Memoir Coaching Cohort
A 6-week small group coaching experience to help you transform your story into a compelling, publishable memoir. You’ll get in-depth feedback on 20 pages, weekly coaching and peer support, and mentorship every step of the way.
The Details
6 weeks, September 11 – October 16, 2025
Live sessions on Wednesdays, 2:30–4:30pm ET & recordings sent the next day
$695 (includes 20-page edit & 1:1 coaching call)
*Limited to 10 writers
Who it’s for
This is a personalized, intimate coaching space for nonfiction writers who want to make meaningful progress on their memoir. Whether you’re just starting out or have a full draft, you’ll receive expert support on what your story needs most—plus the accountability and momentum to keep going.
Ideal for writers who want:
Professional editorial feedback
A trusted coach and mentor
Community and structure in a small group setting (Limited to 10 writers)
What you’ll get
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Live Weekly Coaching (6 sessions, 120 mins each)
Workshop pages, discuss revision strategy, and tackle memoir craft challenges in real time. Coaching sessions will also be recorded if you need to miss any live.
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Tailored Craft Lessons
Each week, receive brief, focused teaching based on your intake form. Sample topics include finding your structure, writing about family, crafting powerful openings, pitching agents & editors.
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Detailed Editorial Feedback (up to 20 pages)
You’ll get margin comments + an in-depth feedback letter focused on structure, theme, character development, reflection, & voice.
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One 45-Minute 1:1 Coaching Call
Private time to talk through your pages, revision goals, or publication path.
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Peer Feedback Without Pressure
Share work with a serious, supportive cohort. No required written critiques—learn through discussion and example.
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Ongoing Support & Accountability
Stay motivated between sessions with guidance, resources, and encouragement from me throughout. Includes access to a private discussion space to connect, ask questions, and share wins.
Meet Your Coach
Katie Bannon is a writer, editor, and coach with a passion for helping others tell their truest stories. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Rumpus, ELLE, Newsweek, and beyond. She holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Emerson College, and her memoir manuscript was named a finalist for the Permafrost Nonfiction Book Prize.
Katie brings deep editorial experience, a warm and supportive teaching style, and a firm belief in the transformative power of personal narrative. She lives in Central Massachusetts with her husband and two very opinionated cats.
Kind words from students.
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“Working with Katie literally changed my life. When I approached her with a book idea, I was 55 years old and had not written a single article or essay. She taught me how to write for an audience, edited my pages and provided much needed perspective on the publishing industry. When I got a book deal, Katie was the second person I called.”
Oona Metz, Author of Unhitched (forthcoming from Simon & Schuster)
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“Working with Katie was truly a dream. Katie is thoughtful, brilliant, and generous with her writing guidance and I always left our conversations feeling energized, inspired, and excited to write. Katie is that special kind of teacher that brings out the best in those she mentors.”
Kate Gies, Author of It Must Be Beautiful to Be Finished: A Memoir of My Body (Simon & Schuster)
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“You have such a generous spirit! Thank you for your additional gifts of wisdom, of sharing your own vulnerable story with the class, and the moral support you offered every member of my cohort. When I finish my revisions this year, it will be in large part because of you."
Becky J.
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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No problem! All sessions will be recorded and shared with the group, so you can catch up anytime. Many participants choose to watch replays if their schedule doesn’t allow them to attend live.
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No formal written critiques are required. Instead, we’ll use live discussion and guided conversation to share insights and strengthen editorial instincts. You’ll get the benefit of reading peer submissions without the time burden of written feedback—so you can focus on your own process while learning from others.
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Not at all. Writers at any stage of the memoir process are welcome—whether you have a few scenes, a messy draft, or a nearly finished manuscript. This cohort is designed to meet you where you are and support your next big leap forward.
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Yes! This is a welcoming, encouraging environment for writers of all experience levels. Whether this is your first time sharing work or your fifth manuscript, you’ll receive professional-level feedback in a supportive space that respects your voice and vision.
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When you register for the cohort, you’ll fill out a detailed intake form about your memoir project, your goals, and the challenges you’re facing. I’ll use these responses to shape the weekly craft lessons and discussion topics, so the content is directly relevant to everyone’s needs.
Beginning in our third session, the final hour of class will be dedicated to discussing workshop submissions.
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Space is intentionally limited to just 10 writers to keep the group small, focused, and supportive. This allows everyone to receive meaningful attention, personalized feedback, and a true sense of community throughout the cohort.
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Aside from the 2-hour weekly live sessions, you’ll spend time writing or revising your own work at your own pace. For four of the six weeks, you’ll be reading peer submissions—ranging from 40 to 60 total pages per week, though it’s often much less. There’s no additional homework or prep required.
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You’ll choose up to 20 pages of your memoir for me to review in detail. I’ll return your pages with margin comments and a feedback letter. Then we’ll meet privately for a 45-minute coaching call to talk through the feedback and chart your next steps.
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Great question. Unlike a standard class where you follow a set curriculum, the Memoir Coaching Cohort offers personalized mentorship, editorial feedback, and tailored lessons based on your specific project and goals. It’s a hybrid between a course and a coaching container—with a strong focus on helping you make tangible progress on your own memoir, not just learning general craft concepts. You won’t just learn about memoir—you’ll actively build one, with hands-on support every step of the way.
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All you need is a computer and an internet connection. I’ll send out a Zoom link before our first session. We’ll also review the basics of how to use Zoom at the beginning of the first class, so don’t worry if you’re not already familiar.
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Accessibility is important to me. You’ll have the opportunity to share any accessibility needs during the checkout process, and I’ll do everything I can to ensure a welcoming and inclusive experience for all participants.
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If you need to cancel, please note that no portion of the class fee is refundable within 10 days of the class start date. Refunds will be issued within 30 days of receiving your cancellation notice.
In the unlikely event the cohort is canceled (for example, due to low enrollment), you’ll receive a full refund.
Your investment
$695, which includes:
✔ 6 live coaching + craft sessions
✔ 20-page editorial feedback
✔ 45-min private coaching call
✔ Supportive peer feedback
✔ Private online community
✔ Personalized guidance shaped by your goals
Space is intentionally limited to 10 writers so that everyone receives meaningful attention and support. If this sounds like the right next step for you, I’d love to have you join us!