About Us & Testimonials
Writer Therapy is a story consultation company that provides story analysis and training. We help storytellers create the strongest stories in movies and television, books, theater, and more. Here, you can read reviews from some of our clients!
Follow the link to find out more about how we do what we do!
Expert Knowledge
All of our analysts have been trained in the Key2Story Narrative Map, as well as all other aspects of storytelling. We provide our clients with in-depth feedback that doesn’t just point out issues, but explains why those issues affect audiences, agents, and publishers. Our continuing research ensures that we always improve our own work and keep on top of current market trends. We can then apply this to our clients’ stories.
Quality
We have a high standard at Writer Therapy. We provide more depth in our feedback than you’ll receive anywhere else. By providing clients with the best service, we help them compete with the countless stories produced each year. And we don’t want them to create just a “one-hit wonder,” but an evergreen story that will last for years to come.
Collaborative
We work in collaboration with our team and with our clients to not just give feedback for their current project, but to provide instruction on how to sharpen their skills as storytellers. We look to the heart of the story that the client wants to tell and provide catered suggestions that feel organic to the story and create an impactful connection with the target audience.
Testimonials
What are people saying about
Writer Therapy?
Chersti’s edits always help me see the deeper changes that will shape my story into the one I’ve been trying to tell all along. Her experience with sci-fi and fantasy is a huge bonus, as she helps point out how I can use (and subvert!) tropes more effectively. And as a bit more icing on the cake, her line editing is always so precise!
Shallee McArthur
The Unhappening of Genesis Lee
Chersti’s thoughtfulness and expertise are incredible. She has a deep understanding of structure and plot. She has made detailed and high level suggestions for my book that left me encouraged and inspired to do the work needed. While her cost is higher than some on the site the depth of feedback given is worth it, and if you are serious about taking your book to the next level I cannot recommend her enough.
Jamie Rosenblatt
June 2023
Chersti was a lifesaver for my manuscript. Providing support and guidance, she strengthened my story in numerous ways. She went above and beyond what I expected, and I learned much about the craft of storytelling through her direction. She is an expert in the craft and knows the ins and outs of the industry. I wouldn’t hesitate to book another collaboration with her again.
Ruth Cantu
July 2024
I cannot put Chersti’s brilliance into words. Her mastery of storytelling is so vast that she is able to deconstruct even the most complicated novels and take the plot and characterization to the next level. She loves the stories she edits too–as if they were her own. That passion is extended to helping build and guide authors as well.
Matt Varga
May 2023
A new author can never get too much feedback. I have a fabulous critique partner and used several alpha and beta readers before publishing my first book, but for my next project I wanted more. I’m so glad I found Writer Therapy. Andraea’s report was thorough and insightful. When my critique partner said, “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you!” it was an epiphany: “Ohhh. Now I get it!” Andraea explained things in a way that was easy to understand and supported her analysis with documents that provided further clarification with specific examples and concepts to help address the issues. There’s still so much to learn, but I know that all my future projects will benefit from this investment. Worth every penny!
Jacque Alanberry
July 2023
Chersti is incredible and worth every penny. The depth of her analysis is second to none and I cannot recommend her enough.
Brock Smith
May 2023
Hiring Chersti to be my editor was the best decision I made in regards to my novel. Working with her as my editor pushed me to strengthen and stretch me as a writer. With her guidance, I cleared some of the muddied plot lines and gave my heroine a more defined purpose. She was more than an editor. Chersti was a cheerleader, mentor, editor, advertising team and coach all rolled into one. When I compare the draft I sent her and the final draft, I’m amazed at the difference.
Lani Woodland
Pirates of Orea Series
Chersti has been an excellent resource and collaborator on my project. She took the time necessary with my manuscript and I have benefitted from her suggestions and feedback. My revision process has been more organized, rewarding, and creative after seriously considering her suggestions and working them into my manuscript. From the first step of the engagement, Chersti is clearly a business person; her materials are targeted, comprehensive, and highly organized. Every step is detailed thoroughly, and all expectations are laid out clearly. While her pricing is higher than that of other editors on the platform, her organization, approach, and final product justify the investment for serious authors, and I am glad I chose her for this project. I treated it like a master class with an expert (I read every handout, every craft book she suggested, and carefully completed every task assigned), and the result is clear in the difference between the manuscript I submitted and the one I’m working on now. Thank you, Chersti!
Cade Holleman
April 2024
Chersti has a deep understanding of story structure as well as a keen eye for detail. She knows how to take a writer’s raw material and guide them through their process to create the best possible version of their story.
Liesl Shurtliff
New York Bestselling Author of Rump
Hiring Chersti to be my editor was the best decision I made in regards to my novel. Working with her as my editor pushed me to strengthen and stretch me as a writer. With her guidance, I cleared some of the muddied plot lines and gave my heroine a more defined purpose. She was more than an editor. Chersti was a cheerleader, mentor, editor, advertising team and coach all rolled into one. When I compare the draft I sent her and the final draft, I’m amazed at the difference.
