I love helping people with their writing as much as I love to write!
Bringing a story to life on the page is exciting and deeply satisfying. However, the writing process can also be lonely and frustrating. Working with a writing coach can help you stay focused and achieve your goals and dreams.
What makes me qualified to be a writing coach and an editor?
I have been teaching and studying writing in a variety of settings since 1981. I have extensive experience in classroom teaching, one-on-one tutoring, and conducting writing workshops and retreats in the US and abroad. I am trained to listen deeply, ask questions, and give direct and constructive feedback.
Besides my teaching career, I am a writer just like you. I began my writer’s journey with personal essays and proceeded to study screenwriting, memoir, and fiction. I have had successes and failures along the way, both of which have taught me invaluable lessons about the art and craft of writing and the complexities of the publishing industry.
In terms of developmental/substantive editing and copy editing, I have an editing certification from the Graham School at the University of Chicago, home of the Chicago Manual of Style. I am available to help you with manuscript analysis of any length from the personal essay to a book length project to help you prior to submitting to agents and publishers.
What does a writing coach do?
A writing coach is like a personal trainer for a writer. I can help at any stage of your project. Here is a list of some of the possibilities:
How does the process work?
Whether you are seeking editing services or coaching, we begin with a free consult via Zoom or phone to discuss your project and make sure that I am the right editor/coach for you. I never take a client unless I know I am a good match for the material.
How do I contact you?
You can email me at [email protected]
I look forward to hearing from you!
~Susan
Here are a few of the books that I have had the honor of helping come to fruition!
Bringing a story to life on the page is exciting and deeply satisfying. However, the writing process can also be lonely and frustrating. Working with a writing coach can help you stay focused and achieve your goals and dreams.
What makes me qualified to be a writing coach and an editor?
I have been teaching and studying writing in a variety of settings since 1981. I have extensive experience in classroom teaching, one-on-one tutoring, and conducting writing workshops and retreats in the US and abroad. I am trained to listen deeply, ask questions, and give direct and constructive feedback.
Besides my teaching career, I am a writer just like you. I began my writer’s journey with personal essays and proceeded to study screenwriting, memoir, and fiction. I have had successes and failures along the way, both of which have taught me invaluable lessons about the art and craft of writing and the complexities of the publishing industry.
In terms of developmental/substantive editing and copy editing, I have an editing certification from the Graham School at the University of Chicago, home of the Chicago Manual of Style. I am available to help you with manuscript analysis of any length from the personal essay to a book length project to help you prior to submitting to agents and publishers.
What does a writing coach do?
A writing coach is like a personal trainer for a writer. I can help at any stage of your project. Here is a list of some of the possibilities:
- instruct regarding the basics of how to write an essay, book etc.
- brainstorm to help develop an idea
- teach aspects of the writing craft—story structure, character development, dialogue etc.
- help you organize your time and set attainable goals through the stages of development to improve productivity and efficiency
- give tips on how to overcome writer’s block
- provide constructive feedback
- share how to query or write a proposal for traditional publishing
- read your manuscript and provide developmental editing
- provide copy edits for your manuscript
- provide creative and emotional support
- help you develop your writer’s voice
How does the process work?
Whether you are seeking editing services or coaching, we begin with a free consult via Zoom or phone to discuss your project and make sure that I am the right editor/coach for you. I never take a client unless I know I am a good match for the material.
How do I contact you?
You can email me at [email protected]
I look forward to hearing from you!
~Susan
Here are a few of the books that I have had the honor of helping come to fruition!
Testimonials
Susan Pohlman did a superb job, meticulous and thorough. Her editing skills are impressive. She caught all kinds of errors, mostly small, but she also corrected my usage, grammar, as well as picking up all sorts of subtle things. She also pointed out a couple of areas where she had questions about the plot. And she's so wonderful to deal with—really it was a pleasure. ~L. MacConnell, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Susan Pohlman is a true professional. Both in person and online, her skills polish, prod, elucidate, and educate. Worth every moment and penny you spend. I’m looking forward to more. Many thanks to Susan.
