Writing your memoir means sharing your story for generations to come. Let me show you how.

YOUR STORY IS YOUR GREATEST LEGACY.

Hi! I’m Kate.

I’m a former university writing professor turned ghostwriter. I specialize in writing memoirs, specifically legacy memoirs.

A legacy memoir differs from a “typical” memoir in that it is often longer, includes more family history, and is privately published and distributed to a small group of people. Some clients choose other publishing options, which we can discuss.

If you have the desire to tell your story but lack the time, the know-how, or don’t know where to begin…this is where.

SELECTED COLLABORATIONS

Testimonials

“I am profoundly grateful to Kate Read, Ph.D., without whom my memoir would never have been completed. It has been an extraordinary journey, four years of discussion, research, and writing. Kate’s insight, intelligence, and poetry inform every word.”
SIR DERYCK MAUGHAN

"Kate is highly competent and a joy to work with. She went above and beyond to advocate for the absolute highest quality project. My book encompasses the intellectual property that creates the foundation of my business, so the integrity of the book needed to match the integrity I provide my clients. Kate shares the same dedication to integrity, allowing me to defer much more easily and comfortably than I imagined possible. “
ELAINA NOELL

“Hiring Kate Read was the best investment I could have made for my manuscript. Her feedback, suggestions, and edits transformed my story into a well polished book I’m very proud of. I consistently receive praise for the quality of the editing, and I’m told it’s something that could have come from one of the big four publishing houses. Do your work a favor and hire Kate. Your future publication will thank you.”

ALI MEECHAN

“I was so glad to find Kate Read as an editor for my memoir, the first book that I have ever tried to write. She was not only very good in the editing role, both details, concepts, and style, but also in encouraging me to keep going over the manuscript, time after time, to get the right voice and to include proper details and remembrances. She had a wonderful way of praising what I started with but encouraging me to improve and add to it. Kate’s role in finishing this memoir is a major reason why readers who knew me praised ‘my true voice’ in their feedback to me. Kate made the whole experience fun, engaging, and productive.”
WELLS WHITNEY

“Kate is more than an editor. She is an editor, yes, and also a strategic thinker, not afraid to challenge one’s thesis, writing, or perspectives. The end product is one that exceeds expectations. I have had the opportunity to work with many editors, and she is absolutely one of the best. ”
SANDRA LOPEZ

Exceptional people deserve an exceptional story.

FULL GHOSTWRITING

When we do a ghostwriting project together, you tell me your story throughout a series of interviews, and I create a compelling narrative arc based on pertinent themes in your life. Ghostwriting with me is a very collaborative process. As a former writing professor, I know how to make the experience fun, professional, and timely—never intimidating. Throughout the entire process, the story belongs to you. You are the author, and I am the ghostwriter.

BOOK COACHING

Excited to write your memoir yourself but don't know how? I do! You can hire me to be your 1:1 book coach to help you establish a manageable timeline and structure. I ask the right questions to get you thinking about your book from the reader's perspective, and I hold you accountable for your writing progress. Together we get your book written, edited, and published.

MANUSCRIPT EDITING

In an edit, I review your completed manuscript and give you feedback on what is and is not working. I help you create an appropriate narrative arc, achieve the best character development, highlight the most important aspects of the narrative, and establish a comfortable pace for the reader. In the biz, we call this the “developmental edit.” Think of this as a “big picture” edit that ensures you have a strong story.