Allen J Simon

Writer and Narrative Coach | Savannah, GA
Harvard MTS | 8 years of writing experience
[email protected] | 561-908-1896

Clarify your story. Strengthen your voice.

Most people don’t struggle because they lack intelligence or creativity. They struggle because their ideas lack clarity. The result? Writing feels like trying to create something out of nothing.My process is simple: story first, writing second.Tell the story, however messy it might first come out, then translate the story into writing. You're not creating something new; you're just giving structure to something you already created.Whether you’re writing a novel, crafting a personal essay, working on college applications, or navigating deeper questions of identity and meaning, my work begins the same way:With conversation.

  • You share your ideas with me.

  • I ask questions, pushing you to draw upon your own lived experience and SHOW those ideas through storytelling.

  • Together, we identify the essential story pieces, the ideas contained therein, and a strategy for structuring your writing.

  • You go write the damn thing.

  • I review your work to identify areas that can be improved, present you with different options for making each of those improvements, and provide detailed explanations on the advantages of each of those options.

  • You make confident, informed decisions to improve your own writing.

  • I provide additional feedback and developmental support as needed.

  • You walk away not just with a sharper piece of writing, but with a sharper set of tools to write, think, and share stories.

This method draws on my experience in professional ghostwriting, literary fiction, narrative coaching, theological study, and work in higher education chaplaincy.Different contexts. Same core practice.

Narrative Coaching

For aspiring authors, professionals, and students who want to clarify their ideas, with or without writing-specific outcomes.

  • Novel or memoir development

  • Personal essays

  • Idea refinement

  • Identity and vocation exploration

  • Meaning-making and spiritual exploration

  • Major life transitions

Starting at $100/hour
FREE 30-minute first session

Testimonials

Allen has a commitment to deep, reflective work, where both the journey and the personal insights gained along the way are valued over external validation or quick results. He values the long-term approach to personal and professional development, but also values deadlines and is punctual to meet short-term deliverables for meaningful projects.

- Kenneth N. Lee, Stanford University Chaplain

College Essay Coaching

I work with high school students to help them craft compelling college application essays, as well as college and graduate school students looking to improve their writing skills for research papers and other coursework.Available options:

  • Single sessions

  • Essay development packages

  • Ongoing coaching

Rates available upon inquiry

Ghostwriting

For individuals with important stories to tell who need professional support to bring them to life.
I have ghostwritten multiple published books and numerous digital writing pieces for a variety of clients across different industries and demographics.Services include:

  • Book writing

  • Memoir development

  • Thought leadership pieces

  • Structural editing

Rates vary widely by project and can be structured on hourly, monthly, or per project bases.
Please inquire about your specific needs and interests.

Testimonials

"Allen is amazing to work with. He is extremely talented, communicative, and a quick learner. His work-product consistently exceeded my expectations. Will hire him for all my future writing needs. I couldn't endorse him more strongly."

- Jamie DeBole, Executive Vice President of American Fidelity Life Insurance Company

"Allen has an incredible talent for making intricate concepts accessible and easy to understand...His writings are insightful and thought-provoking."

- Nina Hirlaender, ghostwriting client and founder of Dancing Spirit Tours

Storycraft Workshops

A storytelling-first writing experience for youth and adults.Put your own ghostwriting hat on!
See for yourself how the deep, active listening needed to tell someone else's story in their unique voice helps you find your own voice.Participants learn to:

  • Clarify ideas through conversation

  • Translate spoken story into written form

  • Understand what "voice" really means in writing through direct experience

Formats include:

  • Multi-week workshop series

  • School partnerships

  • Community-based programs

  • Hybrid workshop + individual coaching models

Available for schools, nonprofits, and cultural organizations in search of fresh ways to help members of their communities clarify their ideas and tell their stories effectively.

About Me

  • Harvard University, Master of Theological Studies (2018), graduated with honors

  • Rice University, Bachelor of Arts in Religion (2016), magna cum laude

  • 8 years of professional ghostwriting, coaching, and editing experience

  • Published work in Wayfare Magazine and for Carus Books

CONTACT

Let's Talk!

Shoot me a message with a short description of your interest in my services, and I'll get back to you soon.Or, contact me directly at:
[email protected]
561-908-1896

© Allen J Simon. All rights reserved.

Thank you!

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