You know your story/talk/script/pitch is technically working, but you feel like it could be so much better.
You’ve got an award-winning idea but you’re not sure the best way to structure it.
Your deadline is creeping up fast, and you need to get your story/talk/script/pitch in fighting shape.
You know you need a fresh, expert perspective to take your work from great to AMAZING.
You know your story/talk/script/pitch is technically working, but you feel like it could be so much better.
You'd like a fresh, expert perspective to take your work from great to AMAZING.
You’ve got an award-winning idea but you’re not sure the best way to structure it.
Your deadline is creeping up fast, and you need to get your story/talk/script/pitch in fighting shape.
You don't need someone to do all the work for you. You just need some expert feedback on what's working and what isn't, so you can feel confident your story is hitting all the beats – and still feels like you.
Introducing:
With this focused, personalized story review, I'll provide thoughtful, detailed feedback on your story-in-progress so you can move forward with confidence.
With this focused, personalized story review, I'll provide thoughtful, detailed feedback on your story-in-progress so you can move forward with confidence.
I’m an award-winning storyteller, hit memoir author and story editor, and I’ve been sharing stories – and teaching people how to do it themselves – since 2012.
I’m a literal Story Doctor: I have my Ph.D. in storytelling education. And I help narrative artists find clarity in their work, based on decades of experience shaping great narratives and designing a worldwide storytelling curriculum.
From helping podcast producers structure compelling episodes to guiding memoirists through their memories and manuscript revisions, I've helped creative people through narrative blocks, so they can tell stories that feel genuinely theirs.
If you're looking for someone who can identify what's working in your story and help you make a clear plan for taking it even further, my Story Audit will help you see your work with fresh eyes.
More about me
I’m an award-winning storyteller, hit memoir author and story editor, and I’ve been sharing stories – and teaching people how to do it themselves – since 2012.
I’m a literal Story Doctor: I have my Ph.D. in storytelling education. And I help narrative artists find clarity in their work, with support based on my decades of experience shaping great narratives and designing a worldwide storytelling curriculum.
From helping podcast producers structure compelling episodes to guiding memoirists through their memories and manuscript revisions, I've helped creative people through narrative blocks, so they can tell stories that feel genuinely theirs.
If you're looking for someone who can identify what's working in your story and help you make a clear plan for taking it even further, my Story Audit will help you see your work with fresh eyes.
Shift from feeling overwhelmed by storytelling advice to totally in control.
Dial in on final edits to really nail their story, before a high stakes event or deadline.
Identify the heart of their story, when they were too close to see it themselves.
Go from scattered drafts to focused narratives.
✔ Expert review of up to 2000 words or 10 minutes of audio
✔ Detailed written feedback focused on what matters most to you
✔ Identification of your work's strongest elements and how to leverage them
✔ Clear next steps for revision
Step Four: Within a week, you'll receive my detailed feedback and suggestions for next steps - written and in a Loom video for you
Step Three: Submit your story (up to 2000 words or 10 minutes of audio)
Step Two: You'll receive a brief questionnaire about your dates, and goals for the feedback
Step One: Book your Story Audit using the checkout below
One of the best storytellers/writers/editors I know. Micaela is a true left/right brain thinker. A finely tuned ear and a pure heart allows her to get to the nitty gritty of a story and help give it a coherent shape. I’m so lucky that her abilities, as an editor and coach, gave me that boost to perform something I can be proud of, that I know will stand the test of time.
— Sandi Marx, Author, Slightly Below Average
I wanted to say thank you so much for your generous response to my story and your lovely feedback. This kind of opened the floodgates of childhood stories that I’ve been holding back for a long time. As I begin to sift through them, I am able to find new relationships with them. All of this emotional work and growth definitely would not be happening if not for your work.
-- STACY T, STORYTELLER
Get answers
You'll get detailed, thoughtful feedback that's specifically tailored to your narrative project—not some generic checklist! I'll highlight what's already working brilliantly (because knowing your strengths is just as important as fixing weaknesses), point out areas that could use some love, and offer concrete suggestions for your next revision. This isn't about making your story sound like mine; it's about making your story the best version of itself.