Chris Embry
March 2024
Imagine if you could take a university course focused on the structure of your new book, and the professor of that course was enthusiastic about the novel and determined to help you raise it to the next level. That is what you’ll get from a developmental assessment from Chersti.
Joe Henderson
March 2022
Write a novel. Submit it to Chersti. You’ll receive information that is probably the equivalent of a master’s degree in writing. Not a bad deal.
Chersti provided such extensive feedback on my mystery novel that I was resistant to it at first. (I’d spent years perfecting it people!) However, with the help of follow up phone calls and complete answers to my exhausting questions (She went WAY above and beyond!(which I think she did because she knows her feedback is so valuable once the person gets it!) and thinking about her feedback for a couple weeks, my mind opened in waves of understanding I didn’t think possible. I’d already read all the books on writing.
My experience: I sprung for the more expensive editor. It was worth 5 times that easy, or for me, invaluable. Best thing I ever did for my writing, hands down.
Writing is even more engrossing now that I understand what she taught me about character motivations and so is reading.
I’m truly grateful.
Chersti provided such extensive feedback on my mystery novel that I was resistant to it at first. (I’d spent years perfecting it people!) However, with the help of follow up phone calls and complete answers to my exhausting questions (She went WAY above and beyond!(which I think she did because she knows her feedback is so valuable once the person gets it!) and thinking about her feedback for a couple weeks, my mind opened in waves of understanding I didn’t think possible. I’d already read all the books on writing.
My experience: I sprung for the more expensive editor. It was worth 5 times that easy, or for me, invaluable. Best thing I ever did for my writing, hands down.
Writing is even more engrossing now that I understand what she taught me about character motivations and so is reading.
I’m truly grateful.
Danny Von der Ahe
August 2022
Since self-publishing last summer, my books have been picked up by a traditional publisher, and I cannot thank Chersti enough for her help in crafting the stories.
I did a full developmental edit with Chersti for my first manuscript and an outline consultation for the second, and can honestly say they have been the absolute best investments I’ve made in my writing. Chersti saw the potential in the stories, and helped me look at them in a completely different way. Whereas I knew there were ‘issues’ but couldn’t pin point exactly what, she was able to make story structure suggestions that made a huge impact. From the books she recommended reading to the calls, I learned so much about crafting a better story. My experience with Chersti was not only about making the existing books so much better, but improving my own writing skills. In short, I would absolutely, 1000% recommend Chersti’s developmental editor services!
I did a full developmental edit with Chersti for my first manuscript and an outline consultation for the second, and can honestly say they have been the absolute best investments I’ve made in my writing. Chersti saw the potential in the stories, and helped me look at them in a completely different way. Whereas I knew there were ‘issues’ but couldn’t pin point exactly what, she was able to make story structure suggestions that made a huge impact. From the books she recommended reading to the calls, I learned so much about crafting a better story. My experience with Chersti was not only about making the existing books so much better, but improving my own writing skills. In short, I would absolutely, 1000% recommend Chersti’s developmental editor services!
Demi Winters
The Road of Bones
Her encyclopedic knowledge of books, films, and tv series that share plot elements with your manuscript is freakishly impressive.
Susan Colarullo
May 2023
Choosing Chersti N. was the best decision I made for my book’s editing needs. Not only did she possess an eye for detail, but she greatly helped enhance the flow and readability of my manuscript.
This was all possible because Chersti demonstrated a deep understanding of my genre, providing insights that helped me strengthen my narrative and deepen character development, making it evident that she was genuinely invested in the success of my work.
I was also very impressed with the amount of complementary material that Chersti shared. These were comprehensive files, each of which delved into specific issues of my manuscript. Suffice it to say, I learned many new concepts that will be of great use for my future writing.
I cannot recommend Chersti N. enough. Whether you are a seasoned author or new to the writing world, Chersti’s editing services will certainly elevate your work. Thank you, Chersti, for your exceptional work and dedication to my project. I will most definitely be hiring you again for the rest of the series.
This was all possible because Chersti demonstrated a deep understanding of my genre, providing insights that helped me strengthen my narrative and deepen character development, making it evident that she was genuinely invested in the success of my work.
I was also very impressed with the amount of complementary material that Chersti shared. These were comprehensive files, each of which delved into specific issues of my manuscript. Suffice it to say, I learned many new concepts that will be of great use for my future writing.
I cannot recommend Chersti N. enough. Whether you are a seasoned author or new to the writing world, Chersti’s editing services will certainly elevate your work. Thank you, Chersti, for your exceptional work and dedication to my project. I will most definitely be hiring you again for the rest of the series.
Daniel Cruz
February 2024
I love working with Chersti! She has a fantastic editorial eye and delivers feedback in such a tactful and personable manner.
