An editorial eye on your manuscript and a clearer path forward

“Katherine led my manuscript out of those rough stages and helped me create a story I can feel proud of.” — Sue Lamoree, author of The Invisible Thread (multi award-winner), developmental editing and coaching client

You’ve taken your manuscript as far as you can on your own—for now.

You’ve written pages—maybe many pages. You care about the work. You may even feel close.

But at a certain point, effort isn’t the problem.

What’s needed is a way to see the work clearly—and a path forward.

Developmental Editing and Coaching is for writers who are ready for the next step

Book an Introductory Conversation

What Developmental Editing & Coaching Mean Here

I use both terms—developmental editing and coaching—to describe this work.

Developmental editing looks at the manuscript itself:

the underlying movement of the story
structure, conflict, and arc
what’s working—and what isn’t yet

It’s about seeing the book clearly.

Coaching is where the work continues.

It’s the ongoing work of:

making decisions
revising the manuscript
staying connected to the story as it evolves

And support for the later work of:

Deciding between indie or traditional publishing
Creating synopses and proposals
Querying

Most writers need all of these:

clarity about the book
support as they bring it to life
direction for what happens next

What changes for you

Writers receive thoughtful, in-depth engagement with both the manuscript and the creative process surrounding it.

Depending on the format, this may include developmental feedback, coaching conversations, structural guidance, revision support, accountability, or help navigating creative blocks and overwhelm.

Sessions are designed to meet writers where they are, honoring both the practical realities of craft and the emotional complexity of sustaining long-term creative work.

An approach that honors your story

Rather than imposing a formula or trying to reshape a writer’s voice, my approach focuses on helping writers better understand the work they are already creating.

Together, we might look at structure, character, emotional movement, pacing, or scene work. But we may also approach the manuscript through acting, embodiment, metaphor, play, or an unexpected exercise that helps you see the work differently.

I draw on more than three decades of teaching writers as well as my own experience as a working writer. Over those years, I’ve accumulated a lot of different ways into a story. The question isn’t which method is right. It’s which approach will help this writer see this book more clearly.

And I’m not interested only in telling you what I see. I want you to understand what you’re seeing—to recognize what’s happening on the page, understand the choices available to you, and make purposeful decisions about your own work.

The goal is not only stronger pages, but greater clarity, confidence, and independence as a writer.

“I met Katherine in 2020 when she began teaching creative writing online during the pandemic. My daughter had worked with Katherine for a few years, and it was thrilling to take classes “together” with her—as together as you can be via Zoom, 840 miles apart. But that was 2020.

At the time, I had a bonafide shitty first draft and used the lessons and classes to hack it into something resembling a novel. I learned so much—about the mechanics of POV, plot, backstory, character arc, understanding that—yes—that actually is passive voice, a sin I thought I’d never commit.

In 2024, I realized I wanted to make good writing like muscle memory for me. I wanted to understand it so well, it happened naturally. I would meet with Katherine and then work through my draft with new focus. It was incredibly helpful to me to apply the principles she was teaching me to a work I was creating. The “Oh, I see what I did there!” moments were a perfect lead-in to “And now I see how to fix it!” moments.

Two more edits-with-a-specific-purpose (i.e., make inner dialog consistent, cut two characters’ POV who don’t have a full story arc) and four beta readers later, I am writing a query letter and my synopsis, finding comps, and getting ready to send off my first round of queries.

Thank you, Katherine. ” –Carolyn Rose, longtime student, developmental editing and coaching client

This is for you if…

Working with me may be a good fit if you:

feel stuck somewhere in the middle of a project
are struggling to see the larger shape of your manuscript
are ready to deepen your craft or try a different way of approaching your work
have taken your writing a long way on your own and are ready for a new perspective
want thoughtful feedback that strengthens rather than flattens your voice
are looking for your next challenge, whether that means finishing a book, revising more deeply, trying something new, or moving toward publication

I work with writers ranging from beginners to published authors, at many different stages of a manuscript and a writing life.

“Katherine first reached out to me seeking a violin instructor. Serendipitously, I had just started work on my fantasy novel. I saw her qualifications, and I took a leap of faith.

The thing about both playing violin and writing novels is that you will have plateaus, frustrations, and moments where you just want to give up. Katherine is great at helping you believe that anything is possible, and in a world that is constantly showing you what you cannot do, that is really a breath of fresh air!

