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 finished your draft and started tinkering away on it...but are the things you’ve been "fixing" actually the things that are wrong? You're worried you're making your novel worse, instead of better. 

Or maybe you had a great idea and started to write...except now the story has lost focus and you don't know how to get it back on track.

You might have even gotten some feedback along the way, but it left you with more questions than answers. You're feeling completely overwhelmed and lost because you're trying to please everyone else instead of writing the story of your heart.

The Solution:

You need someone to help you uncover and refine the heart of your novel, show you how to make a revision plan that stays true to that heart, and then walk beside you as you carry the plan through.

As a book coach and developmental editor, I help women writers who have a draft in any stage of completion to revise and refine their novels with intention and confidence, enabling them to tell the stories of their heart in a way that will make an impact. 

It's important that your novel remains true to your vision, and that the reader closes your book with a satisfied sigh, understanding exactly what it was you wanted to say.

Your words matter!

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.

Why?

Because stories are so much more than words written on a page. Stories are powerful forces woven throughout all aspects of our lives.

Stories connect me to myself. They knit a connection between me and you. They weave a bridge between “us” and “them.” Stories are the threads that bind us all together.

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.

Your house is going to feel wonky, and so is your book.

Skipping the critical stages 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.

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

Your 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 or editor 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

Direct, encouraging, and always kind

Nita's insightful feedback on my early chapters gave me a road map to follow as I revised the rest of my novel. Direct, encouraging, and always kind, she helped me become a better novelist.

Courtney Shosh, author

Here's how we can work together!

Book Coaching

Long-term, on-going personalized feedback, guidance, and support on your manuscript pages as you write them, with follow-up video calls after each submission to talk it through. Stay accountable to your goals, raise the bar on your writing, and keep the doubt demons away.

Clarity Session

A one-hour talk-only video call for those who think better out loud. Do you want to talk about a new story idea? Talk about your goals and brainstorm solutions? Could you use a coach's perspective on a sticking point in your plot? Book a clarity session whenever and as often as you need.

Assessments & Editing

Comprehensive assessment (developmental edit) of your first chapter, first 50 pages, or full  manuscript. Find out what's working and what needs attention. Comes with suggested next steps, a curated list of recommended resources, and a follow-up video call. Line editing also available.

Are we a good fit for each other? Let's hop on a call and find out!

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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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