Editing, Coaching, Teaching Services:

I have over 25 years of experience as a fiction writer, editor, writing coach and college and high school teacher. I offer individualized and group support to writers of all levels—from adult writers seeking editorial guidance, personalized coaching to high-school students preparing for their next academic chapter. My approach is personal, intuitive and practical. I offer thoughtful feedback, clear instruction, and have a deep respect for each writer’s voice. My rates are reasonable, and my services are tailored to fit your needs.  Services include:

Manuscript Editing & Feedback

Full manuscript consultations, developmental editing, line editing, and detailed critique for short fiction, novels, creative nonfiction, and personal essays. 

One-on-One Writing Coaching for Adults

On zoom or in-person (if you are in the NYC area) I offer personalized sessions focused on craft, structure, character development, plot, pacing, motivation, and project development. I work with you to help you develop the story you want to tell.  

MFA Application & Portfolio Guidance

I offer support in selecting and preparing manuscripts, revising creative samples, and crafting artist statements.

High School & College Application Support

Thoughtful, sensitive, individualized coaching on personal statements, supplemental essays, and creative writing portfolios. I help students clarify and strengthen their writing and help them develop their unique voice.  

High School and College Tutoring Support

With over fifteen years of tutoring expertise, I help High School and College Students, clarify their assignments, brainstorm ideas, research, develop a thesis driven paper, integrate source material and include citation formatting. 

TESTIMONIALS

“Zeeva Bukai has helped me with practically everything I’ve written. Is the story done? Not before Zeeva reads it. Her two eyes are the equivalent of a dozen; my every story is made better, sharper, cleaner with her help. She’s the best critic, and the kindest. What a valuable resource she is.”
–Louise Marburg, author of: The Truth About Me, You Have Reached Your Destination, No Diving Allowed, Fancy Meeting You – forthcoming from Blair Books June 2026.

“Zeeva Bukai is an incredibly astute, detailed and intuitive editor. Not only will she read your work with immense sensitivity and care, but her supportive approach will inspire you to see fresh possibilities into your manuscript. Her brilliant insight will help you to achieve your best vision for your creative project. Working with her is a gift!”
–Sara Lippmann, author of Doll Palace, Jerks, Lech, editor of Smashing the Tablets, Hidden River, forthcoming from Tortoise Books May 2026, editor-in-chief, Epiphany magazine. 

“Zeeva Bukai is a terrifically smart reader who gave me exactly the kind of incisive feedback I was looking for on a novel draft: what was missing, what needed sharpening, what was working. Her feedback was clear and immediately useful and came from both a mastery of craft and an unerring intuition about what the story was calling for. I cannot recommend Zeeva as a reader and editor highly enough.” 
–Joan Leegant, author of Displaced Persons, Wherever You Go, a novel, An Hour in Paradise, stories. 

“Zeeva Bukai is my valued go-to. Her feedback consistently helps me to find the truth of my stories, to better understand where the story begins, and to effectively control the central tension!” 
–Linda Guyette, writer.

“Zeeva Bukai is an outstanding writing teacher and coach. She has profound empathy both for the writer she works with and the characters, situations and perspectives they create. Zeeva has a musician’s ear for language, gifted with a deep knowledge of both standard and colloquial usage. Not only is Zeeva a master of craft, but she is also compassionate and gentle, guiding the aspiring writer with tender patience. It would be hard to find a more capable teacher, coach, or mentor.“
–Julia Hirsch, Professor Emeritus, Brooklyn College.

“Zeeva has been instrumental and essential in my progression as a writer. I never would’ve become a published author without her support, mentorship, and guidance. Working with a brilliant writer like Zeeva, who is also patient, generous, and thorough in her feedback and analysis, lifted up my writing skills and confidence in the best way possible.”  
–Rosanne Limoncello, author of The Four Queens of Crime