Bring Your Story to Life

Your draft is the start of something powerful -
let’s shape it into a novel that moves readers and makes an impact!

The Problem:

You've gotten feedback and you're feeling completely overwhelmed. You've been tinkering away, but you don't know if the things you’ve been 'fixing' are actually the things that are wrong. You're worried you're making it worse, instead of better. Also known as the revision cycle of doom. Ever heard of revision hell? This is it.

Or maybe you aren't in revision hell. Maybe...

You have a message - something important about the world that you want the reader to walk away with, only you don't know how to get it onto the page in the way the reader will relate to.

Or it could be that...

You've started a draft with great intentions but the story has lost focus. It's out in left field somewhere, and you don't know how to get it back on track.

 

The Solution:

As your book coach, I guide and support you through the process of taking a holistic look at your manuscript, teaching you how to assess the critical elements so we can see what's working and what isn't, and making a plan of action - a roadmap - for your revision.

Finally, I coach you through the rewrite as you make the needed changes on the pages themselves.

The bottom line? You don't have to figure it out all by yourself. I've got you!

Welcome!

My name is Juanita May, but you can call me Nita.

I'm a certified book coach who works with writers of character-driven fiction who want the guidance of a professional as they finish, revise, and polish their manuscripts.

My favorite writers are those who want to make an impact, and who believe, as I do, that stories are powerful tools for change.

It's my mission to guide and support you in writing a novel that’s true to your vision – that says what you want it to say.

Why? Because I believe stories have great power. We can write the world we want to live in! 

Revise your novel with confidence

An engaging story can be a powerful tool for change

Revise your novel with confidence

Close your eyes and picture your novel as a house.

Take a mental tour through the inside of the house, imagining your prose as the pictures you've hung on the walls in the living room, the hallway, the bedrooms.

Now...what happens if the walls are crooked?

Exactly. Your pictures are going to be crooked, too.

All that gorgeous prose you spent weeks and months rewriting over and over...wonky.

Your house isn't going to make any sense, and neither is your book.

Skipping the critical stage of revision and going straight to line and copy editing means you haven't searched out and addressed those sometimes fatal flaws in your book’s foundation.

That means your readers won't be able to engage. And that means they're going to close the book without finishing.

It's a writer's worst nightmare if you're trying to write a book that makes an impact.

By taking a holistic approach to the planning and revision process, I'll teach you how to make sure your point – your theme – your story’s aboutness is on the page, engaging the reader, and putting your message out there into the world.

Let’s get your story to work making a difference.

Reimagine and nurture your writing life

The Transformation Starts Here

Write a Better Book

Whether you’re starting a manuscript from scratch or doing a revision, I fill the role of project manager as you write, helping you hone what it is you want to say, working with you to get your character arcs and story point aligned, keeping an eye on your outline as you write forward, and brainstorming with you on the issues that inevitably present themselves.

Become a Better Writer

Working with a Book coach is active learning, where your own manuscript is the workbook. Show-don't-tell? POV? Character-driven vs. plot-driven? Instead of trying to figure out what all those mind-bending writing rules and guidelines mean all by yourself, you'll be seeing them in action as you learn how they apply to your own pages as you write.

Write with Confidence

I don't think there's a writer alive who doesn't grapple with doubt demons and imposter syndrome at least some of the time. Part of my job as your coach is to be your cheerleader and partner in the writing process. Someone who'll celebrate your successes and who's got your back when the going gets tough.

You deserve the support you need to do your best work.

 Kind  Words from Clients

I'm thrilled with the suggestions she's made to make my writing, characters, and story stronger.

I met Nita by chance when we exchanged pages on the Women's Fiction Writers' Association website. Myself a long-time professional editor, I quickly realized I was in the hands of a naturally gifted editor by the type of feedback she was giving me. I immediately hired her to edit the rest of my book, and I'm thrilled with the suggestions she's made to make my writing, characters, and story stronger. I highly recommend Nita's editorial services.

Betsy Thorpe, author & editor

Nita gave me the tough love I needed in the gentlest of packages

No question I had was too trivial or too difficult. A master listener, she stuck with me like a rock through a gamut of emotions until I fully understood her feedback. If you work with Nita, you’ll become a better writer.

Krista Lynn White, author

When my motivation starts to dwindle, Nita always inspires me to get back on track.

Nita Collins is everything I was looking for in a developmental editor. Her reviews always arrive promptly and are very thorough and insightful, providing plenty of positive reinforcement along with gentle constructive criticism. She is very knowledgeable and backs up her recommendations with links to appropriate references. Never harsh or critical, she is, nonetheless, honest and does an excellent job of highlighting problems and making helpful suggestions for improvement. When my motivation starts to dwindle, Nita always inspires me to get back on track. She is warm and responsive, and I highly recommend Nita Collins without reservation, five stars!

Dr. Wendy Schaenen

I loved working with her.

Nita's insight on the writing process was very helpful. She showed me what my project needed, and gave me the extra push I needed to get back on track. I loved working with her. She’s positive and encouraging.

Kim Baccellia, author

I am so grateful for her skills in helping me hone the story I have to tell. 

I am so fortunate to have Nita as a critique partner. With her innate skill, she pointed out places where readers would benefit from being inside my character's head and heart. She also, in her inimitable way, affirmed the specific gifts I have in writing and firmly addressed the major fear and shortcoming that undermined my story and its ability to attract potential readers. I am so grateful for her skills in helping me hone the story I have to tell. 

Lisa Bodenheim

Nita was an absolute joy to work with.

She was communicative, available, and willing to work around my schedule. Her feedback was thorough, insightful, clear, and delivered with just the right balance of kindness and brutal honesty. I can't recommend her highly enough!   

Natalie Dale, author

Nita's developmental edit of the first thirty pages of my manuscript was extremely helpful. She provided insightful comments on the theme and other foundational elements as well as detailed line edits to highlight areas for improvement. Her suggestions were delivered with kindness, encouragement, and enthusiasm. I highly recommend her services. 

Cheryl Hystad

Nita has made me a better writer. Simple as that.

She’s brilliant at showing versus telling, is detail orientated but can still see the big picture. If this is your first book, or your fiftieth, you will become a better writer with Nita by your side.

Holly Kerr, author

Nita's evaluation of my manuscript was empathetic and insightful. Her input was professional and constructive and it has consistently pushed me to think more deeply about the story I've written. I would be more than happy to work with her again and sincerely recommend her to anyone looking for an editor or writing coach.

Susan Morris

Here's how we can work together:

Book Coaching

Personalized feedback, guidance, and support whether you're planning a story from scratch, writing forward in a draft, or revising an existing manuscript.

LEARN MORE

Clarity Sessions

For those who think better out loud. You just want to get a coach's perspective on a sticking point in your novel, talk out a story idea, or do some brainstorming.

LEARN MORE

Editing

For those who want written feedback on a large chunk, and can take it from there on their own. Comprehensive analysis or  line edit of your first chapter, 50 pages, or full  manuscript.

LEARN MORE

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Subscribe to keep in touch!

Narrative Threads is the name of my newsletter & blog - a collection of personal essays, editorial tips, craft lessons, a bit of travel, books I'm reading, explorations of my own novel-writing process, fun and interesting things I’ve learned, and the occasional recipe (because even writers have to eat). For sure some knitting will happen, and most likely a bit of sewing, too.  And you’ll get to meet Samson, my senior editor.

Narrative Threads are letters written from me to you, because the writing life can be lonely. Let's keep each other company along the way, eh? Sign up - the kettle's on!

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