"When I decided to attempt my first novel, after 20 years in journalism, my first call was (obviously) to Lisa Cron. Lisa's method isn't about writing one book, it's about using the process of writing that book to deeply understand every aspect of storytelling. It's thanks to Lisa's brilliant (and fun!) coaching that my debut novel got a starred review in Publishers Weekly and my second (with a star from Library Journal) was an instant national bestseller. There is literally no better story coach on this planet."

— Paul Bradley Carr, The Confessions, Atria Books — National Bestseller, Most Anticipated Thriller of Summer, Paste; 1414, Snafublishing LLC

"Working with Lisa changed my life. With wit, candor, and actionable feedback, she helped me transform, and sell, my manuscript. Whether you're developing a new project, looking for ways to strengthen a rough draft, or finetuning revisions, Lisa will take you to the next level. A passionate advocate for the power of story, a brilliant coach, and a treasure trove of industry experience, Lisa is absolutely worth the investment. Book her now. You'll thank me later."

— Lenora Bell, She Found Out, Atria/Emily Bestler Books — USA Today Bestselling Author

"When I finished my first full draft, I knew something was missing, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I'd just read Lisa Cron's Story Genius and saw that she offered consultations. I sent her Canticle. Lisa was absolutely brutal. She made me go through character rewrites — many iterations of them — perpetually asking 'why?' Why would she do that? Why would she believe that? Lisa's 'why' was a sharp-bladed shovel that forced me to trace the taproot of my protagonist's motivation. Would I go this route again? Yes, in a heartbeat."

— Janet Rich Edwards, Canticle, Spiegel & Grau — National Bestseller, New York Times Editors' Choice, Real Simple Best Books of 2025, Spotify Best Debuts of 2025, Goodreads Readers' Most Anticipated Books of Fall

“Working with Lisa fundamentally changed how I approach storytelling. While I've been a journalist for over a decade, I didn't quite understand how to translate that experience into fiction until I met Lisa. She's taught me so many things, including how plot is just what happens on the surface, and that real stories are driven by the emotional interior of the protagonist. She showed me that a novel may unfold in the here and now, but the story is actually rooted in everything that came before it. Once I understood that the backstory is where the story lives and that every scene has to earn its place by testing the protagonist's growth, the way I write completely transformed.

Now, two years after I started working with Lisa, I've completed two novels. But our work together goes way deeper than that. Every time we have a call scheduled, I get excited because I know nothing will ever be superficial and that I will leave the call having learned yet another brilliant layer of storytelling.

“Beyond the craft, I find Lisa to be one of the smartest, most fascinating people I've ever met. I feel grateful to have her in my corner and for her wit, humor, and warmth. Working with her has been like getting a private MFA. Thank you for everything, Lisa!”

— Michaela Trimble

"If you've read Lisa's books and appreciate her humorous laid-back manner of pounding information into your thick skull — sorry, that's my thick skull — you're in for a treat. Don't get me wrong; she's not a softie. She's tough. But that's what you want. Somebody slapping you on the back and saying how great you are isn't going to improve your writing or your book. Lisa can get you on track and you'll both be smiling, if not laughing. I conducted a writers workshop for my local county for seven years. A published book Lisa helped me with just won an award. She helped me with two more I'm putting the finishing touches on. If she can squeeze you into her busy schedule, do it. She's the best."

— Buck Buchanan, One Beach, Two Babes, and The Squid, Keylight Books, 2025

"Lost in the quagmire of trying to write a novel? Well, forget everything you've ever been told about story, because chances are, it's totally wrong. So where to turn? Story guru Cron not only gives you the skinny on why and how stories work (and why and how we respond to them), she also shows you how to craft a novel step by step. I'd never consider writing a novel without Lisa's input, and neither should you."

— Caroline Leavitt, New York Times Bestselling Author, Is This Tomorrow and Pictures of You, Algonquin

"When I discovered Lisa through her valuable books, I had no creative writing training — just a first draft of a novel and a hunch it could be better. I didn't know how much better! Through her whip-smart analysis, patient brainstorming and relentless course-correcting, I have finally unearthed the story I want to tell. I came with still water, and Lisa helped me add the lemon, the sparkle and a splash of neuroscience."