~T. Tucker, Phoenix, AZ
Speaking and writing are two completely different modes of expression. I’ve spent the last 30+ years teaching communication. I talked aboutwriting a book for at least a decade. Finally, I buckled down and composed a manuscript shortly after moving to Arizona. After writing two separate versions, I needed help. I searched for an editor and discovered Susan Pohlman. What a blessing!
Her gift of seeing detail was simply remarkable. I would read and re-read a passage in my book, thinking it was fine. I turned it over to Susan, and sheworked her magic, transforming my words and structure into unquestionably legible writing. I become a better writer as a result.
Many thanks to my gifted, gracious, and witty editor, Susan Pohlman. I highly recommend her service to anyone who wants better writing.
~Mark Ortman, author of The Secret to Everyday Communication (Without Argument).
Whatever the word is for better-than-excellent, that word describes Susan. She has an incredible talent for story development and her review of my manuscript helped me to see things I didn’t see on my own. She gave me a new perspective on what worked, what didn’t, which characters needed fleshing out, where imagery would shine, and where I was repetitive. I appreciated her teamwork approach, her love of great writing, and most of all, her detailed feedback beyond my expectation.
~Bronwyn Wilson
Susan Pohlman was recommended to me from a published friend, Amy Carney. I wanted a professional editor to look at my book for typos and grammar, and tighten it up (since I am a wordy blogger) — but not take away my voice. Susan provided me with a sample of a few pages of her edits on my work to ensure we were on the right track and it allowed me to predict how long my project would take her to edit.
Susan also provided me with valuable insight on how to properly format the book for self-publishing, and encouraged me to ask for a foreword. Susan is professional, incredibly kind and patient, and most importantly, an experienced editor. I am grateful for her willingness to take on my 45,000 word book and answer my questions even after the edits. Susan played an invaluable part in my project and because of her, I feel confident to get this book God put on my heart and into the world. ~Diana Elizabeth Steffen
I spent a lot of time writing an autobiography. I am an engineer, not a writer. As I approached the end of the writing process I realized I needed someone with writing skill to review it and help me make it the legacy I wanted for my family. My internet searches led me to Susan Pohlman. Susan has been very helpful and I now have a product I am proud of. ~Art Green
Susan has been an invaluable writing coach and editor for me over the last few months. She helped me write two articles which were recently picked-up for publication, and I was actually paid for one of them! Her Phoenix Writers Network has provided excellent opportunities to meet and get to know some of the best professional writers in the business. Mark Walker, Author and President of Million Mile Walker LLC.
I’m a first-time author of fiction and finished the first complete manuscript last year. Susan Pohlman analyzed and provided a developmental edit for my novel. She spent the time to understand the story and the characters, question some of their motivations, providing a comprehensive set of suggestions for my next revision. Until I started the rewrite, I didn’t realize how Susan’s recommendations would help to clarify and bring to the surface some of the fundamental conflicts, while eliminating the less critical ones. She spent the time to explain her rationale for the suggestions and various options for the changes. The result is a much better story. I strongly recommend Susan’s services for authors. I enjoyed our work together and will continue to tap into Susan’s expertise to continue to improve my novel and writing.
~David Stanasolovich
Working with Susan was the expertise I needed to complete my book! She is incredibly professional and really helped me, as a newbie, throughout the entire book writing process. The most valuable part was the developmental edits. Without Susan, my book would have been a hot mess. If you are looking for an incredible book editor, look no further than Susan Pohlman! Bella Vasta, Consultant, Podcast Host, Author, Speaker, Jump Consulting
Susan masterfully edited four of my personal essays with a rare combination of expert craftsmanship and love. One essay in particular, about my abortion experience, would not have been as clear, concise, and impactful without her help. She trimmed the fat without cutting out the meat of the piece—which was no small feat given its deeply intimate nature. Her compassion, straightforwardness and ability to nurture my growth as a writer are qualities that will keep me coming back to Susan. Not only is Susan a wonderful editor, but she is also a hub for writers who are looking for a committed to community with which to learn and grow. If you're a writer of any kind, I highly recommend Susan to help you hone your skills and your network!
