“Here’s the thing: the book that will most
change your life is the book you write.”
“Here’s the thing: the book that will most
Sandra Byrd coaches and edits fiction, creative and narrative nonfiction, memoirs, and devotionals.
You want to write a book.
I can help.
Getting from a blank page to a completed manuscript can seem like a daunting task, but really, it doesn’t need to be. I’ll join you at any stage of the process to coach, teach, guide, encourage, brainstorm, and edit. When we work together, you’ll not only successfully complete your manuscript, you’ll enjoy the process.
There will be work to do, but … dare I say it?
You’ll also have fun!
Let’s work together as the next step to publication – and have fun writing again!
Sandra’s Clients Say…
In 2017, I had an idea and the desire to write a novel but no clue about the process required to bring it to life. All I had was Sandra Byrd's name and the hope she could lead me in the right direction. I'm so grateful that she did!
Over five years, we worked together on three novels. Each time we started a new project, Sandra had me use the same framework she uses to shape my ideas into scenes and, ultimately, stories that became books. One step at a time, and as only a master craftsman could, Sandra helped me develop a solid story structure that made writing easier while also ensuring that my plot was strong.
Her wisdom and guidance have blessed me. Anyone who can spend time with her and apply the fiction techniques she teaches will not only walk away a better storyteller but someone who can repeat the process with confidence and beauty time and time again. That is why my company, The Author’s Write Hand, has partnered with her to present these virtual weekend retreats!
Sandra is an intuitive brainstormer and an expert at knowing what's missing in a story. A masterful storyteller herself, she’s helped me understand and build out the structure of my story from the ground up. The accountability of weekly meetings and Sandra's immediate constructive feedback keep me on track; after years of trying on my own, I've finished my book! I recently won the OCW Cascade Contest in the Middle-Grade unpublished author category, I recently won first place in both PNWA and OCW’s annual writing contests in the middle-grade unpublished author category, and several agents have expressed interest.. Without Sandra, I'd still be spinning my wheels. With her encouragement, experience, and expertise urging me on, I am now moving forward on book 2 with high hopes for book 1 finding a publisher.
“I arrived at Sandra Byrd’s virtual doorstep in need of a master builder. Despite my repeated attempts to assemble it, the story I hoped to write lay in heaps and tangles, stacks and files, photos and ideas in my study and brain. Clearly, my experience as a non-fiction writer, though extensive, lacked a crucial skill set: how to frame and roof my novel, then plumb, wire and sheetrock the scenes that would fill its rooms.
Sandra, however, knew just what to do. She not only provided me with plotting and scene construction tools I’d never seen before, but she also showed me how to use them. Patiently. Expertly. Intuitively—despite my non-linear mind. She’s wise and experienced, with methods that work and are adaptable to authors’ unique writing processes. Without Sandra, Sugar Birds would still be an idea. With her, the story found a home first at an indie press, and now at Tyndale, with a sequel slated for publication in 2024. Happily, I highly endorse her.”
2022 Christianity Today's Book Awards: Award of Merit – Fiction
2022 ACFW Carol Awards: Winner – Debut Fiction
2022 Christy Award Finalist – First Novel“Being mentored by Sandra helped shape my understanding of voice, and she brought great care and patience to bear in helping me understand the basics of process and planning for writing a novel. Her expertise and encouragement of writers will prove invaluable in moving their dreams forward."
“A year ago, I wanted to be a writer. Now, I am one, thanks to Sandra Byrd’s steadfast support and editorial expertise. I needed a coach to hold me accountable and to teach me the tricks of the trade. She has demystified the nebulous writing process and has shown me that it starts first and foremost with careful plotting and development. She'll start you on your journey to becoming the writer you are meant to be. Now, it's your turn!”
“Sandra is an intuitive brainstormer and an expert at knowing what's missing. The most helpful thing so far is the structure. Our weekly meetings and Sandra's immediate expert feedback keep me on track; after years of trying on my own, I’m finally seeing significant progress on my book.”
"Sandra Byrd is my secret weapon toward story success.”
“Sandra’s careful eye and expertise, in both layering emotional levels and carrying action forward, helped me take my first novel to the next level. I can’t thank her enough for the care she took in both teaching and editing me. And she also encouraged me – and if you pursue writing, that matters!”
“Exceptionally gifted with the ability to identify holes in a story, as well as those areas of manuscript fat that need to be trimmed, Sandra Byrd’s insight into story construction is simply unparalleled. After completing the book… four agents requested my full manuscript.”
“From plot, pacing, and point-of-view to the character development of my protagonists, Sandra Byrd’s insight and suggestions helped sculpt Snow Out of Season into an award-winning novel.”
“Sandra Byrd is a pot of gold. Her gifting and expertise as a writing coach, developmental editor, and publishing guide to me over the last few years have been invaluable. I credit her spot-on insights and suggestions during my manuscripts’ developmental stages for making my novels the success they are today.”
“Competence, professionalism, and efficiency are high-value items for me. Sandra has the ground covered there, too. I feel my writing improve every time I work with her.”
“Sandra’s teaching style is warm and friendly. She not only tells you what you need to do to craft a great manuscript but gently explains why you need it and offers suggestions on how to accomplish it. As the writer, you always have the final say.”