— Jordana Krohley

"Lisa Cron helps me bring my story to life through brainstorming and thoughtful questions, yet she never shies from asking me to make changes for the good of the story. Always, she pushes me to dig deeper, to excavate the layers that add complexity and realism to my characters' thoughts, emotions and actions. In this way, her guidance forestalls dead ends, while lighting the path for challenging my characters' worldviews. And this, as Lisa is fond of saying, leads to blood. And blood is where the story is."

— Corinne Laverty

"Lisa Cron, through many iterations of my novel, taught me how to weave the threads of the story together. She told me, nicely, where threads were unnecessary. She helped me see where the threads needed to be woven stronger and deeper until they were intertwined into the complexity that is this story. My book would not have been possible without Lisa."

— Barbara Hynak, Roars Across the World, 2026

"With Lisa's guidance, I have become a better writer than I ever thought possible. Why? Because her feedback is precise, focused, unflinching, and 100% honest — which is exactly what every writer needs to improve their craft. I simply cannot imagine writing a novel without her expert guidance — whether it's my first or my twenty-first. She is brilliant, insightful, and truly unparalleled. Hire her yesterday."

— Heather Davis

"Just as no intelligent, aspiring athlete would embark upon their competitive journey without the support and guidance of an expert coach, I would encourage any writer, aspiring or established, to work with one — especially if that coach were Lisa Cron. She knows the story about story, and not only is eager to share her knowledge, but does so wherever a story may need help. With razor sharp precision and ruthless compassion, Lisa helps make the difficult writing process less lonely and more hopeful, and helps her clients write measurably better stories."

 — Ginny Gilder

"Lisa has a keen sense of being able to pinpoint exactly what goes wrong with a story and then helping you to get back on track. With the precision of a neurosurgeon, Lisa works with you on deepening your characters and bringing them to a much richer fruition. She helps the writer breathe life into their protagonist's lungs. The key to her genius is her passion for the work she does, and that she's gifted beyond compare."

— Christopher Nelson

"There is no one else who really does what Lisa does. Most developmental editors want a completed manuscript before they will even talk to you. Lisa is a true story coach — there from the beginning, where all the mistakes and weaknesses in a story begin and will fester if they are not addressed. As a first-time novelist, this is where I need the most help. And Lisa always delivers. I would not want to be on this journey without her.

Lisa is an amazing creative partner with great suggestions that spark my imagination. Her deep experience with novels, film and scripts of all types comes in handy. I can always count on her to find the perfect reference or metaphor when I hit a stumbling block.

I love that Lisa never lets me get away with anything — she always gives honest and direct feedback. When she has praise for me, I know she really means it. And when everything finally falls into place, I have pages that I am truly proud to have written."

— G.J. Sullivan

"Lisa's Story Genius Method has helped me drill down and pinpoint critical story elements in my manuscript. This level of concrete story weaving just wasn't taught in my MFA courses. Lisa has shown me how to recognize ineffective and habitual writing habits, and helped turn my novel into specific, character-driven action with deep, identifiable meaning. And isn't that what we're all reading for? To glean meaning via another human experience?"

— Kelly Clark

"First, boundless enthusiasm that never seems to wane. Our conversations are always energetic and high spirited. Second, a profound feeling of being taken seriously. Back when I started, writing still felt like a hobby — something between a pastime and a pipe dream. Lisa immediately dispelled that, treating what I still thought of as 'my silly little story about witches' as a real novel that could be shaped into the best version of itself. Lisa has made me a much better writer and a significantly more interesting storyteller. It feels like doing a PhD in storytelling and I'm incredibly pleased that I went for it."

— Ronan Winters

"I wouldn't have a book without Lisa's guidance, support, and endless encouragement. Her talent and deep knowledge of story are remarkable. She shows you how to do it, then walks you through it, and that makes all the difference. And the actual phone calls are just the best. You can always count on talking the problem all the way through and fleshing it out, no matter how big or overwhelming it seems on the page. Just knowing you get to talk in person makes the fear of writing, or getting it on the page, or even getting it right, fade away. It's human connection in a world of tech. She's just amazing. If you're wondering whether to take the leap: take it."

— Kirsten Coon