- Alana Helapitage, Writer, Mentor, and Meditation Teacher in Training
Having discovered over one thousand love letters written to my mother in the late 1920's, I knew I had to turn to an expert for the coaching I so desperately needed. That's when I learned about Susan and enrolled in her classes to develop the craft and writing skills to move forward with my novel. I cannot say enough about what an amazing teacher she is, let alone praise her for her generous contribution in hosting workshops for other authors eager to learn. She is truly an inspiration and a well respected writing coach. Thank you, Susan, for taking me under your wing.
P.A. Schoenfeld
I am very excited about Susan Pohlman editing my next book, Past, Present and Future: Stories That Haunt. She took my fourteen chapters and sculpted them. Her suggestions and edits moved my work up several notches. For instance she described the chapter Ancient Wisdom as a gorgeous canoe ride through the pristine Canadian wilderness, while correcting my sentences to a much higher level. Her sharp pen pointed out prose that just did not make the cut, yet was generous to note when I really brought a story to life. She was generous and critical. For instance – Susan noted that she loved the tale of a young boy’s adventure while rearranging the sections to make that short story more impactful. She gave direct suggestions such as, “Try to weave the imagery throughout the piece so it doesn’t feel front loaded.” I feel lucky to have found her skills and would recommend her to any writer looking for an editor.
~Dr. Ian Prattis: Author of 18 books.
I signed up for a writing class with Susan Pohlman at the Mesa Public Library to get help with a book that I had been wanting to write for several years. I went in eager to learn but not confident that I would reach the goal. Susan made a point to encourage each of us in the class to keep writing and never give up. A book that had been started several years prior to taking this class was finally being written.
After completing my final chapter I sent an email to Susan and sent her my manuscript. With her editing skills and continued support I am now ready to publish my first book.
Susan is kind but honest and she will help you get to where you want to go with your writing. You can trust her to read and value your work as her own. I am forever thankful for Susan and her love of the written word.
Terrie G. Gardner
Writing a memoir without a literary background proved to be a challenging task. I decided to work with Susan Pohlman after having the pleasure of meeting her at a local writer’s conference. She’s helped me restructure my story by providing insightful, relevant feedback with honesty and professionalism. Under Susan’s guidance, I’ve published several essays and the first draft of my memoir is nearly complete. I have a new-found confidence in my writing abilities thanks to her training and support. Susan possesses a wealth of knowledge that is readily available to writers of all levels. I highly recommend her services and look forward to working with her on my next round of edits.
-Aundria Adams
We all know that in order to excel at anything, it takes commitment and the ability to identify our strengths and weaknesses.
We need someone who has the experience and knowledge to help us reach our highest potential. I was a novice when I began taking writing classes from Susan three years ago. She encouraged me every step of the way. The developmental editing she provided on my memoir was invaluable for my revisions. I am looking forward to working with Susan again on my fictional mystery and know her coaching will guide me so that I will make it the best that it can be.
Barbara J. Desman
Writing a novel can be a daunting task. Susan's comprehensive review of my first draft helped me analyze the changes needed while boosting my confidence to forge ahead.
Writing is so much fun when you have the right tools. Susan's classes have supplied me with those tools and her mentoring has enabled me to have confidence to write my first novel.
Phyllis J. Schwartz
I went to Susan Pohlman for help with a completed memoir manuscript. Complete didn't mean good, and I knew it.
What Susan returned to me, after an initial interview and a thorough written assessment of the manuscript, was the door to a story much deeper and richer than I had imagined. I am grateful for her on-going guidance.
Diane B.
Susan was exactly the writing coach I needed to find my voice writing personal essays. I heard Susan give a lecture at our community library, then, I read her engaging memoir, “Half Way to Each Other,” and I knew she would help me be a better writer and also, find more satisfaction with my writing.
I retained Susan as my writing coach and each month I would send her a 300-word draft of a personal essay, she would edit it, and I would send her a second and third draft. The process was efficient, economical, and my essays for the “Soul Connection” column in the City Sun Times were greatly improved.
I am a late-in-life writer and I write for a healthcare company, doing so with no formal training. I was afraid to take a class with students who are decades younger than me. But I took a class from Susan. It was packed with helpful information and writing exercises. Happily, the process was pleasurable and not painful and I wanted more.
