Hi! I’m Alyssa.
I’m a writer/cartoonist, editor, and writing coach.
I coach writers in a highly accessible format: in writing. So many writers I know have a hard time scheduling hour-long Zoom sessions in advance. So why not make it easy on ourselves? Penpal writing coaching is fun and effective, and requires no high-stress screen time.
I also specialize in developmental editing for nonfiction, including memoir, personal essays, creative nonfiction, and popular nonfiction.
In particular, I love working with disabled, chronically ill, and/or neurodivergent writers, because I’m passionate about getting more of our stories out into the world. Let’s unravel ableism through storytelling.
What is Developmental Editing?
Developmental editing is big-picture editing takes you from a rough draft to a manuscript with a coherent and engaging narrative. We work together to streamline your story structure, tighten your pacing, and focus your character development (even if that “character” is yourself), so your book broadcasts your intended message.
I’m well versed in brain science-backed storytelling techniques, so I can help you leverage our psychological wiring to pull a reader into your story and keep them there. Nobody has time to read boring stories; luckily, every story can be told in an interesting, engaging way.
I also offer coaching sessions for when you get stuck in the process, whether you need encouragement, help maintaining your workflow during a flare, or a professional sounding board for brainstorming solutions to specific story problems.
About me
I’m also a writer myself. My memoir Floppy: Tales of Genetic Freak of Nature at the End of the World won the Red Hen Press Nonfiction Book Award and will be released in May 2023. It’s a playful novelistic memoir about the emotional landscape of living with connective tissue disorders Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome.
I have a B.A. from McGill University (2004) and a Master’s in Library and Information Studies from Dalhousie University (2011). And I’ve worked in various editing specialities for almost two decades—from indexing to academic copyediting to developmental editing for fiction and nonfiction—and almost exclusively while working from home.
You can see a selection of my four-panel comics over on Instagram @alyssajgraybeal.
Want to learn more about my professional development? Click the button below.
What clients are saying…
Working with Alyssa on my writing was lovely! She provided excellent feedback that was invaluable to me as a writer. Her knowledge of writing and editing is apparent while working with her. It's so meaningful to work with someone who sees your potential and is able to push you to be the best you can be in an encouraging and kind way. One of the best parts of working with Alyssa is that my access needs were centered throughout the whole process in a thoughtful and inclusive way. I would recommend working with Alyssa to anyone, but even more so if you experience chronic illness, disability, or neurodivergence.
-Juliana Kilmurray, writer
“Alyssa provided developmental editorial service for my book published by Hampton Roads. Her editorial skills and ability to organize info and see the big picture are first-rate. I highly recommend her.”
-Jason DeBord, author of Dreams 1-2-3
“Phenomenal work, thank you very much!! You are like a highly trusted, silent co-author, and my book is stronger and flows more eloquently because of your suggestions.”
-Anonymous client from Scribendi.com
“Alyssa’s support has been life-changing. She combines a terrific understanding of writing craft with a genuine compassion for the ways in which life's challenges can impact the ability to make space for and believe in yourself. Alyssa's empathetic, playful, and practical coaching has opened up more creative possibilities than I would have believed.”
-Lindsay Hobbs, owner of Topaz Editing & Literary
Values
I feel what it means to be disabled and driven to prioritize your creativity. I understand brain fog and chronic pain and injuries that wipe your schedule free of the best-laid plans.
I know what it is to avoid writing events or workshops because of access barriers, or because the energy costs are just too high.
But I also know that living with a disability of chronic illness gives us an incredible capacity for innovation. Opting out of hustle culture makes more space for creativity.
Creativity thrives on limitations, and we are required to work within our unique physical realities every single day. This means our brains are primed to create from the moment we wake up.
You know that persnickety myth about writers and artists? That we’re solitary creatures who lock ourselves up in a tower to create work without input from the rest of the world?
I’m here to tell you that this myth of individualism is total bogus. It keeps creatives isolated from each other and cut off from the conversations to which they can add real value. Feedback is 100% necessary.
External input doesn’t make your story less pure; it makes it stronger and more relevant.
Successful writers know that writing is a community-building endeavor. Writers need other writers. You need feedback and writer friends; editors and coaches; publishers and audiences.
In disability justice frameworks, human interdependence is a major theme. Please remember that this applies to writing as well. Even if you never work with me, nothing compares to professional 1:1 feedback on your writing practice and your work.
Your words are too important for you to try and go it alone.
Finally, access is for everyone. Whether or not you identify as having a chronic illness or disability, please ask if you have any access needs I have not addressed. I am extremely flexible when it comes to coaching session format.
What am I really like, though?
Clients me that I have a calm, grounding energy. I’m a genuine queerdo. My sense of humor is dry but kind.
Any snarkiness aside, I care deeply about storytelling and supporting writers. I have the expertise to partner with you in your writing journey, no matter where you’re at. And I’d very much love to help you reach your fullest potential as a writer.
Want to make sure you’d like working with me? Book a free 15-minute coffee chat over Zoom! Ask me anything, and get to know my vibe. No sales pressure, I promise.