Reviews

Before launching Novel in the Rough, I took several months to test and refine, offering the service for free to select individuals. Starting my business would not have been possible without my “guinea pig” testers, who additionally offered their thoughts in the reviews down below.

Guinea pigs enjoy a lifetime discount on all future bookings. Join my newsletter for future discounts and opportunities!

"Working with Marissa was an absolute pleasure–and a game-changer! She had so much helpful feedback on my story, from tiny plot holes I’d missed to suggestions of new or expanded scenes, that helped me take it to the next level. The process was smooth and easy-going, and Marissa’s heart and care for the work was clear every step of the way. If you’re looking for someone to help you level-up your writing, I can’t recommend her enough!"

 Ashton E. Dorow, author of the “Royals of Acuniel” and “Crown of Aerilon” Christian medieval fantasy series

“Working with Marissa has been an absolute dream! Her thoroughness and creative insight strengthened my stories beyond what I could have imagined. She’s an excellent sounding board, a great cheerleader, and has a keen eye for details. I don’t want to tackle another project without her brand of story magic!“

Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht, author of "The Reluctant Romantics" rom-com series

"Marissa went above and beyond to help me with my book, and gave me some great ideas on how to make my plot and character development stronger! I looked forward to getting her emails and seeing the suggestions she had! I highly recommend Marissa’s story coaching services, she’s the best to work with!"

Hannah Wright, author of the "LarkSpring Chronicles" women's fiction series

"Marissa brought a fresh perspective, thoughtful feedback, and some much needed encouragement to bring my book to a more polished state. Recommended!"

Andrew, Fantasy

“Marissa coached me through a new story idea and it was so, so, so helpful!! When we started, I had the basic outline on paper, but through the weeks of coaching, we pieced things together into a more detailed outline. She asked me many questions, which further helped me grow the story or fix any plot holes and other issues. She suggested several ideas, many of which I’m keeping in the story, because they are fantastic. At this point, I’m very close to starting writing the first draft and I couldn’t be more grateful for Marissa’s help!”

Sarah, Women's Fiction

“Marissa was very helpful in guiding my story in a clearer direction. She asked a lot of great questions that helped me flesh out the world and characters more completely, and brainstormed along with me for the places in the plot that had me stuck. It was great to have another pair of eyes looking over the story, and she did a great job of encouraging the positives and helping me work through and improve the negatives. I would highly recommend her, whether you're looking for a thorough review of a complete story, or help rounding out an idea or a work in progress.”

Lani, Urban Fantasy Mystery

Pricing

All first-time clients receive a $25 discount!

Full package — $150 (first time client $125)

For those who want an in-depth read and someone to brainstorm ideas with

Works with — outline, partial draft, full draft

Good for — pantsers, plantsers, plotters

What it is —

1. Send me your story materials and relevant questions

2. I'll read through what you have, leaving comments in the document, then send you an email filled with ideas, feedback, and encouragement. 

3. Following the first feedback email, I will provide up to six additional feedback emails during an eight‑week period, each in response to your replies. In these feedback emails, I'll review changes you made to the story materials. We'll untangle plots, strengthen characters, flesh out the world, tighten chapters, and polish your story into the novel it's meant to be.

Half package — $65 (first time client $40)

For those who want an in-depth read

Works with — partial draft and full draft

Good for — pantsers, plantsers, plotters

What it is —

1. Send me your story materials and relevant questions

2. I'll read through what you have, leaving comments in the document, then send you an email filled with ideas, feedback, and encouragement.

Refer-A-Friend Program

If you refer someone to me and they mention your name when completing a full package or half package, you can receive $20 off a booking for yourself (either full or half package; first booking included).

Note: the booking must be after the friend has completed their package. Only one refer-a-friend discount per booking. Only one discount per friend referred.

FAQ

1. Do you have limitations on content?

Generally, I work on stories with

- Romance: Closed-door 
- Profanity: Mild (think PG)
- Violence: Moderate (think PG-13)

No stories where darkness is glorified or ultimately wins. No LGBTQIA+ storylines.

If you aren't sure if your story fits, tell me about it and I'll let you know!

2. Does the story coaching work for any genre?

Hypothetically, yes. ;) Some genres I'll have more experience in than others, but every genre I've worked in the authors have been very satisfied with the results.

3. Do you offer any discounts?

First-time bookings will receive a $25 off discount. Additionally, there is the refer-a-friend program where you could be eligible to get $20 off (see above). I may also offer other discounts at my discretion usually to my email list (sign up on home page).

4. How does payment work?

An invoice for 50% of your bill is due before we begin. The other 50% is due after work is complete.

5. What if I'm not happy? What's your refund policy?

Full package: If you receive the first feedback email and do not wish to continue, let me know and I will refund the 50% you paid.

Half package: If you are not happy with the services I provided, let me know and I will refund the 50% you paid.

Please note: Clients who have refunded in the past may not be accepted for future projects.

6. How long does the story coaching take?

Full package: The initial readthrough can take up to 2 weeks. Following the first feedback email, I'll send up to six additional feedback emails during an eight‑week period, each in response to the your replies.

Half package: Maximum 2 weeks.

7. My story isn't finished! Will this still work for me?

Full package: I've had success working with clients ranging from a document with ideas, to an outline, to a partial manuscript, to a full manuscript.

Half package: I can certainly give my feedback, but for an unfinished story, I think that the full package would work better.

8. This is my first book and...I'm kind of scared to show it

Everybody starts somewhere! And hey, congrats on how far you've come One thing that I'm trying to emphasize is that the emails are made-up of three parts: Ideas, Feedback, and Encouragement. So it's okay if your story is a bit of a mess—we've all been there. I won't judge ;)

9. Can I ask follow-up questions after receiving feedback?

Full package: Absolutely! This why there are so many follow-up emails. I want to help smooth out any parts you are feeling uncertain about. After the last feedback email is sent, I won't be providing additional feedback, however.

Half package: Follow-up questions are reserved for full package, unless it's a question clarifying something I've said in my feedback. However, I will not review new parts or ideas.

10. Is this an editing service?

No, this is not an editing service. With my full package, I'm working with you to brainstorm ideas, sort through what's working, discuss pros and cons, deep dive on problem sections, and cheer you on. With my half package, I'm acting more as an in-depth early reader, offering insights, suggesting revisions, and providing opinions.

While I will note some errors, this is not my main goal nor do I claim to be any sort of expert (especially regarding commas. They're the worst.)

11. Do you keep my work secret?

Yes. I go into depth in my contract but basically, I share nothing about your work until it's public. Once it is public, I can showcase the project (eg. title, cover, author name, etc.) to promote my services.

Have a question that isn't answered? Ready to book your session? Contact me below!