Working one-on-one with a book coach on a monthly basis is like having a personal editor, writing instructor, industry guide, and project manager all in one. I help you story plan so you can ensure your story has a strong foundation from the beginning. I help you delve into your story ideas and find the throughline that will make it come to life. I brainstorm with you when you get stuck. I note the writing errors or structural issues, and customize action steps to help you resolve them. And I draw on my years of industry experience to help you navigate the tricky world of book publishing.

 

Book coaching begins with a 3-month package with the option to add on additional months as needed and includes:

• 30-minute kick-off video call to explore your goals and challenges

• 3 monthly deadlines to submit up to 20 writing pages (5000 words)

• Detailed on-page editorial feedback

• Editorial letter with customized action steps

• 3 60-minute video calls to clarify any remaining questions, discuss next steps, and determine the next month’s focus

 

This is a custom experience dependent on your specific needs so benefits vary. Most writers come away with a cohesive writing vision and stronger manuscript, clarity on the structural integrity of their work, a better understanding of the publishing industry and the publishing path they wish to pursue, and more confidence in their work and their writing abilities.

Just because you’ve finished your first (or even third or fifth) draft doesn’t mean you’re ready to submit to an agent or editor. A Manuscript Evaluation can give you the direction you need to ensure your draft is structurally sound by addressing the most significant issues: Does the story start in the right place? Is there narrative drive? Is the protagonist authentic and is there a clear motivation, conflict and transformative arc? Do the subplots and secondary characters serve the story? Is the narrative too long and where should you cut? You never get a second chance with an agent or editor, and the Manuscript Evaluation can help you detect and resolve your story problems so you have the best chance of seeing your story in print.

 

Designed to be completed in 4 weeks, the Manuscript Evaluation includes:

• 30-minute kick-off call to discuss your story goals and challenges

• Editorial assessment of entire manuscript (up to 80,000 words; $150 charge per additional 5000 words)

• Editorial letter addressing 3-5 most significant structural issues and outlining clear action steps to address each

• In-line manuscript feedback on the first 50 pages

• 60-minute video call to review editorial feedback and address any questions

 

You will come away with a better understanding of your manuscript’s structural integrity and a solid revision plan with clearly defined action steps.

 

*Note this is NOT a developmental edit, which is a detailed editorial review of ALL structural and content issues, including in-line feedback on entire manuscript. A DE is a more time-consuming and expensive process, but many writers find they can get the answers they need from a Manuscript Evaluation at a fraction of the cost of a developmental edit.