Read. Write. Plan. Publish.
Hello! I’m Kathleen West, and I offer tutoring and coaching services; HOWEVER, I’m closed for the fall! Please check back in November!
I am the acclaimed author of four traditionally published novels, including Minor Dramas and Other Catastrophes, which Kirkus Review called “just as good as Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies,” and Making Friends Can Be Murder, my first mystery.
I am also a classroom teacher with more than two decades’ experience in grades three through twelve. I have taught twelve years in independent schools (Blake, Visitation, and now Breck), and twelve years in public schools (Bloomington, Edina, St. Anthony, and Westonka). Most of my experience is with secondary students, but I am very comfortable supporting upper-elementary students at every level.
I coach cross country and track at Breck School in Golden Valley, MN, and have self-published a holiday novella, A Merry Christmas Can Be Murder. I live with my family in Minnetrista, MN.
Meet Kathleen
How can I help?
(Finally) Write Your Book?!
$1200
I read your existing manuscript, provide an editorial letter, and four targeted assignments over 8 weeks. I read and provide feedback on the assignments. If we’re starting from a blank page, I provide 8 assignments over 8 weeks. I read and provide feedback on each assignment.
I offer general reading and writing support, as well as homework help and project planning, for students in grades 3-12. I support reading skills, outlining, annotation, sentence structure, paragraphing, writing style, and vocabulary development. I work with students to develop independence and stamina. I can manage summer reading assignments, enrichment activities, and research projects, as well as just-in-time help with specific assignments and exams.
I can coach you as you write your story. I specialize in fiction writing, but I can also coach memoir. I offer eight-week cycles. If you have an existing manuscript, this service includes a full review and editorial letter. Then, I offer four assignments based on the story’s needs. I read each of your assignments and offer additional feedback. If we’re starting with a blank page, I offer an initial conversation or email back-and-forth to excavate your idea, followed by eight weekly assignments. Take advantage of introductory pricing!
I can read your manuscript and offer line-level and high-level feedback (based on your specifications). I offer this service at the hourly rate of $50. I’m a fast reader and processor, but the time required to finish your whole project will depend on a few factors. We can go hour-by-hour, or you can contract me for the full project.
I offer book and creative writing coaching for students in grades 6-12. I offer creative writing prompts, on-the-spot feedback, generative practice, and collaborative work to develop a project at the regular tutoring rate. I also offer book coaching for teens, which includes a full manuscript review and four assignments with additional feedback, via Google docs or live, for $400.
I am an experienced college essay coach. I offer support and direction from idea generation through submission. I also help with supplemental materials and essays. You can book this service as a series of regular 1-hour sessions, or choose the package rate, which includes at least 2.5 hours of coaching, but likely in smaller segments and sometimes via Google docs.
I am closed for Fall of 2026! I’ll open again in November. Please check back.
Scheduling!
Contact Me
Want me to reach out in November 2026? Send me a message.