Writing a novel is one thing. Seeing the story clearly is another.
Most beginning novelists reach a point where they know something is not quite working, but they cannot always name what it is. The idea may be strong. The characters may matter. The manuscript may contain scenes that feel alive. But the story as a whole may still feel loose, uneven, confusing, too slow, too crowded, or not yet emotionally satisfying.
That is where story coaching can help.
I work with beginning novelists who want thoughtful, structure-based guidance as they draft, revise, and strengthen their stories. My goal is not to take over your novel, rewrite your voice, or force your manuscript into a formula. My goal is to help you see what you have written more clearly, understand what may be missing, and find a practical path forward.
Who This Is For
Story coaching may be a good fit if you are working on a novel and find yourself asking questions like these:
- Does my story actually hold together?
- Is my main character’s journey clear enough?
- Are my scenes doing the work they need to do?
- Does the story begin in the right place?
- Does the middle sag?
- Is the ending earned?
- Are the stakes strong enough?
- Do readers have a reason to keep turning pages?
- Am I revising the story, or just rearranging words?
This service is especially designed for beginning novelists who want serious, practical feedback without being overwhelmed.
You do not need a perfect manuscript. You do not need a polished draft. You do need a willingness to look honestly at the story on the page.
What Kind of Help I Offer
My focus is story structure.
As a novelist and Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, I look at how a story works beneath the surface. That includes character, plot, scene purpose, turning points, conflict, stakes, tension, emotional movement, and the relationship between individual scenes and the larger story.
Depending on where you are in the process, story coaching may include help with:
- clarifying your central story idea,
- identifying the protagonist’s external and internal journey,
- strengthening scene goals and consequences,
- examining whether each scene earns its place,
- finding weak or missing story beats,
- improving pacing and tension,
- identifying structural gaps,
- developing revision priorities,
- creating a practical plan for the next draft.
This is not proofreading. It is not copyediting. It is not a line-by-line grammar review.
It is story-level guidance.
The question is not merely, “Are the sentences clean?”
The deeper question is:
Is the story working?
How the Process Works
I work with a small number of writers at a time so the process stays personal and useful.
The first step is usually a brief conversation by email. You tell me where you are with the project, what kind of novel you are writing, how much of it exists, and what concerns you most.
From there, we decide what level of help makes sense.
For some writers, the best starting point may be a review of the opening chapters. For others, it may be a scene list, outline, synopsis, or full manuscript assessment. If you already have a complete draft, we may focus on identifying the major structural issues before you begin revising.
The work is practical. I will not simply tell you whether I “liked” the story. I will help you understand what appears to be working, what may be missing, and what choices might strengthen the manuscript.
My approach is honest but respectful. A novel is personal work. It deserves careful attention, not casual criticism.
What You Can Expect
You can expect feedback that is:
- clear,
- specific,
- structure-based,
- respectful of your voice,
- focused on the story you are trying to tell,
- aimed at helping you move forward.
You can also expect me to ask questions.
Sometimes the most helpful part of story coaching is not being told what to do. It is being asked the right question at the right time:
What does your character want here?
What changes because this scene happened?
What pressure is forcing the story forward?
What truth is the character avoiding?
Why does this moment matter now?
Those questions often reveal the path.
A Note About My Own Fiction
My own novels are rooted in Boaz, Alabama, where mystery, memory, belief, family pressure, and long-buried truths shape ordinary lives. I am drawn to stories where characters are forced to face what they have inherited, what they have believed, what they have hidden, and what they are finally ready to see.
That same concern shapes my work with other writers.
I am interested in stories that matter to the person writing them.
Interested in Story Coaching?
If you are working on a novel and think story coaching might help, contact me and tell me a little about your project.
You do not need to send a full manuscript at first.
A simple note is enough:
- what kind of novel you are writing,
- where you are in the process,
- what you are struggling with,
- what kind of help you think you need.
If the project seems like a good fit, we can discuss the next step.
Richard L. Fricks 