Are you ready to write a terrific novel?

It’s time to get the experienced help you need!

Let’s Go!

Are you ready to write a terrific novel?

It’s time to get the experienced help you need!

Let’s Go!

There is no reason you can’t write a great novel.

A novel is a huge undertaking that can be daunting and difficult. But if you have a passion for storytelling and love words, and if you’re willing to do the work, it’s within reach!

Hi, I’m C. S. Lakin –
Let’s get to know each other!

For nearly two decades I’ve helped more than 6,000 writers learn the skills and techniques to become masterful writers. Whether you have a spark of an idea for a book and have never attempted writing fiction or you’ve written multiple novels and need to level-up your craft to greater mastery, you will greatly benefit from my coaching and mentoring.

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What My Clients Say About My Services

“Susanne is more than an editor; she cares about your book as if it were her own. As a first-time author, I appreciated Susanne’s help, which was essential to me publishing a quality book.  I simply can’t thank her enough. My book went on to win first place in the 2015 Feathered Quill Book Awards!”
— W. Lawrence
“Susanne made the difference between my being unpublished and moving on to publication. Within months after her stellar edits, a publisher sent me a contract for my Middle Grade novel, and now my first book has been published. Thank you, Susanne, for making my dream come true.”
— Jeanne Williams
“Susanne’s advice whipped my writing into perfect shape and I wouldn’t hesitate a moment to recommend her. Not only is she brilliant at her work, but she is also kind, caring, and enthusiastic. She has motivated me to produce the best work possible, and this has made me realize that rewriting isn’t as daunting as it seems. Thank you, Susanne!”
— Jessica Bell
Award-winning author and poet
“Susanne Lakin performed CPR on my novella and brought it back to life with incredible skill. Worth every penny! I intend to use her for my next project too. Thanks, Susanne!”
— Renee Yancey
Historical fiction author
“Susanne’s dedication, care, and attention to detail pushed me to revisit my work with new insight. I was able to delve deeply into my soul and  create a memoir worthy of publication. Being associated with her was like touching gold, and under her guidance I grew from an aspiring writer to an author. My success is due to Susanne, and I am forever grateful.”
— C. C. Gross
Author of Rising Up from a Long Way Down
“I highly recommend Susanne Lakin’s services. As a new author, after reading her edited version of my book, I went from reluctant excitement about publishing, to fully charged excitement. Thank you, Susanne, for your expertise and the extra boost of confidence.”
— Jamie Hope
“Working with Susanne has been fabulous. She has a wonderful sense of what works and what doesn’t without moving away from the heart of the story. I am thrilled with the job she has done on my current work in progress, and I no longer have to stress about how my book is going to turn out. I have a great editor to take all the hassle out of the process! I am so excited to have found her. Thanks, Susanne–you are a blessing!”
— Elena Dillon
Award-winning YA suspense author
“Susanne Lakin has both the heart and skills that make her an exceptional editor and coach. I was dead in the water with my manuscript–unsure where to find the help I needed to move forward–until I discovered Susanne. She became the wind in my sails, and I’m thrilled to say I’m now ready to publish!”
— Rod Smith
“If you want to look at your manuscript through a totally new perspective and really see what works and what does not, then I cannot recommend Susanne Lakin’s editorial services enough!”
— Brannon Hollingsworth
“Susanne’s insight and eye for detail have, on numerous occasions, taken my manuscripts from mediocre to good, from good to better, from better to my personal best. She offers both honesty and encouragement, and acts as a cheerleader for her clients—urging them on to excellence.”
— Renee Brumbaugh
Publisher and author
“Susanne’s critique service is really top-notch. I love the fast but thorough work that she does every single time. My book she critiqued called I Won’t Cry hit three best-seller lists right away, and I could not have done it without her.”
— Shaquanda Dalton
Author, I Won’t Cry
“Susanne is a writer with a wonderful imagination and also a gifted copyeditor, able to point out a wide range of necessary improvements in manuscripts while remaining completely positive and encouraging. A great writing mentor!”
— Grace Bridges
Publisher, Author, Faith Awakened
“Susanne is always accessible and eager to help. With years of writing experience and several books already tucked into the completed file, she comes at the craft of writing with a tool belt full of knowledge and creativity. She tackles editing with the heart of a mentor. One aspect I especially appreciate in the help I’ve received from Susanne is her dedication, which translates into always finishing the job. I would highly recommend her.”
—Catherine Leggitt
Author, Payne and Misery
“Susanne was terrific to work with! She is a wonderful editor who caught my mistakes, smoothed out my writing, and made my final product much better. I really appreciated her prompt replies to my questions and her clear, thorough explanations of suggested changes to my manuscript. I would highly recommend Susanne for a great editing experience and for a final product you will be proud of.”
— John Claeys
Author, Apocalypse 2012
“Susanne doesn’t change the mood of your work, she smooths out the wrinkles. She taught me things to spice up and improve my style. Her help resulted in my first novel winning the CSP Book of the Year 2010 Award for fiction. The publisher could not have made a better choice.”
— Pola Muzyka
Author, Abducted to Kill

How I can help
you get started

I offer an assortment of resources and pathways to help you achieve your writing goals.

