Writing a book takes courage.
Sometimes, courage
needs a coach.
As an author, ghostwriter and book coach, I offer an intuitive approach to the writing process.
Are you being called to write your book?
I’ll help you structure it, write it and find a publishing path.
What recent clients are saying…
“Holly is an exceptional book writing coach who truly understands how to bring out the best in a writer. She quickly mirrored my writing voice and style, seamlessly helping to refine my outline and push sections of my manuscript forward. Her guidance on both the creative process and the practical steps for publishing—whether traditional or self-publishing—was invaluable. Working with her gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to move forward with my book.”
ALI DORRIS, Chief Revenue Officer
“Holly is more than a coach; she is a champion of one’s natural abilities and their willingness to push into the discomfort required to become a writer. As a teacher, she opened my eyes to the processes and techniques behind the words, showed me how to see the brush strokes in the background of masterpieces of fiction that were once invisible to me, and guided me to use them in my own writing. I initially sought Holly’s help to develop my story and add dimension to my characters, I did not realize she would be helping me to develop myself and to deepen my own character. For that, I am eternally grateful.”
DAVID MIZNE, Chief People Officer, 15Five
“Holly Lynn Payne is a brilliant and passionate woman. She is a master of both the craft of writing and teaching this skill to aspiring authors. She is able to clearly communicate what is technically needed while encouraging the growth of her students’ natural creativity. In our writing journey together she has successfully helped me to find my own voice and was not afraid to push me beyond what I thought was possible. Because of this, I am confident that the book I’m working on has a far better chance of reaching a much larger audience than it would have without her inspired guidance. I highly recommend Holly to any aspiring writer.”
ROBERT SOMERS, Shaman in Residence, Post Ranch Inn
“I am in the midst of writing my first novel and Holly has been immensely helpful, insightful and most importantly effective in helping me reach my full potential and pushing me to go in directions I might not have otherwise explored. She is honest, reliable and has a great temperament and thankfully, lots of patience. You will be grateful you brought her on board your creative journey.”
ADAM HOWARD, Senior Producer, New Yorker Radio Hour
“In addition to being a great novelist herself, Holly Payne is a talented and kind writing coach who listens carefully before thoughtfully providing feedback. My book would have not been written without Holly spotting my voice, helping me discover my themes, then coaxing it out of me. I have very much enjoyed working with her.”
TIMOTHY F. SCHERER
MFA Author
Book Coach
Podcaster
I’m an internationally published, award-winning novelist with 20+ years experience in the publishing industry. After founding the startup Booxby to build AI powered book discovery software, I returned to my first love: storytelling and coaching. I work with passionate professionals called to write a book and share their wisdom, expertise, and inspiration. As a former professor of creative writing, I created the Page One Podcast and interview master storytellers about the critical first page of their books. I love great stories and look forward to helping you birth yours.
Page One Podcast
Master storytellers discuss their first page
Are you intrigued by how master storytellers work their magic? I thought it’d be a lot of fun to talk to your favorite authors about the critical first page of their latest book, which has to work so hard to do so much—hook you! New episode each month.
Notable guests include bestselling authors Dean Koontz, Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket), JT Ellison, Tess Gerritsen, Alka Joshi, Robert Dugoni, Kate Manning, Susanna Hoffs, Shelley Read and more!