I personally suffer from exposition overload, and Katherine’s coachings have really helped me bring the psychic distance closer for my characters and inject a bit more emotional feeling into my work. Identifying the Elements of a Scene has probably changed my writing the most. Right now, I’m really trying to develop character relationships, and more natural dialogue. Her suggestion of stripping things down and getting a bit more free-flowing and stream-of-consciousness has been helping me get out of my head and get past the fear of not knowing exactly how things are going to turn out.

Katherine is an amazing resource. These coachings are the only reason I didn’t just let this project sit on the shelf. –Brandon Vance, internationally acclaimed fiddler, coaching client (and Katherine’s violin teacher)

How We Begin

The support you need for where you are in your journey

There’s no single path into this work.

We might begin with a free Introductory Conversation to talk about your manuscript, your goals, and what kind of support would be most useful.

You might choose a Story Structure Session, The First Fifty, or a Full Manuscript Review, depending on how much of your manuscript you’d like me to examine.

Or we might decide that ongoing coaching is the right place to begin.

The services can build on one another, but they don’t have to. We’ll find the starting point that makes sense for you and your book.

Free Introductory Conversation

30 minutes | Complimentary

Let’s talk about your book!

Tell me what you’re writing, where you are in the process, and what you’re hoping to accomplish. You can ask questions about my approach, explore the kinds of support I offer, and get a sense of what it might be like to work together.

There’s no obligation to sign up for anything. It’s simply a chance to meet, talk about your writing, and see whether we’re a good fit.

Book an Introductory Conversation

“I first encountered Katherine about ten years ago through writing classes sponsored by Bellevue College. When I approached her about coaching, I had a first draft that was maybe ¾ complete and I was looking for accountability, feedback, and well-rounded teaching. My book is now almost ready for publishing!

I would recommend Katherine for anyone seeking to write fiction or a memoir. She really knows how to come at a project from all angles, providing sound advice and professional expertise. Having a coach is the only way I would have completed my novel. Without Katherine the story would probably have died on my computer.” –Allison Reid, longtime student, developmental editing and coaching client

Developmental Editing

These developmental editing services build on one another, so your investment in one can be applied toward the next.

Story Structure Session

Investment: $400

See your story as a whole—and discover what could make it even stronger.

Whether you’re developing a new novel, deep in revision, or preparing a completed manuscript for its next step, it helps to have an experienced editorial eye on the shape of your story.

In this focused developmental session, we’ll look beyond the individual pages to explore the architecture of your story: how its elements work together, what gives the narrative momentum, and how effectively the plot delivers on the story you want to tell.

Before we meet, you’ll send:

A synopsis of your story, including the ending if you know it
An outline or scene list, if you have one—even a rough attempt is useful
The first 2,500 words of your manuscript

During our 90 minutes together, we’ll explore:

The central conflict and what drives the story forward
How character choices shape the plot
The turning points, complications, and movement toward the ending
How the story’s different elements support its overall arc
Structural strengths, opportunities, and possibilities for further development

We’ll also look at your opening pages in the context of the larger story.

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your story’s structure, fresh insights into its possibilities, and a sense of what to do next.

Book a Story Structure Session

The First Fifty: A Story Foundations Review

Investment: $1,500

Discover how your story is taking shape—and where it might lead.

By the time a reader is fifty pages into a book, much more is happening than introductions. Characters are making choices. Relationships and conflicts are evolving. The narrative is establishing expectations, raising questions, and gathering momentum.

In The First Fifty, I’ll examine the first 12,500 words of your manuscript, considering both the craft on the page and the larger work beginning to emerge. You’ll also send me a synopsis and, if you have one, an outline or scene list, so I can consider these early chapters in the context of the whole book.

I’ll read with an eye toward:

The distinctive qualities of your narrative voice
How characters, conflicts, and relationships unfold
The promises you’re making to your reader
Pacing, tension, and momentum
Opportunities to enrich the material and build on its strengths

Then we’ll meet for a 90-minute conversation about what I’ve discovered, what you’re hoping to accomplish, and the possibilities ahead.

You’ll come away with a clearer sense of what’s working, what your manuscript is preparing the reader for, and how you might carry its strongest elements forward.

Whether you’re drafting, revising, or preparing to submit your work, The First Fifty offers sustained professional attention to the pages that establish the direction of your book.