Explore your options below:

Online Video Courses

Crafting Powerful Settings

Masterful writers craft powerful
settings that transport their readers
into the world of their story.
You can too.

$99

Learn More

8 Weeks to Writing a
Commercially Successful Novel

To write a blockbuster novel,
you need to showcase 8 essential
elements in your scenes. This intensive
course will show you how.

$149

Learn More

Emotional Mastery for
Fiction Writers

How to effectively show emotion
in characters and evoke emotional
response in readers.

$197

Learn More
View All Courses

Coaching Packages: for writers of all levels

To take your writing to the next level and your story from good to great, you have to become a master of your craft. Through my coaching and mentorship programs, you’ll not only discover what areas of your writing and story building need work but also how to skillfully improve. My unique teaching methods have helped thousands of writers craft riveting, compelling, and solidly-structured novels that entertain and delight readers.

Coaching – one time

One-Hour Consultation

$150

One-hour consultation on Zoom: 

Let’s brainstorm your ideas, sticking points in your story (where you’re stuck), go over your story synopsis, or discuss anything writerly. (Book as many as you need.)

Let’s Do It!
Coaching Packages

Ongoing Monthly Coaching

$295 – 495

/ monthly

Option 1: 

$295 a month (one one-hour Zoom session and 20 pages critiqued each month. Opt in and out any time).

Option 2: 

$495 a month (two one-hour Zoom sessions and 30 pages critiqued). 

Learn more

Mentorships

What makes these mentorship programs unique and exceptional is you’ll get all the help you need to complete your book. I’ll be available to you anytime you’re stuck, need feedback on ideas or passages you’ve written, or want to brainstorm your plot and characters.

From Idea to Outline

$600

/ monthly

Got ideas simmering for a novel? Whether you’re at the brainstorming stage or have a messy draft, this is the best way to bring order to your creativity!

Every writer, regardless of their experience, can greatly benefit from this unique 3-month mentorship. Utilizing a time-tested process, you’ll be amazed how quickly and easily you’ll organize your plot and character elements into a solid story.

This mentorship includes the following:

  • 2 one-hour Zoom sessions a month
  • Unlimited email correspondence to kick around ideas, get unstuck on any aspect of your story, and discuss anything else you’re struggling with
  • Free access to more than 15 hours of video recordings from master classes on premise and scenes structure
  • Free enrollment in the video courses “The 10 Key Scenes That Frame Up Your Novel” and “The 4 Foundational Pillars of Novel Structure.”

Even if you’re a “pantser” (writing by the seat of your pants), you’ll find the process intuitive and freeing, allowing you to discover your story as you put all the pieces together in the most effective way.

“With Susanne’s instruction, “I have learned so much in such a short space of time. It was a big commitment to make, but it was so, so worth it. The very best outcome is beyond exciting, and I feel far more confident about making that dream a reality.” — Liz Thompson

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From Outline to Finish

$600

/ monthly

Whether you’ve completed your outline and you’re ready to start writing your scenes or you have a solid draft but need help to get across the finish line with a strong, commercially viable novel, this mentorship is for you!

A 3-month commitment is required, but you are under no rush to finish. You can continue on a month-to-month basis until you reach your writing goals.

This mentorship includes the following:

  • 2 one-hour Zoom sessions a month
  • Unlimited email correspondence to kick around ideas, get unstuck on any aspect of your story, and discuss anything else you’re struggling with
  • Free access to more than 15 hours of video recordings from master classes on premise and scenes structure

Having a professional accountability partner will enable you to make steady progress and burst through the obstacles in your pathway to success!

“Susanne has an amazing ability to analyze scenes and point out the subtleties of what works and why. As an instructor, she is encouraging and patient. You’ll love working with her!” —Dana Killion

“Susanne is extremely knowledgeable of industry trends, effective pacing, and structure protocols for creating successful commercial novels in today’s environment, and devotes her time, energy, and support to her students. I would recommend her to both beginning and experienced novelists.” —Kendrick Smith

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Whatever challenges you face…

My coaching and mentorship programs will provide personal direction, instruction, encouragement, and accountability.

The Writer’s Toolbox Series

Next Steps for Your Manuscript

Editing and Proofreading

Take Me There!

Manuscript Critiques

Take Me There!

Scene Outline Critiques

Take Me There!

Ready to take a leap with your writing?

Let me know how I can help!

I cheer you on every step of the way.

I’ll help you reach each milestone of your writing goals, develop your skills, complete a first draft, and finally have in hand a polished manuscript ready to submit to literary agents or self-publish.

Waiting for the Next Master Class?

Cinematic Sizzle will leave the station as soon as enough writers sign up!

Want to learn how to make your novel scenes sizzle with cinematic technique? Readers love novels that feel like a movie bursting with sensory details. It’s the ultimate “show, don’t tell” mastery!

In this intensive course, you’ll have the option to participate in a small critique group, where you’ll put into practice what you learn. For intermediate to experienced fiction writers who are ready to submit and critique scenes. Class meets weekly on Zoom (days/times TBD based on participants’ schedules). Cost: $200/month for three months.

Learn More!

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