Author Services
Do you have a manuscript you’ve taken as far as you can go? Are you nurturing a story seedling and need some guidance? Maybe you’re somewhere in the middle!
It’s time to take your writing to the next level.
A Note from Michael:
“I love working with writers. No matter where you’re at in your storytelling journey, I want to walk alongside you. I want to help you tell the stories only you can tell. Together, we’ll nurture your unique voice and perspective. One of my favorite things is watching authors arrive at an “ah ha!” moment as they unlock an aspect of their story. My style is friendly and conversational. Whatever you need, I’m ready to adapt at a moment’s notice. My feedback is inquiry and solution based; I will challenge you, build your confidence, and help you achieve your goals. Let’s get started.”
Why work with Michael?
Michael Leali is an award-winning author and veteran educator. He has published three critically acclaimed middle grade novels and continues to hone his craft daily. His debut, The Civil War of Amos Abernathy, won the 2023 Golden Kite Award for Middle Grade Fiction and was a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award, among many other honors. His second novel, Matteo, is a finalist for the 2024 Lambda Literary Award in LGBTQ+ Middle Grade. His third novel, The Truth About Triangles, releases May 21, 2024 from HarperChildren’s.
Michael holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. In addition to being a seasoned high school English educator, Michael has mentored adult writers through the Laura Crawford Memorial Mentorship and the Queer KidLit Mentorship. He has worked with private clients, led multiple creative writing workshops, offered many one-on-one critiques, and participated on numerous panels. He is eager and excited to help you achieve your writing goals and tell the story only you can tell.
Michael is a great fit for chapter books, middle grade, young adult, adult novels, and graphic novel scripts. His preferred genres include contemporary realistic, historical, speculative, fantasy, science fiction, romance, mystery, and adventure. He is happy to work with prose, novels in verse, hybrid fiction, and experimental structures. Books starring and celebrating LGBTQIA+ characters are his jam. If you’re not sure he’s the right fit for your project, please ask!
Services Michael Offers
Click the drop down menus below to learn more about each service:
Manuscript Critiques & Developmental Edits
This is an excellent choice for authors who have a completed manuscript. Michael will critique chapter books, middle grade, young adult, adult novels, and graphic novel scripts. This service includes:
- 30-minute pre-critique phone call/video chat to discuss manuscript and goals
- Manuscript Critique: In-depth critique of manuscript; includes summary letter synthesizing feedback, expanding on ideas and questions, and offering reading suggestions. (Requires up to one month to read and critique. No comments included in document.) OR
- Developmental Edit: In-depth critique of manuscript; includes comments in manuscript document and summary letter synthesizing feedback, expanding on ideas and questions, and offering reading suggestions. (Requires up to one month to read and critique.)
- 30-minute post-critique phone call, video chat, or email (one exchange) typically within two weeks of receiving critique feedback
Fee: Please complete the contact form below to inquire about pricing as it varies widely by project, individual needs, and service provided (manuscript critique OR developmental edit). If money is a barrier, please still reach out. I want to work with you!
Writing Coaching — Single Sessions
This is the perfect choice for any writer grappling with specific elements of their manuscript or writing journey. Single coaching sessions are offered per Michael’s availability. This service includes:
- Pre-coaching communication via email to discuss goals for session
- Pre-coaching session review of up to 10 pages (double-spaced, 12 pt. font) of manuscript, brainstorming, side writing, outlines, etc.; Written feedback in the manuscript document and short summary letter to be sent after coaching session. (Excerpt must be submitted at least three days in advance of coaching session.)
- 60-minute phone call/video chat to discuss excerpt, feedback, and questions
Fee: $300 per single session; all fees must be paid in advance
Writing Coaching — Ongoing Sessions
This is the perfect choice for any writer who is working through a manuscript and who is seeking accountability, a brainstorming partner, continuous feedback, a champion, and a cheerleader. Michael wants to be that person for you! Ongoing coaching sessions run monthly and are subject to Michael’s availability. This service includes:
- Pre-coaching communication via email to discuss goals
- Pre-coaching session review of up to 10 pages (double-spaced, 12 pt. font) of manuscript, brainstorming, side writing, outlines, etc.; Written feedback in the manuscript document and short summary letter to be sent after coaching session. (Excerpt must be submitted at least three days in advance of coaching session.)
- 60-minute phone call/video chat to discuss excerpt, feedback, and questions
| Coaching Packages | Total Cost | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Coaching Sessions | $810 | 10% – Save $90! |
| 6 Coaching Sessions | $1,530 | 15% – Save $270 |
Michael is committed to serving creators with marginalized identities; if cost is a barrier, please reach out to discuss options. Contact Michael directly with any questions at michaellealiauthor@gmail.com.
Here’s what people have to say about working with Michael:
“Michael Leali is the best kind of writing coach—he’ll share what’s worked for him while championing your vision and voice. With him, you get a guide, an editor, a sounding board, a critic, a coach, a teacher, a mechanic, a master chef, and a seasoned reader. Anything a struggling writer could need, he can offer. Michael helped me believe that I could untangle plots, deepen characters, repair dialogue, root out cliches, and keep the reader turning the pages. He took the time to understand my vision, process, and style. I trust him to point out my blind spots and bland passages because he had my back from the jump. His heart is in representation. He cares that all characters are rendered sensitively, that prejudice and stereotypes are weeded out, and that oft-ignored readers can see themselves rendered fairly and accurately. They say that publishing is a business where everyone is racing to where lightning just struck. Michael understands that such lightning comes from sound writing, and he helped me hone my plot, characters, and prose one sentence at a time.”
—Mike, Manuscript Critique Client
“Michael helped me immensely with the revision of my novel. He gave clear and comprehensive notes, always focusing on my character’s needs, growth, and desires. He was professional and supportive, meeting deadlines with insightful suggestions about structure and craft that had me making strong choices about what to expand, while being realistic about what needed trimming. As a writer, and former English and reading teacher, Michael’s a comprehensive mentor, strategically minded to best assist the writers he’s working with make their manuscripts sing off the page. I’m so glad I had the chance to work with him.”
—Veronica, Writing Mentee
“When I was granted the QueerKidLit mentorship, I knew I was lucky. What I didn’t know is how lucky I was to be able to work with and get to know Michael. I read Michael’s books in my master’s program, so I knew and loved both (now three!). The mentorship allowed me to get to now the person behind the beautiful words. Michael is warm and inviting from the get-go, and I felt immediately comfortable at our first meeting. Michael’s feedback on my writing was insightful, thoughtful, and delivered with compassion. However, his gift to me was how quickly he jumped into the world I created and his immediate love for my beloved characters. Our work together never felt like “work.” It was fun and challenging and the best part of creating. I hope to have the opportunity to work with Michael for the rest of my writing life.”
—Drea, Writing Mentee
Michael Leali 