New Coaching
Write Your Memoir with
Confidence & Purpose
Have you dreamed of writing your memoir but found yourself stopped by uncertainty, self-doubt, or overwhelm? Maybe you’ve started writing, only to feel stuck, unsure if your story is worth telling or how to shape it into a meaningful book.
I get it. Despite my 30 years of experience as a writer, editor, and publishing professional at the highest levels, I faced similar fears when writing my own memoir. Telling my story of overcoming PTSD and addiction required me to dive deep into emotional vulnerability—and it wasn’t easy.
But here’s what I’ve learned: Memoir writing is not just about recounting events—it’s about powerful storytelling and sharing your wisdom with courage and heart. Once I embraced this, I completed my memoir in just six months. That transformative experience inspired me to help others bring their stories to life.
Publishers that have featured my work
Introducing the “Write Your Memoir in Six Months Mentorship Program"
If you’re ready to turn your story into a book that inspires and impacts others, I created this program to guide you through every step of the writing process. Together, we’ll tackle:
– Structure and Storytelling – Build a solid foundation and compelling narrative that captivates readers.
– Emotional Connection – Find your unique voice and write with vulnerability and authenticity.
– Accountability and Support – Stay on track with personalized guidance and encouragement.
You don’t have to face this journey alone. I’ll help you uncover the wisdom within your story and shape it into a memoir that resonates deeply with others.
Writing Mentorship Process in 6 months –
All nonfiction books are answers to specific problems. I help you get clear about your book's main problem and how you propose to solve the problem. We’ll also establish the goals you want to achieve during our six months of working together. Do you want to complete your manuscript? Polish several chapters? Finish a substantive rewrite? Let’s nail it down.
Keep writing! I’ll show you my time-tested secrets to making consistent progress. I’ll hold you accountable to the timetable you set for yourself. And I’ll help guide you through the inevitable dark nights of the soul when the going gets tough and doubt creeps in.
You’re halfway there. Let’s take stock of where you’ve been, where you currently are, and where you’re going. If course correction is needed, now’s the time to do it.
Keep writing! I’ll continue to offer useful, honest feedback on your writing. I share the positive—the ways you’re "killing it." And I’ll show you the areas where your writing needs improvement. I’ll always offer specific solutions that help you take your writing from good to great.
We’ll take stock of what you’ve achieved and where you’ll go from here. I’ll also offer guidance about publishing options—both traditional and self-publishing.
Why Work with Me?
With three decades in the publishing industry, I bring unmatched expertise to your writing journey. As a former senior editor at Outside magazine and author of two traditionally published books, I’ve worked on both sides of the desk—writing, editing, and coaching writers to success.
I’ve published articles and essays in The New York Times, Newsweek, GQ, Wired, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, and more. At Outside, I conceived and managed Jon Krakauer’s groundbreaking story “Into Thin Air,” which became an award-winning article and a bestselling book.
Beyond my professional achievements, I’m passionate about helping aspiring memoirists—whether they’re business leaders, wellness coaches, spiritual teachers, or anyone with a story to tell—transform their experiences into books that inspire and heal.
What are Clients Saying?
A few years ago I was referred to Brad when I started editing my memoir and I had no idea what I was doing. Brad took the mystery out of book writing and broke things down for me step by step and tailored his mentorship to my writing needs. He challenged me to get to the root of my emotions so that I could engage my readers authentically. He made me do the emotional work! He consistently asked me the right questions at the right time so that I could unclutter my narrative. It was like book therapy! I'm happy to tell you that Brad's work with me paid off! Just a few months into moving to New York City to option my book I picked up a book deal! If it weren't for Brad I would've been stuck on my storyline, unable to break my story free! Pick it up this fall and check for Brad's name in the acknowledgments! He's the real deal!
I was in a tough spot before I found Brad Wetzler. I'd been working on a manuscript for a Big Five publisher for two years and rewritten the entire text two times over. It was the sequel to a New York Times bestseller I had put out a couple years prior. However, the editor assigned to me by my publisher couldn't offer me any useful advice for how to fix it. With deadlines looming, I needed to get the book done. So I called up Brad and over the course of a month he helped me work the kinks out. He could see the forest for the trees, and gave me actionable advice that turned the book around. I'd highly recommend Brad to anyone looking for a structural or developmental edit. I'll definitely be using him again
Working with Brad has been a transformative experience as he has been the catalyst for turning a solid and potent idea (but lacking structure and cohesiveness) into a real live book proposal. His ability to bring focus to something expansive without losing the heart of the content is one of my biggest appreciations. Brad helped me add sophistication and availability to my writing without changing the intention and message of my ideas. He has helped me put a vision into grounded reality and for that gift I am eternally grateful.
Working with Brad was one of the most important decisions I made as an author. While he certainly helped lay out a tangible, step by step blueprint for my project, what I found most valuable was his ability to see the big picture. Brad has a very unique way of getting to know his clients, understanding where they shine, and ensuring that they elevate themselves where it matters most. I anticipate I will be leveraging his guidance and expertise long into the future.
Your Story Matters. Let’s Bring It to Life.
Not writing your book might leave you feeling unfulfilled, but sharing your story can heal, connect, and empower others in ways you might not yet imagine.
When you work with me, you’ll get:
– Expert Coaching – Guidance shaped by 30+ years of industry experience.
– Tailored Support – A mentorship program designed for your unique story.
– A Trusted Partner – Someone who’s walked this path and understands the challenges of memoir writing.
Take the First Step Today
Frequently Asked Questions
A big yes! I know what it was like to be starting out as a new nonfiction writer. I remember pitching and writing our first magazine articles and journal articles. I remember pitching and writing our first books. I remember editing our first books, and seeing our clients become first-time published authors. We know the steps that must be taken, and the order they must be accomplished. I know the hurdles beginning writers must cross over, and we know the advice that will help writers cross over them. I help new writers pitch articles and books. We help writers develop solid reporting and writing skills and habits. We help beginning writers create nonfiction book proposals that get noticed by agents, editors, and publishing houses. With my guidance, you will realize your dream of becoming a published nonfiction writer.
Book writing coaching happens via phone or video conferencing. The focus is on helping the writer create the first draft of their book. In the early stages of coaching, the coach helps the author get clarity about the topic they are writing about and how to structure their book. Next the coach teaches the writer effective strategies and tactics for completing the book. These teachings include key information about the craft of book writing as well as strategies that will help the author build habits and make consistent progress on--and ultimately finish--their book. The third thing book writing coaches do is provide accountability for the author. They create writing goals and provide frequent check-ins so that the author has the support they need to write, finish, and publish her book.
An editor's feedback is given on the page in the form of written comments and corrections
Affirmative! I served as senior editor at major national magazines, and, later, I served as contributing writer for various national magazines. I understands the challenges that journalists face in telling important stories in limited space. I help journalists find the most compelling story and then show them how to increase conflict, suspense, and narrative momentum. My journalist clients get more assignments and make more income.
Yes! I help writers who have a manuscript in two ways: manuscript reviews and developmental edits. In a manuscript review, an editor reads the full manuscript and writes a three- to five-page letter of critique. This letter addresses the manuscript's overall strengths and weaknesses, as well as helpful advice that might help the author find a publisher and/or reach her intended audience. The manuscript review does not include written comments in the margins of the manuscript. The critique letter addresses big-picture issues such as structure, character development, plot, narrative momentum, and story coherence. The letter also includes helpful advice for revising the manuscript. A developmental edit is similar to a manuscript review in that it also addresses big-picture issues. However, the difference is in how the feedback is given. In a developmental edit, the editor writes comments in the margins rather than in a letter.