Testimonials
The dictionary defines testimonials as formal statements testifying to someone's character and qualifications. In this case, me.
But I want to add that the successes of my past and current clients are just as much a testament to them, the work they did, and the potential they had in them all along.
I am so excited for you to meet them.
“She helped me see what was valuable in all the chaos.
After our first session together, I knew Sam was worth every cent. The book I'm working on—and the amazing list of future projects I can do next—wouldn't have been pulled out of me had I not had Sam to bounce things off.
When I started working with her, I was struggling with knowing not only the publishing industry and book writing but also streamlining my ideas. I could see the possibilities my book idea could grow into...but what would be the most profitable? What had the best potential? I didn't know what I didn't know, and I needed an expert.
I found that expert in Sam. I felt like I had a stronger and clearer picture of the publishing industry and had found someone who really heard my goals and vision.
Working with Sam is like having another brain that thinks differently, which is so crucial when you're already overwhelmed and unorganized. She helped me see what was valuable in all the chaos.
Her patience and ability to just get complex ideas that seem so tangled and then untangle them are so helpful to anyone stuck in a creative rut or who just don't think linearly. Sam is a winning combo of accountability partner and coach when you want and can put the hours in to get your book done.
LaSonia Tiebi
content creator. comedian.
“I didn't know what to expect when seeking a mentor, only that I was lost, and now I feel like I am on a path.
I have always looked forward to writing my books, but haven't always felt like I had the knowhow, and so I am even more excited now, with the tools and knowledge Sam is providing.
I have learned and am learning so much from Sam! Sam's coaching, homework, and genuine interest have all been so helpful. Sam encourages me, is clear, and our sessions lead to much improvement.
I am very grateful because my story ideas have been with me for a long time, and with Sam's guidance and mentoring, I am able to finally understand how to explore and write them. I look forward to more, and to seeing an idea from conceptualization through creation to completion! Thank you, Sam!
Daniel Burns
middle grade author
“Working with Sam is like therapy for creatives.
I had been working on my nonfiction anthology, KISS PAPERCUTS GOODBYE for five years when I decided to reach out to her. I was stuck in a cycle of collecting stories—researching one piece, writing another, editing a contributing writer's story, jumping to the design and art (which is what I was most familiar with due to my day job as a graphic designer) and back again. Sam helped me visualize what I needed to do and accelerate the process so I can finally find momentum and see the finish line. Thanks to her built-in network, I also connected with two colleagues who helped me continue on with my journey and actioned the strategy we talked about.
Months after working with her, I still imagine her, like an angel on my shoulder, reminding me how to get unstuck. Without Sam, I would not have had the clarity and direction I do now.
Kelly Lan
founder of Hello Prosper.
writer. designer.
www.helloprosper.co
“Sam empowered me to really understand my process and creativity better.
At the same time, she gave me a professional perspective on why we are doing what we're doing so that it maximizes the potential for the work and also the potential for the work to be sold. She brought a great, balanced perspective of the creator side and the business side of writing.
Sam is a superb coach. She pushed me to get my brain thinking constantly so that this wasn't just a hobby I would dabble in a couple of hours a week. It was a daily investment in myself and the career I wanted as a picture book author and illustrator. After less than six months of working with Sam and through intense work and focused direction, I’m happy to say I signed with a fantastic agent! I went in looking for a coach and came out with a friend and mentor.
Regina Linke
creator of Oxherd Boy.
author. artist.
www.oxherdboy.org
“I was extremely lucky to be one of her clients while she was agenting.
Sam is a wonderful person and an amazing professional with great insight into the publishing industry. She had a vision for my writing career and she patiently helped me navigate through all different stages of realizing that vision.
From building my brand, to critiquing the manuscript, to encouraging me through the submission process, to getting that right deal, to negotiating the contract, to answering my many off-the-wall questions, Sam was always a phone call away. I wouldn’t have been a published author if it weren’t for Sam’s guidance, knowledge, and expertise.
Sam is friendly and thoughtful, prompt in communication and feedback, and brilliant at what she does.
Sita Singh
picture book author
www.singhsita.com
“I attribute a lot of my courage to put my podcast, "A Colorful Life," out into the world because of Sam’s coaching.
I've had the joy of meeting with Sam weekly since January 2022. I am SO THRILLED she is sharing her gift of creativity coaching with the world.
If you are alive and willing to squeeze out the marrow from this life, to keep moving even when you aren't quite sure where, this is your sign. Keep going. Sam is your guide. Your journey is going to be beautiful.
Keiko Roy-Carey
podcast host. coach.
www.colorfullifecoaching.com
“When she was my agent, Samantha's advice and guidance while crafting my middle grade book series was invaluable.
Right away, I knew she understood my project and my creative goals. When she transitioned out of agenting, I was able to attract another agent with her help and — ultimately — a four-book deal with a major publisher.
If you need a creative and editorial eye to help turn your manuscript into a winner, you would do well to have Samantha in your corner!
Wes Molebash
middle grade author. cartoonist.
www.wesmolebash.com
“Working with her totally changed my perspective on the whole process.
I was dreading working on a logline and elevator pitch for my TV pilot and nearly threw in the towel when I found Sam. She helped me pull out the most enticing specifics from the story for the juiciest pitch possible. After working with Sam, my pitch materials are clearer and punchier. I'll be remembering her advice and referring to her notes for many more projects to come.
Melissa Peng
screenwriter