rounds)
- Agent Submission Package: $400
One round of feedback on your query, 2-page synopsis, and first 30 pages. - Deluxe Agent Submission Package: $750
Three rounds of edits on your query, 2-page synopsis, and first 30 pages.
Strategy & Plotting
- Written Outline/Synopsis Critique: $125 (up to 5 single-spaced pages)
- Outline Brainstorming Session: $180 per hour Live Zoom session to break your story. (Requires a 1–5 page synopsis sent in advance).
Testimonials
“I had the honor of being Kellye’s Pitch Wars mentee in 2017, and co-mentored with her from 2018-2020. These experiences gave me unique insight into how Kellye works from both the mentee and mentor side. She taught me so much about both the craft and business sides of writing, and how the skills used to critique someone else’s story can strengthen my own. She is tough but kind, and endlessly supportive. I never would’ve made it this far in my career without her, and highly recommend her services to anyone looking to take their story to the next level.”
– Mia P. Manansala, award-winning author
“Kellye Garrett is a brilliant author and an exceptional guide for writers at every stage. Her mastery of craft is undeniable—evident not only on the page, but in the many awards her work has earned—and she brings that same rigor and generosity to mentoring. Kellye pairs sharp, practical industry knowledge with deep insight into storytelling, making her coaching both empowering and actionable. I couldn’t recommend her more highly to anyone serious about their writing career.”
– Yosha Gunaskera, Author of The Midnight Taxi, Lawyer, and Professor
“I’m not exaggerating when I say Kellye is amazing. She’s a talented author, a gifted teacher, and one of the kindest people I know. She was my mentor during Pitch Wars and I have her, and my other mentor, Mia P. Manansala, to thank for signing with an agent. Through honest and constructive feedback, Kellye helped me move my draft to a polished manuscript worthy of querying. And even after Pitch Wars was over, Kellye has always been there to offer advice and guidance. Working with her was an invaluable experience.
– MJ Soni, author of the upcoming The Masala Chai Mystery Clu
Pick My Brain: One-Hour Zoom AMAs
Don’t need a full coaching package, but still have questions about your next steps? Book a one-hour Zoom AMA session for just $125! This is your time to ask me anything about the industry, craft, or the business of being an author.
Click here to sign up.
What can we talk about? Anything.
Looking for an Agent? Hooray! I’ll walk you through the entire process, from finding the right querying approach to the happy chaos of navigating your first offer of representation.
Finally on Submission? Yay! The sub period is a rollercoaster. I got my first book deal after being on sub for a year—and my second after only one week. Let’s talk about what to expect and how to handle the stress of this pivotal time.
Just Sold Your First Book? Congrats! I’m always surprised by how little information there is about what happens after the deal. I’ll walk you through the editing process, cover reveals, hunting for blurbs, and—most importantly—how to pick your battles.
Struggling to Plot a Mystery? Been there! Using my award-winning debut, Hollywood Homicide, as a roadmap, I’ll show you exactly how I develop and plot a novel.
Bonus: If you’re in the U.S., I’ll send you a free copy of the book so you can read it before we meet! We can deep-dive into the mechanics without worrying about spoilers.
Need more than an hour?
If you’re looking for a multi-session AMA package, let me know. I’m happy to offer discounted rates for multiple sessions to keep you supported throughout your journey.