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Ellen Potter

Book Coaching and Editing Solutions

About
Ellen Potter

Bestselling author and seasoned editor Ellen Potter has been immersed in the publishing industry for over twenty years. With a dual career as both a critically acclaimed writer and a respected editor, Ellen brings a rare depth of experience to her work with writers at all stages of their creative journeys.

As the author of 27 award-winning books for children and young adults—including beloved titles like Olivia Kidney, Slob, The Humming Room, The Kneebone Boy, the Big Foot and Little Foot series, and Spilling Ink: A Young Writer’s Handbook—Ellen’s books have been recognized by the New York Public Library’s Best 100 Books for Children and featured on numerous state reading lists.

In addition to her success as an author, Ellen has extensive editorial experience, having worked both in-house for major publishing companies and independently as a freelance editor. Her editorial insight is informed by her own publishing journey, giving her a unique ability to help writers refine their craft, strengthen their manuscripts, and navigate the path to publication with confidence.

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Services

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Manuscript Diagnostic

This is an in-depth review of your manuscript. You’ll receive detailed, actionable feedback on areas such as plot structure, character arcs, pacing, and overall narrative flow. I’ll help you fine-tune your work, ensuring the story's foundation is solid.

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Developmental Editing

A developmental edit is a deep dive into the heart of your story—its structure, pacing, character development, voice and tone, and overall narrative impact. I’ll help you refine your story so it resonates with readers and stands out in today’s competitive market.

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Writing Coach

I work closely with my clients to clarify goals and brainstorm book ideas. Once you have decided on your direction, I help you plot and structure your story, build authentic characters, and find your unique voice. I’ll keep you on track and motivated through strategic goal-setting and monthly Zoom sessions to help you work through any writing challenges that pop up.


• Dream it

•

Create it

• Shape it

• Dream it • Create it • Shape it

“In working with Ellen, you have the support of someone who is an expert in the writing process and who understands what sells and what editors want, all while honoring your own creative voice.”

-Katie McKellar


“I now have a finished manuscript! When I first began, I had ideas and a rough draft, but now I have a polished manuscript that is ready to submit to publishers. I highly recommend!”

—Angela Thayer

“Ellen Potter is a wise, fun, sensitive, and compassionate teacher and coach. She guides without judging, embraces curiosity and imagination, and champions process and expression over adherence to rules or formality. Working with Ellen has been a magical and empowering experience!”

—Andrew H.

“I could not have worked with a better book coach. Ms. Potter is personable, easy to work with, bright and savvy, and keen on detail. As a successful author herself, she shares her knowledge about the publishing business and is sensitive about the tone of feedback . . . [she] fashions her comments in a way that gives me hope and never dashes it. She responds to emails quickly and provides feedback on my work in a timely manner. And those times I grew weary, about to give up, Ms. Potter encouraged me to keep at it. With Ellen Potter coaching me, I have completed my manuscript in just one year . . . something I’d only dreamed of.”

-Lori Lindstrom

TESTIMONIALS