Writing is a solitary endeavor. It comes down to a writer, a pen (or keyboard), and the blank page.

And yet, writing is sparked by our relationship with the world around us: the tastes, sounds, memories, and emotions that spur us to the page.

That’s a delicate relationship to navigate.

I felt the urge to write as soon as I got the basics of phonics down, but there were times in my writing life when I could barely be compelled to pick up a pen. I discovered with the help of a writing mentor and dear friend that I was stuck because I was trying to protect my voice by shutting down the possibilities of what any individual piece of writing could be before they had time to emerge. By finding room for play in the process, I found myself writing pieces I wanted to share and, more importantly, writing with ease and joy again.

My approach as an editor and writing coach is to help support this feeling of freedom in your writing. Some writers hold this confidence naturally. Others are trapped in a lonely writer’s garret trying to insulate their writing from the voices that might overpower it or are throwing themselves into the world in an attempt to avoid the blank page entirely. (I’ve been both!)

I’ve worked with internationally published authors as well as people who’ve never before considered themselves writers and I’ve found that, no matter where a person is in the writing journey, it’s a process that doesn’t need to be undertaken alone. In fact, inviting the right partner to your side can offer you a fresh confidence and clarity in yourself.

No matter where you are in the process, I’m here and ready to stand by your side. If you’re ready, reach out.

Cheyenne Vaughn is a writer and editor, offering developmental editing, copy editing, and coaching for authors since 2017. She studied Literature, French, and Philosophy at Bennington College (BA) and has worked as a ghostwriter, reporter, editorial assistant, teacher, and copywriter. She lives in southern Vermont.

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The idea of self publishing a book let alone a full blown picture book would have been a daunting one had it not been for Cheyenne. She guided me through the process with much respect, joy and expertise.

Ines Zeller Bass, Artist and Founder of Sandglass Theater
It’s clear Cheyenne has read extensively in different genres and periods: she understands complex narrative and intuitive structures, is sensitive to layers of meaning and the rhythms of language, and pays attention to each piece as a whole and to the particulars — each sentence, each word.

Wendy Andersen, Writer, Editor, & Workshop Leader
Cheyenne is skilled at giving feedback to writers and pulling out threads and themes which helps writers create cohesive work. I found her to be gifted in her feedback, and her guidance was gentle, competent, and very perceptive and insightful. I would highly recommend her services.

Jennifer Goldman, Essayist and Poet
It was a pleasure to discuss specific choices of vocabulary, tone, and nuance with Cheyenne, whose literary depth and taste are exemplary. Cheyenne is both scrupulous and efficient—she never misses a deadline. And she does the work with such evident pleasure that her calm enthusiasm infuses the entire project.

Marguerite Feitlowitz, Author and Translator
In the past year, I've learned more from Cheyenne than I did in all my writing workshops and college courses combined. I highly recommend working with a professional editor like Cheyenne to anyone serious about improving their writing skills.

Birgit Sandoval, Novelist

The idea of self publishing a book let alone a full blown picture book would have been a daunting one had it not been for Cheyenne. She guided me through the process with much respect, joy and expertise.

It’s clear Cheyenne has read extensively in different genres and periods: she understands complex narrative and intuitive structures, is sensitive to layers of meaning and the rhythms of language, and pays attention to each piece as a whole and to the particulars — each sentence, each word.

Cheyenne is skilled at giving feedback to writers and pulling out threads and themes which helps writers create cohesive work. I found her to be gifted in her feedback, and her guidance was gentle, competent, and very perceptive and insightful. I would highly recommend her services.

In the past year, I've learned more from Cheyenne than I did in all my writing workshops and college courses combined. I highly recommend working with a professional editor like Cheyenne to anyone serious about improving their writing skills.