WRITING ADVICE BY TOP AUTHORS & EDITORS



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Ayn & Sam helped me find the heart of my story and guided me through the writing and publishing process with expertise, passion and a lot of patience. Without them, my book would not have made it onto the New York Times Bestseller list.

- Lenny Dykstra: Memoir of Life on the Edge (Harper Collins 2016)

Ayn and Sam created simple stepping stones as a way to approach the intimidating web of storytelling. They are delightful and invested mentors and their guidance provided a safe space for my creative ideas to flourish.

- Chelsea H.

Watch this intro video!

Critically-acclaimed writing coaches and authors, Ayn & Sam Gailey, share their passionate approach to character development in their first online writing course. See how they have helped dozens of writers get published, secure top agents and earn spots on the NY Times, USA Today & Publisher's Weekly Bestseller lists.


Tough, straight, upsetting, and strangely beautiful. One of the best sports autobiographies I’ve ever read. It comes from the heart.

— Author Stephen King on "Memoir Of Life On The Edge"

With Ayn’s guidance and editing help on my book proposal I was able to hone the concept for my book and sign with a top book agent. She’s an amazing editor and makes the process fun.

— Shannon Bindler, Stylist & Blogger


Gailey’s “Deep Winter” is enthralling and suspenseful, like a Michael Connelly or Lee Child crime novel, but more elegantly written.

— Esquire Magazine

Ayn & Sam are unique and rare. They can write their own riveting books while also helping other writers create and complete their own stories, no matter how complex. They are also a pleasure to work with.

— Amy Schiffman, literary manager/partner, IPG (Dennis Lehane, Don Delillo, James Ellroy, Michael Connelly, Richard Russo, James Lee Burke, Sue Grafton)

“Deep Winter” by Samuel W. Gailey is beautifully written...

— The New York Times

Skillfully blending memoir and investigative journalism, Ayn Gailey tells a story with hilarious, self-deprecating wit and extreme honesty...

— Library Journal

Gailey writes visually, rendering characters and action both vivid and alive.

— Kirkus

Gailey’s work is…so brilliantly done, so artfully underwritten with not a word wasted…

— Booklist