Tricia Levenseller
International Bestselling Author of Daughter of the Pirate King
Chersti was absolutely phenomenal – producing an extremely helpful developmental edit and supporting documentation. As a first time author, I really appreciated her taking the time to explain the reasoning and frameworks behind her feedback. There were so many ahah moments, where Chersti cleared articulated a problem I was having but couldn’t name, and suggested ideas and solutions to move forward. I will absolutely work with her again and recommend her to anyone looking to improve their story and storytelling skills.
Tracey M.
June 2024
Chersti genuinely cares about making your story the best it can be. She figured out exactly what my manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses were, and gave in-depth guidance on everything I needed to improve. I couldn’t ask for a better editor.
Dylan Davis
January 2024
Chersti is hands down the best editor I’ve ever worked with. She is professional and offers insights that take my manuscripts to the next level. She’s able to offer suggestions at a high level in regard to the overall plot and character development, but also at the line level in regard to dialogue, flow, and transitions. Not only that, she is also an absolute pleasure to work with.
I will never publish a novel without her insights and plan on continuing our working relationship for years to come.
I will never publish a novel without her insights and plan on continuing our working relationship for years to come.
CJ Walters
Empyreal Roots
Tanner is a wizard. I’ve worked with Tanner twice now on two different 50-page Reader Reports for stories I was drafting. After providing a pitch, a synopsis, and the opening pages, Tanner identified not only what I was doing well, but exposed a number of weaknesses in where I was planning to go. He sat down with me and offered in depth analysis about not just why it needed to change, but what to change, and how to change it. Following Tanner’s brainstorming suggestions, not only was I able to write the full draft in record time, it’s the cleanest first draft I’ve ever written! The second reader report, he exposed a number of world-building inconsistencies and secondary character issues that weren’t even on my radar.
Tanner has saved me SO much time (and money) by helping me draft with confidence. The reader report also gave me the opportunity to see his line by line and word by word analysis, and I am confident that regardless of which ever type of edit I need moving forward, Tanner can deliver. Aside from ability, knowledge, and professionalism, Tanner is a great person and the type of editor every author needs in their writing corner! Thank you!
Tanner has saved me SO much time (and money) by helping me draft with confidence. The reader report also gave me the opportunity to see his line by line and word by word analysis, and I am confident that regardless of which ever type of edit I need moving forward, Tanner can deliver. Aside from ability, knowledge, and professionalism, Tanner is a great person and the type of editor every author needs in their writing corner! Thank you!
Tim Facciola
A Vengeful Realm Trilogy
You can’t find a better editor! There are editors who can tell you what’s wrong with your book, and that is really helpful, but when an editor can say, “This is exactly why this doesn’t work, and here’s the scientific reason as to why, or the studies done, or X,Y,Z” that I’ve never ever considered–THAT’S an editor you wanna hang on to.
I can see now the true depths of knowledge Chersti has about storytelling, and it is vast, but I can see it because she’s trained me to see it over time and multiple books. My skill set as an author wouldn’t be nearly as good if I didn’t have her and her entire team guiding me to higher and higher levels of knowledge. You just don’t see this type of insight with your everyday editor. You just don’t. It comes with years of experience, constant research & studying of the craft, & working with many, many novels.
Sometimes, in publishing, you just get lucky, and the universe hands you a gem. For me, it wasn’t a big publishing deal or a viral TikTok video that catapulted my books into superstardom. It wasn’t as loud or as flashy, but it was just as precious. It was finding Chersti & Writer Therapy & having the privilege to work with them. I hope every author gets to have such an amazing team by their side, especially as a newbie debut, as I was. Now, as I begin to write my third novel, which is the last in my series, I have so much confidence as an author to continue my career and get better and better with each book that I write. There’s no greater indication of an editor’s success than an author who comes out of the experience a massively better writer and a confident one. If that’s what you want, then you’re in the right place.
I can see now the true depths of knowledge Chersti has about storytelling, and it is vast, but I can see it because she’s trained me to see it over time and multiple books. My skill set as an author wouldn’t be nearly as good if I didn’t have her and her entire team guiding me to higher and higher levels of knowledge. You just don’t see this type of insight with your everyday editor. You just don’t. It comes with years of experience, constant research & studying of the craft, & working with many, many novels.
Sometimes, in publishing, you just get lucky, and the universe hands you a gem. For me, it wasn’t a big publishing deal or a viral TikTok video that catapulted my books into superstardom. It wasn’t as loud or as flashy, but it was just as precious. It was finding Chersti & Writer Therapy & having the privilege to work with them. I hope every author gets to have such an amazing team by their side, especially as a newbie debut, as I was. Now, as I begin to write my third novel, which is the last in my series, I have so much confidence as an author to continue my career and get better and better with each book that I write. There’s no greater indication of an editor’s success than an author who comes out of the experience a massively better writer and a confident one. If that’s what you want, then you’re in the right place.
Arabella Federico
The Mark of Chaos and Creation Chronicles