coaching

The cornerstone of my practice is a nurturing and supportive environment free from judgment.

As your coach, I have a variety of roles. I’m your guide, your cheerleader, your emotional support, your sounding board, your project manager, and your editor.

When challenges arise, I approach them with a solution focused mindset, providing the support and guidance you need to overcome obstacles.

I deliver honest feedback with respect, integrity, and kindness so you feel encouraged to make changes and keep writing.

Our sessions are designed to empower you and build your confidence as a writer so when our work together is complete, you will feel self-assured taking the next step toward bringing your book into the world.

Coaching writers involves focusing on two key aspects. The Writing Content and The writer behind the manuscipt

Working with the writing content entails assessing and analyzing big picture issues. As a book coach, I have the benefit of reviewing the material objectively, which gives me a clear “aerial” view to examine such things as:

• The authenticity of the characters. Are they believable and realistic? Are secondary characters stealing the show?

• Content. Is the material engaging, or is there material that doesn’t serve the story?

• Character’s motivations and goals. Are they in alignment with the story?

• Dialogue. Are the character’s voices distinct, and is the dialogue true to life?

• The cause-and-effect trajectory throughout the chapters. Does it have a natural order? Are the chapters in the right place?

• The pace. Does it have a good tempo, or does the story slump in the middle?

• Intention. Is the intention of the writer on the page? Will the reader feel what the writer wants them to feel?

• For romance writers, are the plot points congruent with the target audience expectations? Do the characters have enough flaws to be believable? Will readers understand how and why the characters fell in love?

• For non-fiction writers, does the book proposal reflect the transformation or enlightenment a reader seeks? Do the chapter outlines demonstrate a natural progression of information or buildable skills? What does the market look like for your particular book?

  Working with the writer involves assisting the writer in developing an effective and efficient writing process that serves them and their story. This might include help with accountability, project management, breaking steps into manageable parts, assistance with writing techniques, managing expectations, supplying lots of encouragement, and more.

  A competent and integral coach graduates their clients when they’ve met their goals. Through our work, writers grow to become confident and self-reliant, taking on more ownership of the writing and publication process.

  While there are always exceptions, working with me for 3-6 months is achievable for most clients to complete my services such as, a detailed outline, a first draft, or a book proposal.

expectations for writers working with me

• Writers do not need a background in English, Literature, or an MFA degree to write. Some writing experience is helpful but not mandatory. Experience includes journal writing, academic writing, avid reading, and more.

• Writers are open to feedback and value a constructive dialogue.

• Writers will meet mutually agreed-upon deadlines. Deadlines are personalized to the writer’s schedule and demands. Timelines are realistic and provide structure to keep goals on target.

• Writers can be full-time moms, first-time writers, or work in other professions. All that is required is a desire to do your best. Together, we’ll figure out the rest.

• Writers understand there is no guarantee of being published by a big-house publishing company.

• Writers understand that writing a book is a long journey between idea conception and getting the book out and into the world. Whichever publishing route you choose, the minimum time frame is about one year.

• Writers own all of their intellectual property in our work together.