Poetry Coaching
Services Include
One-to-one MFA-quality mentorship
On-the-spot live feedback and editing tools
Guidance for submissions and publication
Personalized action plan and accountability
Manuscript compilation and editing
MFA and residency application support
Marketing plan to build your audience
Curated reading lists and daily prompts
Community events and readings
And more!
Whether you want to publish your work, apply for an MFA, or transform your craft, I work with poets and writers who are ready to commit and reach their creative goals.
Seven spots are opening for my 1:1 poetry coaching on May 22. This is a waitlist-only opportunity, and spots fill quickly every round.
Why Work with me?
With over twenty years of experience in writing, education, and editing, I’ve helped many writers reach their goals, whether striving for self-expression or acceptance to a specific MFA program or dream publication. I work with writers of poetry and prose to offer personalized one-on-one coaching sessions that include line edits, manuscript consultations, proofreading, and guidance for submissions.
After working together, many of my clients have won literary prizes and been accepted to top-tier literary journals and competitive MFA programs. Many go on to publish books and teach workshops themselves.
I’ve received book deals from two highly competitive independent presses—the two exact presses I hoped to publish with. My coaching style is fun, strategic, and warm. I provide action-orientated steps and edits so that every week, you feel you are progressing toward becoming the writer you want to be. I also provide reading lists so you can immerse yourself in writing that will help strengthen and deepen your current vision.
I offer a free-15 minute call to discuss your writing and goals and my personalized coaching style.
coaching sessions
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One-Month Package
Great for someone looking to tighten a few poems and learn more about publication. In these four sessions, we will explore basic craft techniques, identify goals, while you learn more about yourself as a writer.
$500 (1x session/week)
$960 (2x sessions/week)
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Two-MONTH PACKAGE
An excellent fit for someone ready to take their writing seriously. In these eight sessions, you will learn how to identify your strengths, edit your own writing, submit your work, and establish sustainable creative practices.
$920 (1x session/week)
$1,760 (2x sessions/week)
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THREE-MONTH PACKAGE
Perfect for those who are ready to establish their writing career. Learn how to craft effective submissions, compile and edit your manuscript, and establish an audience. Expect to transform both your writing and creative habits.
$1,200 (1x session/week)
$2,280 (2x sessions/week)
What my Clients are saying…
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Ashley Pao, MFA Candidate
“Working with Kelly was transformative for me as a writer. She not only helped me see work more expansively but also showed me how poems really drive impact. I came to Kelly for help in putting together an MFA application (and ended up getting into every program!). She supported the development of 10 poems, critical analyses, and my personal statement. It’s important to note that Kelly creates a supportive, safe, and gracious learning space. Also, she’s a complete joy to work with. After each meeting, I felt myself fall in love with poetry even more. She illuminated new dimensions to poems I have long loved and helped me see them in new, meaningful ways. I wouldn’t be the writer (and MFA candidate) I am today without her coaching.”
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Meghan Coleman, Author and Poet
“Working with Kelly surpassed my wildest expectations. The depth of knowledge Kelly has, the resources she provides, the way in which she guides and teaches is invaluable. I've always known I was a writer, but I didn't fully believe it until now. I cannot speak more highly of Kelly—you will not regret working with her!”
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Charlotte C. Maiorana, MFA Canidate
“Kelly is a cheerleader. She will relentlessly support you while giving you the tools to lift your work—and yourself—up. Having Kelly in my corner has no doubt changed my perspective of my own writing. She also teaches you how to understand that feeling you get in your body when you read a banger of a line or poem, and how to implement those devices into your voice. Kelly is a rainbow in real life, bringing smiles, awe, and relief to all who see her.”
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Tresha Faye Haefner, Author of If the Moon Had Antlers
“Kelly Grace Thomas is a walking MFA. She is a knowledgeable, generous, helpful teacher and editor of both poetry and prose. With her, I continuously learn new techniques for crafting my writing, deepening my voice, and pushing the boundaries of language. Kelly is one of the best poetry teachers I know."
Be the writer you want to be!
Whether you want to publish your work, hit your creative deadlines, or fall in love with writing again, I work with poets and writers ready to roll up their sleeves, meet their goals, and dramatically improve their craft.
Only 7 spots are opening for my 1:1 poetry coaching on May 22. This is a waitlist-only opportunity, and spots fill quickly every round. If you’ve been dreaming of personalized support for your poetry, this is your sign.
Coaching Includes:
1:1 MFA-quality Mentorship
Live Editing & Feedback
Submission & Publishing Guidance
Launch Party & Community Events
Daily Poems & Prompts
A Library of Craft Workshops ($1,000 value)
Packages range from $500-$2280 depending on time and committment.
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Poetry coaching provides the mentorship of an MFA without the price tag. Expect 1-to-1 guidance, where we work together to strengthen writing and help you meet your goals. Whether it’s publication guidance, live feedback, or creative accountability, together we create a personal plan to help you become the writer you want to be.
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While the impact of growth depends on duration and time, many clients I work with establish sustainable creative habits, learn to edit their work, and receive offers for publication. While I can’t offer you a book deal, I can offer you a strategic approach that will increase your chances, craft, and confidence.
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Because spots in each cohort are limited and sell out in a few hours, people on my waitlist will be given first availability. If any spots remain, which is rare, I will open them to everyone else. Those serious about working with me should sign up for the waitlist to ensure they are alerted when availability opens.
The summer cohort begins on June 1, with waitlist spots opening on Thursday, May 22, at 9 AM PT. We will have a community kick-off on Wednesday, May 28, at 4 PM PT.
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Working with editors usually means getting written feedback on your work once. Coaching is different in that it is an ongoing process and conversation. We look at multiple drafts of your book or poems, making your work as tight as it can be through consistent collaboration.
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It depends on your writing goals. Some people I work with are new to poetry and/or looking to establish a creative practice. Others work with me intensely over a few months to get their book ready for submission. I offer a variety of packages tailored to your specific needs, ranging from one to three months. 90% of clients who sign up for a single month extend their package to two or three months after.
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Yes! I’m a fiction writer, essayist, screenwriter, and poet. I'm happy to work with anyone in one of the four genres. However, I am most familiar with poetry and publishing.
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Yes. All packages are paid for in advance. So we can talk about craft, not money :)
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If, after the first session, you don’t feel coaching is for you, I’m happy to give you a full refund.
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Yes! I’m teaching a free workshop, “From Hot Mess to Chef’s Kiss,” on May 15 at 4 PM PT. This workshop is offered to everyone on my waitlist. You can also schedule a free 15-minute introductory call so I can learn more about you and your writing goals, and you can learn more about me and my coaching approach.