I signed up for Susan’s “Writer Travel – Santa Fe Retreat.” I and twelve other writers of all skill levels, from all over the country, became a community of writers. For five days, we lived in an historic bed and breakfast and soaked up the inspiring spiritual energy of northern New Mexico. Susan’s understanding of multiple-dimensional learning led us each day with an easy-going structure in craft, community and creativity. The focus was on finding our writing voice. At the end of the retreat, my voice was stronger. I had taken another step toward becoming a better writer.
Without reservation, I recommend Susan for coaching, classes, and travel-retreats.
Allen Nohre
When I decided to take my desire to write seriously after enjoying some creative nonfiction writing, I needed a writing coach. Someone that would encourage me, hold me accountable and teach me the craft. Susan has such a warm yet no nonsense approach. As a published author she has proven herself as someone that understands the art of writing and as someone that has honed the practice of writing. Susan has provided clarity to my idea, taught me character development and scene setting and is a coach in every sense of the word. This process has been eye opening and invaluable. I've enjoyed working with Susan and recommend a consultation with her to anyone that is seeking some guidance.
Maria W.
"Susan Pohlman is a talented writer and a skillful and caring teacher. Having worked with many editors, I can say that Susan has offered me unique training in writing strategies while applying these skills to my own personal writing projects. It is not often that a fledging writer has the opportunity to learn from a published author with such sensitivity and attention to the details necessary for a finished, publishable project. She has taught me so much!" Trish D.
Not all successful professionals are excellent teachers, but Susan is both. She is knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, and engaging. Her class is the first time that I've truly enjoyed writing exercises and essays. I highly recommend learning from Susan at every available opportunity!
Arielle Rachel Tanner
Ghostwriter/Author
Susan Pohlman did a superb job, meticulous and thorough. Her editing skills are impressive. She caught all kinds of errors, mostly small, but she also corrected my usage, grammar, as well as picking up all sorts of subtle things. She also pointed out a couple of areas where she had questions about the plot. And she's so wonderful to deal with—really it was a pleasure. ~L. MacConnell, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Susan Pohlman is a true professional. Both in person and online, her skills polish, prod, elucidate, and educate. Worth every moment and penny you spend. I’m looking forward to more. Many thanks to Susan.
~T. Tucker, Phoenix, AZ
Speaking and writing are two completely different modes of expression. I’ve spent the last 30+ years teaching communication. I talked aboutwriting a book for at least a decade. Finally, I buckled down and composed a manuscript shortly after moving to Arizona. After writing two separate versions, I needed help. I searched for an editor and discovered Susan Pohlman. What a blessing!
Her gift of seeing detail was simply remarkable. I would read and re-read a passage in my book, thinking it was fine. I turned it over to Susan, and sheworked her magic, transforming my words and structure into unquestionably legible writing. I become a better writer as a result.
Many thanks to my gifted, gracious, and witty editor, Susan Pohlman. I highly recommend her service to anyone who wants better writing.
~Mark Ortman, author of The Secret to Everyday Communication (Without Argument).
Whatever the word is for better-than-excellent, that word describes Susan. She has an incredible talent for story development and her review of my manuscript helped me to see things I didn’t see on my own. She gave me a new perspective on what worked, what didn’t, which characters needed fleshing out, where imagery would shine, and where I was repetitive. I appreciated her teamwork approach, her love of great writing, and most of all, her detailed feedback beyond my expectation.
~Bronwyn Wilson
Susan Pohlman was recommended to me from a published friend, Amy Carney. I wanted a professional editor to look at my book for typos and grammar, and tighten it up (since I am a wordy blogger) — but not take away my voice. Susan provided me with a sample of a few pages of her edits on my work to ensure we were on the right track and it allowed me to predict how long my project would take her to edit.
