Memoir Coaching Cohort

A 6-week small group coaching experience to help you transform your story into a compelling, publishable memoir. You’ll get feedback on 20 pages, weekly coaching and peer support, and mentorship every step of the way.

The Details

6 Weeks | Sept 11 – Oct 16, 2025
Live on Thursdays, 2:30–4:30pm ET (recordings available the next day)
Limited to 10 writers

Choose your path:

  • Core Cohort – Live group coaching + oral feedback on 20 pages | $695

  • Core + 1:1 – Includes everything in the Core Cohort plus in-depth written feedback on 20 pages, a Roadmap to Revision letter, and a 1-hour private coaching session with Katie | $1225

Who this is for

This is a personalized, intimate coaching space for nonfiction writers who want to make meaningful progress on their memoir. It’s designed for writers seeking in-depth, high-touch mentorship—without the high cost of 1:1 coaching. 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

What you’ll get in the Core Cohort

  • ✺

    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.

  • ✺

    Tailored Craft Lessons

    Each week, receive focused craft lessons & practical tips personalized to your needs. Sample topics include honing your structure, writing about family, finding your opening, and pitching agents & editors.

  • ✺

    Feedback on Your Memoir (up to 20 pages)

    Get live, oral feedback from Katie and your peers on up to 20 double-spaced pages of your memoir.

  • ✺

    Peer Feedback Without Pressure

    Share work with a serious, supportive cohort. No required written critiques—learn through discussion and example.

  • ✺

    Ongoing Support & Accountability

    Stay motivated between sessions with guidance, resources, and encouragement from Katie throughout.

  • ✺

    Private Online Community

    Access a private discussion space to connect, ask questions, and share wins.

Want extra support?

Choose Core + 1:1

You’ll get everything in the Core Cohort, plus:

✚ In-depth margin comments on your 20 pages, with notes on what’s working—and what’s not—across structure, voice, character, theme, and more.
✚ A Roadmap to Revision letter outlining your pages’ strengths, key challenges, and clear next steps for shaping your story.
✚ A 1-hour private coaching call with Katie to discuss revision strategies, publication paths, and a plan for finishing your memoir.

Join the cohort

Core Cohort

You’ll get group coaching & workshop feedback, including oral feedback from Katie.

Core + 1:1

You’ll receive everything in the Core Cohort, plus added 1:1 support & written feedback from Katie.

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…

  • “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: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women (forthcoming from Simon & Schuster)

  • “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)

  • “Not only is Katie a master at craft, she has such a generous spirit! Katie truly wants to help writers succeed. Her classes are a powerful blend of practical how-to, creative empathy and real-world examples pulled from her deep well as a coach, editor and writer. Katie isn't afraid to share her own vulnerable stories, and she provides the moral support and trusted guidance needed to help conquer doubt and overwhelm. When I publish my memoir this year, it will be in large part because of Katie."

    Becky Jensen, Author of No Man's Land: Unpacking One Woman's Worth on the Colorado Trail (forthcoming)

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • No problem! All sessions will be recorded and shared with the group the next day, so you can easily catch up. Many participants choose to watch replays if their schedule doesn’t allow them to attend live. You’ll have access to the recordings for 120 days after the cohort ends.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    Starting the second week, the last half of each session will be dedicated to discussing workshop submissions & shared craft challenges that emerge from those.

  • 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.

  • Aside from the 2-hour weekly live sessions, you’ll spend time writing or revising your own work at your own pace. For five of the six weeks, you’ll be reading peer submissions—up to 40 double-spaced pages a week, though it’s often much less. There’s no additional homework or prep required.

  • In the Core Cohort, you’ll receive thoughtful oral feedback on up to 20 pages of your writing—shared during our live sessions.

    If you choose Core + 1:1, you’ll get all of that plus detailed margin comments on your 20 pages, a personalized editorial letter outlining revision goals, and a private 1-hour coaching call with Katie to talk through your feedback and map out next steps for your manuscript.

  • 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. There’s 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Choose your path

$695

Core Cohort

➤ 6 live coaching + craft sessions (and access to recordings)
➤ Live feedback on 20 pages (including oral feedback from Katie)
➤ Supportive feedback from a close-knit group of dedicated writers
➤ Access to private online community
➤ Personalized guidance shaped by your goals

$1225

Core + 1:1

Includes everything in the Core Cohort, plus:

✚ In-depth margin comments on your 20 pages, with notes on what’s working—and what’s not—across structure, voice, character, theme, and more
✚ A Roadmap to Revision letter outlining your pages’ strengths, key challenges, and clear next steps for shaping your story
✚ A 1-hour private coaching call with Katie to talk through your revision goals, publishing path, and how to keep moving forward with confidence