Book Coaching
Maybe...
You took a creative writing course, bought all the craft books, and joined a writing group. Before you knew it, you were mired up to your eyebrows in baffling rules and contradictory advice. You dream of someone who can show you how all those concepts actually work on the page. On your page.
Whether you’re starting a manuscript from scratch or doing a revision, I fill the role of project manager as you write, helping you stay true to your story point, keeping an eye on your outline, and brainstorming with you on how to weave in any new threads that inevitably present themselves.
As your coach, I also help you set priorities, establish goals, identify resources, brainstorm fixes, create action plans, ask clarifying questions, provide examples, and help with skills training.
I’m in your corner, cheering you on.
Interested?
Drop me a line and tell me what you need. I’d love to talk!
How Does Coaching Work?
For each round of coaching, you'll send me your assignment or submission:
If we're doing classic coaching, your submission might be a combination of new or rewritten chapters, and assigned worksheets up to 20 pages (5500 words)
If we're doing revision mapping or planning out a new work, your submission will be specific to where we are in the process.
You receive:
Developmental and line-level feedback right inside the pages.
Unlimited email support for questions that can't wait.
Your investment:
$250 per coaching round/submission deadline.
Please note:
Coaching is deeply personal work that comes with a high level of attention. The focus is always on you and your manuscript, whatever those needs may be.
In order to provide the best service to you and keep balance in my own writing life, I only work with two to three writers at a time.
Coaching Packages
Plan Your Novel from Scratch
You have an idea for a novel. You may even have been noodling around on it for awhile, already, but nothing's gelled yet. You're ready to get going and dig into it! One of the tools I use is an adaptation of Jennie Nash's Blueprint for a Book. This is a series of questions and worksheets to help you determine what it is that you want to say, who you want to say it to, and what you want your readers to take away from it. We'll use that information to choose a structure and shape for your story. We'll talk about your characters and the arcs they need to travel, and we'll map out a few of the key scenes to get you writing in a logical direction with confidence. Every writer has their own process and falls somewhere different on the panster-plantster scale. I use this blueprinting method in a flexible way to meet you where you're at.
$ For budgeting purposes, plan on approximately 6 rounds of coaching.
What's next? On-going coaching as you write.
Revise your Novel
Together, we'll assess your novel using a combination of Author Accelerator tools and my own processes to reverse engineer the manuscript. This allows us to take a wide-lens view of the work as a whole, as well as zooming in on specific foundational elements. I'll likely ask you to do some blueprint work in areas that need clarity, and to nail down and get clear on exactly what it is you want your reader takeaway to be. We'll identify what's working structurally and what isn't, strategize the fixes, and create a brand new Inside Outline. When we're finished, you'll have a roadmap to follow while you revise and/or rewrite the actual pages, and you'll know exactly what you need to do.
$ For budgeting purposes, plan for approximately six submission rounds (deadlines).
Next steps? On-going Coaching as you put your revision plan into action!
On-going Book Coaching
Personalized feedback, editorial, and emotional support while you write.
I'll listen, help you brainstorm ideas and problem-solve solutions, guide you past the roadblocks, help you develop your writing skills, stick to your goals, and write a book you can be proud of.
Overcome the doubt demons and write your book, feeling empowered and confident!
$ For budgeting purposes, plan on committing to a minimum of three months (six submission deadlines) to get some progress under your belt and build good habits. You are, of course, welcome to continue beyond that.
Most people find that bi-monthly deadlines are the most manageable while still making good progress.
Insight Sessions
This talk-only offering is for those who want to get my perspective on a sticking point, brainstorm, touch base with their story ideas, or talk things through when they hit a rough patch.
Book yourself a session whenever you need one, and I'll put the kettle on.
$ For budgeting purposes: $100 per 60-minute session.
Note: if you want me to read pages to discuss on the call, please request a single session of classic book coaching, instead.
A Few Notes About My Process:
One of the tools I use with all my clients is the Blueprint for a Book method developed by Jennie Nash of Author Accelerator. No matter what stage of the writing process you’re in, we always start with at least some parts of the blueprint.
Why? Think of your novel as a house – it won’t matter how many beautiful paintings you hang on the wall, they’re ALL going to hang crooked if the house is sitting on a wonky foundation. Let’s start by making sure those story-bones are nice and straight!
What is it? The blueprint is a set of curated questions and worksheets aimed at helping us figure out what it is you want to say, how you want to say it, and why. What you come away with is clarity around your story and a path forward.
About Feedback
None of us can raise the bar and get where we want to go without the learning opportunity that feedback gives us. Professionally-minded writers know that they need someone to tell them the truth about what’s missing or unclear. What isn’t working and why. To offer solutions and help brainstorm the best path forward.
I also believe honest feedback can and should be given with sensitivity and respect. I do everything I can to ensure that our book coaching relationship is a safe space to discuss your work.