Hi, I’m Sarah Orman (she/her). In my past professional lives, I’ve been an attorney for public school districts in California and Texas and a legal editor for a large education-based nonprofit. I have also worked as a bookseller in independent bookstores in Austin and Brooklyn, an assistant editor for Narrative, and an assistant agent in a prestigious New York literary agency. I am the co-author of The Educator’s Guide to Texas School Law (U.T. Press), and my personal essays and poetry can be found in publications such as Witness, Narrative, Identity Theory, The Barbed Wire and Bridge. I write regularly about reading and writing at A Reader’s Compendium.

Since 2022, I have worked as a developmental editor and coach for people who want to make writing a meaningful part of their lives, whether that means completing a memoir, writing articles or short stories, or simply developing a regular journaling practice. I especially love working with women who have turned to writing in the middle of busy lives and careers. Having made that transition myself, I know how important it is to have a trusted advisor and confidante at your side. I bring a pragmatic approach to my work with writers, as I help them discover what’s holding them back and identify a path forward. I also bring to my work a reader’s ability to pay close attention to words, an editor’s eye for storytelling, and a lawyer’s skill for effectively confronting challenges.

I believe, as George Orwell wrote, that “to think clearly is a necessary first step toward political regeneration.” The constant throughline in all my work is a desire to help people think clearly on the page.

Who I work with

I work with writers at all levels, including first-time novelists, MFA students, attorneys and other professionals. With me in their corner, my clients have successfully published short stories and essays; revised a first draft of a novel; submitted memoir proposals to publishers and agents; developed strategies for pitching and submitting their work; written legal articles and memos; drafted hearing scripts and trainings for law firm clients; ghostwritten employee directives; improved their public speaking skills; and made space in their busy lives for a creative and fulfilling writing practice, whatever that means for them.

How we’ll work

I offer both editing and coaching services, designed to meet you where you are in your writing life.

I can help you define and achieve your goals, whether that means a memoir for your friends and family, publishing your first article or short story, or making the writing that you have to do at work less painful.

If you are new to the business side of publishing, I can help demystify the process. We can discuss how to write a book proposal and query agents, what it’s like when your manuscript goes on submission, the many paths to publication, and common provisions in publishing contracts. However, I will never hold out traditional publication as the exclusive, or best, outcome of writing.

My belief is that everyone’s life can be improved through the act of putting thoughts into writing. Together, we will pay close attention to your work, looking for themes, patterns, and opportunities for clarification. I will give you direct and compassionate feedback about what’s working and where I see opportunities for improvement. Through our mutual commitment to curiosity about the stories that are driving you to write, we will find the path forward that makes the most sense for you.

If you are ready to write together, let’s talk.