Creative + Editorial Idea Coaching to Get You Unstuck

Pro

Caroline Shannon

Starting at

$

150

About this service

Summary

Feeling stuck on where to start? I help writers turn hazy concepts into clear, compelling story ideas. With 15+ years of experience teaching idea development, I bring sharp editorial instincts and creative energy to help shape your idea—and get you writing again.
I hold a BA in journalism and am currently an MFA candidate in creative writing. Additionally, I am certified by the University of Chicago in Basic Manuscript Editing and Intermediate Manuscript Editing, which includes a working knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style.
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“Caroline will not only teach you, but she will also unlock what you have already known all along. And then one day you'll be getting coffee or scraping mold off some bread, and the perfect idea you've had inside you will fall out of the secret room in your brain you aren't allowed in. Only Caroline can help gently pull things out of that secret room.”
—Elizabeth Teets, writer and editor of Isn't She Great

Process

You send your idea (even if it’s just a sentence!) and what you're hoping to do with it.
I read and prep for our session with your goals in mind.
We meet (or I reply in full if asynchronous) to brainstorm structure, angle, audience.
You receive a short Idea Development Plan via Google Doc or email.
Optional: You can reach out with one follow-up Q for added clarity.

FAQs

  • Can I book this even if I have no draft yet?

    Yes! This service is ideal for early-stage idea development.

  • Is this for essays only?

    I work on personal essays, reported pieces, op-eds, and creative nonfiction—but I'm also happy to advise on short stories or memoir concepts.

  • Do you help with idea-to-pitch too?

    This session can help clarify your pitch—but if you want direct help crafting it, check out my Pitch Polishing service.

What's included

  • 30-Minute Idea Coaching Session (Live or Asynchronous)

    We’ll talk through your idea and goals, whether it’s for an essay, article, or creative piece. You’ll walk away with clarity and next steps.

  • Idea Development Plan

    After our session, I’ll send a short recap with 1–2 possible angles, publication fit suggestions (if applicable), and next steps to move from idea to draft.

  • Follow-Up Q&A (Optional)

    You can email me within five days with one to three follow-up questions or request clarification on your development plan.

Duration

1 week

Skills and tools

Coach

Editor

Writer

Google Docs

Google Docs

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word

Scrivener

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