Inquire about a First Fifty Session

Full Manuscript Review

Investment: $3,000

See your entire manuscript through an experienced editorial eye.

A completed manuscript is more than the sum of its chapters. Its characters, conflicts, themes, and narrative threads must work together to create an experience that carries the reader from beginning to end.

In a Full Manuscript Review, I’ll read your complete draft (up to 90,000 words), considering both the writing on the page and how its many elements work together to create a satisfying whole.

I’ll read with an eye toward:

The strengths and consistency of your narrative voice
Character development, motivation, and relationships
The progression of conflict and effectiveness of major turning points
Pacing, tension, and the balance of scenes
How themes and narrative threads develop and converge
The book’s overall coherence and emotional impact

You’ll receive an annotated manuscript and a written editorial report that illuminate your work’s strengths, identify opportunities for revision, and offer specific recommendations for bringing your vision more fully to life.

Then we’ll meet for an in-depth consultation to discuss my findings, explore your intentions, and consider the choices ahead.

You’ll come away with a clear picture of how your manuscript works as a whole, along with a practical direction for revision that honors the book you’re trying to write.

Whether you’re preparing for another draft, considering submission, or seeking a fresh perspective on your completed work, the Full Manuscript Review offers thoughtful, individualized guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

Have a manuscript longer than 90,000 words? You’re welcome to inquire! We can discuss the scope of your project and find an approach that works for both of us.

Inquire about a Full Manuscript Review

How the work builds

You can begin with a free Introductory Conversation or go directly to the editorial service that best suits your manuscript.

Each developmental editing service builds on the one before it. Your $400 Story Structure Session can be credited toward The First Fifty ($1,500) or a Full Manuscript Review ($3,000). If you move from The First Fifty to a Full Manuscript Review, your $1,500 investment is credited toward the cost. You’ll never pay twice for an earlier step.

A Full Manuscript Review also includes a complimentary annual Labyrinth membership, with 370 points you can use toward coaching, workshops, and other eligible offerings.

Ongoing coaching is available at any stage, whether or not you’ve used an editorial service.

Katherine is capable of reading something I’ve written as if she has met my characters and makes room for them in her thoughts about what they might want or need. This is an amazing gift.
— Bernice Zuckerberg Gordon

Coaching: Bringing the Book to Life

The developmental work shows you what the book needs.

Coaching is where we actually do the work of bringing it there.

We meet regularly as you revise—staying in close conversation with the manuscript, tracking changes, making decisions, and keeping the story aligned with its deeper movement.

Most successful writers work with me twice monthly, which provides the strongest balance of momentum and integration.

This work unfolds over time, so coaching is structured as a one-year engagement.

The standard investment is $600 per month when the year is paid in advance.

Writers often begin with a Clarity Session and then decide whether they’d like ongoing support.

The Labyrinth

Charter Membership — $37/month
Premium Membership — $97/month

Many writers complement their coaching work with Labyrinth membership—a space for:

workshops
community
monthly salons
group coaching (Premium)
ongoing connection to the work

Labyrinth can provide a meaningful layer of support between sessions.

About My Work

I’m the author of seven books and I’ve been developing manuscripts and teaching writers for more than three decades. My work draws on a background in education and theatre, and I use a range of approaches from the structured and analytical to the intuitive and embodied.

More than anything, I help writers see their work clearly, often in ways they haven’t been able to see it themselves.

I specialize in that moment when everything begins to come together.

What Writers Say

Katherine’s insightful thoughts and writing exercises have helped me to tease out the strands of my novel draft at so many crucial stages—from that initial big idea with a vague sense of characters and trajectory to the complex task of weaving a compelling narrative tapestry. As I look toward a finished work in a new and uncharted genre, I find myself returning to those insights over and over.
— Holly Cupala, author of Tell Me a Secret and Don’t Breathe a Word

I have been taking writing classes from Katherine Grace Bond since 2012 and have worked with her as my writing coach from 2023-2025. Katherine has a wonderful clear and concrete teaching style combined with a thoughtful and flexible personality. Working with her has allowed me to gain an almost indescribable level of insight into uplifting my own personal craft of writing.
— Debra Waxman

Begin

If you’re ready to take the next step with your manuscript:

Book an Introductory Conversation

Or reach out if you’re not sure where to begin.