Susan also provided me with valuable insight on how to properly format the book for self-publishing, and encouraged me to ask for a foreword. Susan is professional, incredibly kind and patient, and most importantly, an experienced editor. I am grateful for her willingness to take on my 45,000 word book and answer my questions even after the edits. Susan played an invaluable part in my project and because of her, I feel confident to get this book God put on my heart and into the world. ~Diana Elizabeth Steffen
I spent a lot of time writing an autobiography. I am an engineer, not a writer. As I approached the end of the writing process I realized I needed someone with writing skill to review it and help me make it the legacy I wanted for my family. My internet searches led me to Susan Pohlman. Susan has been very helpful and I now have a product I am proud of. ~Art Green
Susan has been an invaluable writing coach and editor for me over the last few months. She helped me write two articles which were recently picked-up for publication, and I was actually paid for one of them! Her Phoenix Writers Network has provided excellent opportunities to meet and get to know some of the best professional writers in the business. Mark Walker, Author and President of Million Mile Walker LLC.
I’m a first-time author of fiction and finished the first complete manuscript last year. Susan Pohlman analyzed and provided a developmental edit for my novel. She spent the time to understand the story and the characters, question some of their motivations, providing a comprehensive set of suggestions for my next revision. Until I started the rewrite, I didn’t realize how Susan’s recommendations would help to clarify and bring to the surface some of the fundamental conflicts, while eliminating the less critical ones. She spent the time to explain her rationale for the suggestions and various options for the changes. The result is a much better story. I strongly recommend Susan’s services for authors. I enjoyed our work together and will continue to tap into Susan’s expertise to continue to improve my novel and writing.
~David Stanasolovich
Working with Susan was the expertise I needed to complete my book! She is incredibly professional and really helped me, as a newbie, throughout the entire book writing process. The most valuable part was the developmental edits. Without Susan, my book would have been a hot mess. If you are looking for an incredible book editor, look no further than Susan Pohlman! Bella Vasta, Consultant, Podcast Host, Author, Speaker, Jump Consulting
Susan masterfully edited four of my personal essays with a rare combination of expert craftsmanship and love. One essay in particular, about my abortion experience, would not have been as clear, concise, and impactful without her help. She trimmed the fat without cutting out the meat of the piece—which was no small feat given its deeply intimate nature. Her compassion, straightforwardness and ability to nurture my growth as a writer are qualities that will keep me coming back to Susan. Not only is Susan a wonderful editor, but she is also a hub for writers who are looking for a committed to community with which to learn and grow. If you're a writer of any kind, I highly recommend Susan to help you hone your skills and your network!
- Alana Helapitage, Writer, Mentor, and Meditation Teacher in Training
Having discovered over one thousand love letters written to my mother in the late 1920's, I knew I had to turn to an expert for the coaching I so desperately needed. That's when I learned about Susan and enrolled in her classes to develop the craft and writing skills to move forward with my novel. I cannot say enough about what an amazing teacher she is, let alone praise her for her generous contribution in hosting workshops for other authors eager to learn. She is truly an inspiration and a well respected writing coach. Thank you, Susan, for taking me under your wing.
P.A. Schoenfeld
I am very excited about Susan Pohlman editing my next book, Past, Present and Future: Stories That Haunt. She took my fourteen chapters and sculpted them. Her suggestions and edits moved my work up several notches. For instance she described the chapter Ancient Wisdom as a gorgeous canoe ride through the pristine Canadian wilderness, while correcting my sentences to a much higher level. Her sharp pen pointed out prose that just did not make the cut, yet was generous to note when I really brought a story to life. She was generous and critical. For instance – Susan noted that she loved the tale of a young boy’s adventure while rearranging the sections to make that short story more impactful. She gave direct suggestions such as, “Try to weave the imagery throughout the piece so it doesn’t feel front loaded.” I feel lucky to have found her skills and would recommend her to any writer looking for an editor.
~Dr. Ian Prattis: Author of 18 books.
I signed up for a writing class with Susan Pohlman at the Mesa Public Library to get help with a book that I had been wanting to write for several years. I went in eager to learn but not confident that I would reach the goal. Susan made a point to encourage each of us in the class to keep writing and never give up. A book that had been started several years prior to taking this class was finally being written.
After completing my final chapter I sent an email to Susan and sent her my manuscript. With her editing skills and continued support I am now ready to publish my first book.
Susan is kind but honest and she will help you get to where you want to go with your writing. You can trust her to read and value your work as her own. I am forever thankful for Susan and her love of the written word.
