Alida Winternheimer provides developmental editing and coaching for fiction and nonfiction authors at Word Essential, where she specializes in helping writers at any stage of their journey grow into the sharpest writer they can be. Through manuscript edits, workshops, and group or one-on-one coaching, Alida inspires writers with insightful answers; mentors with process, strategy, and honest-to-goodness know-how; guides and supports through every step of a project; and nurtures writers’ creativity and growth.

With over a decade of editing hundreds of manuscripts across genres, over 300 episodes of the Story Works Round Table craft podcast, experience teaching creative writing, and multiple novels and craft books under her writing belt—3 Pushcart Prize nominations and a notable in Best American Essays, too—Alida knows story craft…and she knows writers!

“My epic fantasy series, The Sword That Forged a Man, was good enough to get agents to correspond, but needed professional editing to seal the deal. It takes coaching to clearly see a product that exists in your head translated to the page. I learned more from a one hour, one chapter preview with Alida than months of books and podcasts, and that was just the start. Her editing identified my strengths and weaknesses and revealed better ways to get the same story across. Alida is more than an extra set of eyes, she knows what it takes to turn a narration into a story that resonates.”

Jason Riou, Author

“Alida is a phenomenal writer, and her coaching is next level. I am constantly learning from her. Over the last year and a half, Alida has helped me serve my audience authentically and communicate my message effectively.

If you’re on a mission to help other people with your ideas and skills through email, articles, or a book, then working with Alida is one of the best investments you can make in yourself and your business.”

Nasia Davos – Psychologist, Coach, Creator of the CBQ Method™