Once I've reviewed your work and provided feedback, I can't offer refunds (kind of like you can't un-eat a meal at a restaurant). But I'm committed to making sure you get what you need. If my timeline doesn't work for your deadline, or you hit another roadblock before sharing your work with me, just let me know and I'll happily provide a refund. My goal is your satisfaction, not keeping your money if the service isn't right for you.
Send me the part that's keeping you up at night. If it's a longer work and you're wondering about big-picture stuff like structure or strategy, a summary or outline works great. Still not sure? The beginning is always a safe bet—the foundation of your narrative often contains clues to what might be causing issues throughout the piece. It's like a storytelling diagnostic.
For works longer than 2000 words (which is roughly 8 double-spaced pages), my Tune Up services are your best bet. They give us more room to explore your project in depth. Think of Story Audits as targeted advice and Tune Ups as a more comprehensive consultation.
Absolutely! While deeper work is always possible, it's amazing what a fresh, expert perspective can uncover. I've been under the hood of hundreds and hundreds of stories, so I'm a little like a mechanic who can hear what's off just by listening to the engine. I specialize in identifying those key adjustments that will make the biggest difference right away.
I can help with pretty much any creative nonfiction narrative you can throw at me. Memoir chapters, personal essays, podcast scripts, performance pieces, documentary narratives, and creative pitches are all fair game. If you're working on something narrative and you're not sure if it fits in these categories, don't overthink it! Just reach out before booking and we'll figure it out together.
You'll receive your detailed feedback within a week of submitting your story, though I usually deliver sooner. I won't keep you in suspense any longer than necessary.
You can send an inquiry here, or email me! I’m at hello@micaelablei.com. I’ll get back to you within 3 working days (M-F).
You'll get detailed, thoughtful feedback that's specifically tailored to your narrative project—not some generic checklist! I'll highlight what's already working brilliantly (because knowing your strengths is just as important as fixing weaknesses), point out areas that could use some love, and offer concrete suggestions for your next revision. This isn't about making your story sound like mine; it's about making your story the best version of itself.
Send me the part that's keeping you up at night. If it's a longer work and you're wondering about big-picture stuff like structure or strategy, a summary or outline works great. Still not sure? The beginning is always a safe bet—the foundation of your narrative often contains clues to what might be causing issues throughout the piece. It's like a storytelling diagnostic.
I can help with pretty much any creative nonfiction narrative you can throw at me. Memoir chapters, personal essays, podcast scripts, performance pieces, documentary narratives, and creative pitches are all fair game. If you're working on something narrative and you're not sure if it fits in these categories, don't overthink it! Just reach out before booking and we'll figure it out together.
For works longer than 2000 words (which is roughly 8 double-spaced pages), my Tune Up services [link] are your best bet. They give us more room to explore your project in depth. Think of Story Audits as targeted advice and Tune Ups as a more comprehensive consultation.
Once I've reviewed your work and provided feedback, I can't offer refunds (kind of like you can't un-eat a meal at a restaurant!). But I'm committed to making sure you get what you need. If my timeline doesn't work for your deadline, or you hit another roadblock before sharing your work with me, just let me know and I'll happily provide a refund. My goal is your satisfaction, not keeping your money if the service isn't right for you.
Absolutely! While deeper work is always possible, it's amazing what a fresh, expert perspective can uncover. I've been under the hood of hundreds and hundreds of stories, so I'm a little like a mechanic who can hear what's off just by listening to the engine. I specialize in identifying those key adjustments that will make the biggest difference right away.
You'll receive your detailed feedback within a week of submitting your story, though I usually deliver sooner. I won't keep you in suspense any longer than necessary.
You can send an inquiry here, or email me! I’m at hello@micaelablei.com. I’ll get back to you within 3 working days (M-F).
A great intro to telling personal stories, for lots of reasons -- not just onstage.
A publication for the story-obsessed. Join me as I nerd out about narrative strategies, cultural storytelling, and the fascinating mechanics behind great stories.
Brand new and coming soon! A 10-episode journey through the art of personal storytelling. Subscribe to The Story Letter and be the first to know when it drops.
Brand new and coming soon! A 10-episode journey through the art of personal storytelling. Subscribe to The Story Letter and be the first to know when it drops.