Terrie G. Gardner
Writing a memoir without a literary background proved to be a challenging task. I decided to work with Susan Pohlman after having the pleasure of meeting her at a local writer’s conference. She’s helped me restructure my story by providing insightful, relevant feedback with honesty and professionalism. Under Susan’s guidance, I’ve published several essays and the first draft of my memoir is nearly complete. I have a new-found confidence in my writing abilities thanks to her training and support. Susan possesses a wealth of knowledge that is readily available to writers of all levels. I highly recommend her services and look forward to working with her on my next round of edits.
-Aundria Adams
We all know that in order to excel at anything, it takes commitment and the ability to identify our strengths and weaknesses.
We need someone who has the experience and knowledge to help us reach our highest potential. I was a novice when I began taking writing classes from Susan three years ago. She encouraged me every step of the way. The developmental editing she provided on my memoir was invaluable for my revisions. I am looking forward to working with Susan again on my fictional mystery and know her coaching will guide me so that I will make it the best that it can be.
Barbara J. Desman
Writing a novel can be a daunting task. Susan's comprehensive review of my first draft helped me analyze the changes needed while boosting my confidence to forge ahead.
Writing is so much fun when you have the right tools. Susan's classes have supplied me with those tools and her mentoring has enabled me to have confidence to write my first novel.
Phyllis J. Schwartz
I went to Susan Pohlman for help with a completed memoir manuscript. Complete didn't mean good, and I knew it.
What Susan returned to me, after an initial interview and a thorough written assessment of the manuscript, was the door to a story much deeper and richer than I had imagined. I am grateful for her on-going guidance.
Diane B.
Susan was exactly the writing coach I needed to find my voice writing personal essays. I heard Susan give a lecture at our community library, then, I read her engaging memoir, “Half Way to Each Other,” and I knew she would help me be a better writer and also, find more satisfaction with my writing.
I retained Susan as my writing coach and each month I would send her a 300-word draft of a personal essay, she would edit it, and I would send her a second and third draft. The process was efficient, economical, and my essays for the “Soul Connection” column in the City Sun Times were greatly improved.
I am a late-in-life writer and I write for a healthcare company, doing so with no formal training. I was afraid to take a class with students who are decades younger than me. But I took a class from Susan. It was packed with helpful information and writing exercises. Happily, the process was pleasurable and not painful and I wanted more.
I signed up for Susan’s “Writer Travel – Santa Fe Retreat.” I and twelve other writers of all skill levels, from all over the country, became a community of writers. For five days, we lived in an historic bed and breakfast and soaked up the inspiring spiritual energy of northern New Mexico. Susan’s understanding of multiple-dimensional learning led us each day with an easy-going structure in craft, community and creativity. The focus was on finding our writing voice. At the end of the retreat, my voice was stronger. I had taken another step toward becoming a better writer.
Without reservation, I recommend Susan for coaching, classes, and travel-retreats.
Allen Nohre
When I decided to take my desire to write seriously after enjoying some creative nonfiction writing, I needed a writing coach. Someone that would encourage me, hold me accountable and teach me the craft. Susan has such a warm yet no nonsense approach. As a published author she has proven herself as someone that understands the art of writing and as someone that has honed the practice of writing. Susan has provided clarity to my idea, taught me character development and scene setting and is a coach in every sense of the word. This process has been eye opening and invaluable. I've enjoyed working with Susan and recommend a consultation with her to anyone that is seeking some guidance.
Maria W.
"Susan Pohlman is a talented writer and a skillful and caring teacher. Having worked with many editors, I can say that Susan has offered me unique training in writing strategies while applying these skills to my own personal writing projects. It is not often that a fledging writer has the opportunity to learn from a published author with such sensitivity and attention to the details necessary for a finished, publishable project. She has taught me so much!" Trish D.
Not all successful professionals are excellent teachers, but Susan is both. She is knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, and engaging. Her class is the first time that I've truly enjoyed writing exercises and essays. I highly recommend learning from Susan at every available opportunity!
Arielle Rachel Tanner
Ghostwriter/Author