Substantial Fiction.
Rigorous Craft.
For writers of Upmarket/Literary and Historical Fiction who are ready to craft the stories of their hearts.
The Challenge of the Deep Draft
You have the research. You have the prose. You have the passion. Yet, somewhere between the initial spark and the finished manuscript, the "pulse" of the story has faltered.
In the worlds of upmarket/literary and historical fiction, it is easy to get lost in the "set dressing" or the "interiority" and lose sight of the narrative drive. Whether you are struggling with a sagging middle, a protagonist lacking agency, or a theme that feels out of reach, you don’t need more "inspiration."
You need structural and craft clarity.
How We Work Together
The Story Spark
Stop wondering if your hook is actually hooking; get a forensic, MFA-level evaluation of your first 50 pages to ensure your protagonist’s agency and the story’s stakes are undeniable from page one. It’s the perfect low-risk 'pulse check' before you commit to the rest of your draft.
Who it’s for: Writers with a finished (or nearly finished) opening who need to know if their foundation is strong enough to support a full novel.
Investment: $250 $199
What it Includes: I’ll read your pages, provide an editorial letter to highlight what’s working, what needs your attention, and targeted next steps.
The Story Map
Instead of pantsing your way into a muddy middle or dead end, we will build a comprehensive architectural map that aligns your character’s internal wound with the external plot. This is my signature service for authors who want to draft with clarity.
Who it’s for: Writers in the planning stages or those stuck in the "Muddy Middle" who want to save a year of frustrating rewrites.
Investment: $1,500 $1,000 (payment plans available)
What it Includes: Over three deadlines, we’ll focus on your inspiration, your ideal reader & the marketplace, and most important, your story. For each deadline, you’ll complete exercises from Author Accelerator’s Blueprint for a Book. I’ll provide in-line feedback and editorial summaries complete with targeted next steps. Then, we’ll meet for 45 minutes per deadline.
Introductory re-launch pricing available for the first 10 projects booked by June 30, 2026. Prices will return to standard rates on July 1.
The Story Audit
Receive a high-level diagnostic of your entire manuscript to identify exactly why the pacing lags or where the narrative tension falters. You’ll walk away with a clear, actionable strategy to revise your draft into a powerful, cohesive work of fiction.
Who it’s for: Authors with a completed draft who know the story is 'off' but can’t identify the structural leaks on their own.
Investment: $2,000 $1,500 for a 90k-word manuscript. Longer manuscripts priced per project.
What it Includes: I’ll read your entire manuscript and provide in-line feedback on the first two chapters. I’ll also provide a 10-20 page editorial letter highlighting your story’s strengths and areas for further development, along with targeted next steps for revision. Then, we’ll meet for a 60-minute coaching session.
"[Margaret] is a true educator and worth every cent of the investment!"
— Carmen C.
"Margaret was patient and supportive, but also asked poignant, thorough questions and pushed me to further develop aspects that needed work...I’m thrilled."
— Rebecca C.
"Thanks to Margaret I have found a new way forward. She was a joy to work with. I highly recommend her."
— Lorraine N.
"Margaret is knowledgeable, generous and gracious, and someone you want at your side while writing your novel and in your life in general."
— Litsa D.
About Margaret McNellis, MFA
I don’t just map stories; I build them. As an author of four published novels and an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach and a writer of historical narratives, I know that the "bias of knowledge" is the greatest hurdle to a successful draft. My goal is to give you the coordinates you need to get back on track and stay there.
I bring the high-level craft and tough love with compassion for the writer. In other words, no elitism, just accessible craft expertise to help your story sing the song your readers are yearning to hear.
FAQs
What sort of writing do you coach?
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I coach upmarket/literary fiction, historical fiction, and fiction that sits at the intersection of the two. My favorite projects would aspire to sit on the shelf with Hamnet or Wolf Hall. I coach writers who want MFA-level depth of craft, who seek to write fiction that changes readers and inks itself on their very hearts.
Note: I do not offer manuscript evaluations for stream-of-consciousness writing, simply because it’s hard for me to focus on, but I do offer all other services on this page for that style.
How do I get started?
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Getting started is simple — we meet for a 30-minute decision session.
After the decision session, we’ll get to work! If we’re doing a manuscript evaluation (The Story Spark or The Story Audit), I’ll ask for your pages so I can start reading. If we’re doing a Blueprint (The Story Map) together, I’ll send you the first exercises. With any package, you’ll get a welcome letter from me to explain all the logistics and provide everything you need for a fruitful and creative experience together.
What’s your coaching superpower?
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My focus is on MFA-level craft and engaging the reader. Think… beautiful writing with narrative drive. My absolute favorite book of all time is Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, because it combines gorgeous prose with deep characterization and narrative drive. This is also the type of fiction I most enjoy writing, myself.
I pair my MFA in fiction with my book coach certification and writing experience to guide writers of literary and/or historical fiction in crafting a compelling and beautiful story.
What’s your position on AI?
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Everyone has to decide for themselves whether and/or how to use this tool. I do not use AI to generate critiques or prose. I believe in the human-to-human connection of storytelling. All my craft mini lesson blogs are written by me, too. I would prefer not to coach AI-generated manuscripts.