Writing Coach

Need help refining pitches, building long-term relationships with editors, punching up stories, crafting a book proposal, or designing a game plan for making writing a successful career or a lucrative side hustle? Let me help you. I’m a full-time freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience, bylines in numerous national publications (The Washington Post, USA Today, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, The Boston Globe, and many more), the author of 8 non-fiction books, and a professional writing teacher. Just tell me what you need.

Testimonials

  • Who doesn't need an astute and creative sounding board before clicking send or publish? That's Nevin. I can't imagine a better proxy for my intended audience, whether an editor, agent, journalist, funder or website reader. He matches tactful honesty with deep writing and publishing experience. Truly, he's a wordsmith's best friend.

    Rick LaRue, Content Producer for Structure Matters and Freelance Writer

  • Nevin offers the kind of smart, practical, and confidence-boosting coaching that can only come from deep experience and a naturally warm personality. Working with Nevin, one of the region's most successful and prolific freelance writers, felt like the "missing link" between me and editors. My pitches are tighter, smarter, and more successful. Beyond writing, he also offered great practical tips for keeping myself organized and motivated as a freelancer. I'm so glad I worked with him and recommend him to everyone.

    Lisa Ruland, Food Writer

  • In a matter of just a couple sessions, Nevin taught me more about the world of freelance writing than I'd been able to learn from hours of online research by myself - he was like my own personal freelance writing Google and guru combined. No matter how small or niche my question, he gave me thoughtful and insightful answers. After working with him, I saw an immediate difference in responses from editors to my pitches. Working with Nevin has made me feel so much more energized about my professional writing, and I'll absolutely work with him again in the future as I grow in my writing endeavors.

    Elizabeth Cutler, Culture and Lifestyle Writer

  • I’m a former journalist returning to freelancing after several decades working in other fields. I was so far removed from the modern media landscape and the art of pitching today that I felt like the last living dinosaur on Earth. I knew I needed help finding my community again, and Nevin proved to be the perfect coach to help me. We have made tremendous progress quickly. I’m grateful for his pulls-no-punches candor in our work to reestablish myself as a serious writer. He has helped me improve the way I communicate about my work, and dramatically improve my pitches to media outlets. I’ve gone from not even getting responses to receiving yeses – and personal notes from editors when a story idea isn’t quite right. I’m regaining my pitching confidence by the day – and my belief that I can again make a difference in the world through the power of writing.

    Christopher Lancette, Freelance Writer