Work With Me

Publishing & Creative Strategy for Writers

Clarity over chaos. Strategy over stress.

You may be here because something about your writing or publishing plans no longer feels clear.

Maybe you’re stuck between continuing and walking away.

Maybe you don’t know whether to revise, publish, or pause.

Maybe you’re overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or tired of making decisions in a vacuum.

Maybe you’re trying to be responsible with your time, energy, health, or money—and you don’t want to make another expensive or exhausting mistake.

I offer quiet, honest, strategic conversations for writers at real crossroads.

I’m not here to motivate you, push you, or sell you a dream. I’m here to help you see your situation clearly, understand your real options, and make decisions you can live with.

About Me

I’m Kendra Vaughan, a Publishing & Strategy Consultant for Writers and the bestselling author of The Plymbury Witch.

The book has reached #1 in fiction / magical realism on IngramSpark, as well as strong regional bestseller rankings at Barnes & Noble.

I have an MFA in Creative Writing and years of experience in both traditional and independent publishing. Before my fiction career, I was a traditionally published nonfiction author and editor, which means I’ve lived on both sides of the industry. So, I understand not just the creative process, but the financial, logistical, and emotional realities behind publishing decisions.

More importantly, I understand what it feels like to stand at a crossroads and not know which cost you can actually afford: the cost of continuing, or the cost of stopping.

That’s the perspective I bring to these conversations—grounded, honest, and rooted in real-world experience rather than theory or hype.

Who This Is For

This is for writers who:

  • Are trying to decide whether to continue, revise, publish, or pause a specific project

  • Are weighing traditional, independent, or hybrid publishing

  • Are overwhelmed by marketing advice and contradictory opinions

  • Have real-life constraints (health, time, money, family, energy)

  • Want clarity and perspective, not hype, pressure, or cheerleading  

If what you’re looking for right now is motivation, accountability, or someone to tell you what to do, this probably isn’t the right fit—and that’s said with care, not judgment.

How I Work

My role isn’t to tell you what to do or to persuade you toward a particular outcome.

 Instead, I help you surface:

  •  The real options in front of you

  • The trade-offs and opportunity costs of each path

  • The timing and sequencing issues that matter more than people admit

  • The emotional and practical weight of each decision

These are focused, respectful, contained conversations. There is no expectation to move forward in any particular direction after a session ends.

People usually leave with:

  • A clearer idea of what actually makes sense for them

  • Relief from mental looping and second-guessing

  • A grounded understanding of their options

  • And a calmer, more honest next step (even if that step is to pause)

 

The Clarity Consultation

60-90 minutes • $400

A private, focused conversation designed to help you make sense of where you are and what your next real options are.

This can be used in two ways:

Option 1: Big-Picture Strategy & Direction

  • For publishing paths, marketing choices, career direction, or major decisions

  • No manuscript review required

Option 2: Project-Focused Clarity

  • For a specific story or manuscript you’re unsure how (or whether) to move forward with

  • Includes a brief, agreed-upon pre-read of material

Format:

  • 60–90 minute private Google Meet consultation

  • Optional brief pre-read (when relevant)

  • Thoughtful, honest discussion

  • Short written follow-up summary of key insights and options

Payment confirms the appointment and preparation time.

What This Work Is Not

This work is not:

  • Coaching

  • Developmental editing

  • Ghostwriting

  • Ongoing mentorship

  • A publishing course

  • A promise of outcomes or success  

What I do offer is clarity—before more time, money, or energy is spent.

Begin the Conversation

If you’re considering a consultation, the first step is a short intake form. This helps me understand where you are and whether a conversation would be supportive and appropriate.

Completing the form does not obligate you to book a session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will you read my full manuscript?
I review a limited amount of material only when it supports the conversation. This work is about perspective and decision-making, not manuscript evaluation or editing.

Is this coaching or ongoing support?
Consultations are one-time, contained conversations unless a new session is intentionally booked.

Will you tell me what to do?
My role is to help you see your options clearly, not to make decisions for you.

Can you help me decide whether to publish?
Yes. Many conversations focus on whether publishing—and which path—actually aligns with someone’s life, resources, and goals.

Do you guarantee outcomes or success?
I don’t offer guarantees or predictions. I offer clarity before further investment is made.

How do I know if this is a fit?
If you value honest perspective, gentle clarity, and space to decide without pressure, this work may be a good fit.