What exactly is book coaching?

A book coach (sometimes called an author coach or writing coach) is someone who guides a writer through the writing process. This is a one-on-one partnership that works best over a sustained duration of working together to help you understand your writing process, dig into why you’re writing what you’re writing, and give you regular feedback on your writing and resources to help you write the best book you can.

As your book coach, I’m trained in writing, storytelling, developmental editing, how to give feedback, and how to project-manage big writing projects. I also have a wide range of knowledge about the publishing industry and am always trying to learn more so that I can share that information with you.

Writing is often lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Through video calls and emails you get a custom combination of the following, depending on your needs:

• Tools and exercises to help you plan or outline your book
• A project manager and developmental editor working with you chapter by chapter as you draft your book
• One-on-one help making and carrying out a revision plan
• Feedback on your writing — what’s working and suggestions to improve
• Accountability with writing goals and deadlines
• Resources and writing exercises to build your skills
• Information and expertise on the publishing marketplace
• Opportunities to ask questions and brainstorm with someone
• Encouragement and celebrations of your accomplishments

Why do you require a three-month commitment to ongoing coaching?

I want to make sure you get the most out of coaching and make progress on your manuscript, and that means we need at least a few months to develop our relationship and for you to build the habits and skills that you need to meet your writing goals. If after three months, you don’t want to keep working together, no worries! If you do, no problem—we can go month-to-month. I just ask that you give me one month’s notice to fill your space in my schedule with another writer should you decide to stop working with me.

Will working with you guarantee me a book deal?

Nope. Sorry. Nobody can guarantee you that. If they do, they’re scamming you.

But working with a book coach will help you become a better writer, help you make progress in your writing project, and hopefully be encouraging and fun too.

Do you only work with romance writers? What about other genres?

I primarily work with romance writers because romance novels are my favourite types of books to read and I’m most comfortable and experienced with that genre. I love everything from sweet romance where the characters might hold hands or share a kiss to low-heat closed-door romance to spicy, open-door romance.

I occasionally will work with other genres including women’s fiction, fantasy, or young adult (contemporary or fantasy), especially if there is a strong romantic thread in the story. If you write in these genres and are interested in working together, reach out and we can chat.

Why do you only work with women writers?

I have an easier time connecting and building strong relationships with other women. Women writers often have a lot of similar experiences and struggles, and I can empathize because I’ve journeyed (or am journeying) through those too. I see my role as one of encouraging women to take up space and value the stories they enjoy and want to tell—stories that centre women and their struggles, pursuits, and pleasures.

Why haven’t you responded to my email yet?

I do my best to respond to all emails within a day or two, but a response may be delayed for a few reasons:

1. I’m a mom and I work part-time. I love this work, but right now my primary job is taking care of my toddler so I do coaching and my own writing around that.
2. I’m in the Mountain timezone. If you’re in a different timezone, check and see if you emailed me at 2 a.m. my time—that’s probably why I haven’t responded right away.
3. It’s the weekend. Yeah, as a freelancer sometimes I work on the weekend. But I’m trying to be present with my family as much as possible on weekends so might not be checking my email on Saturday or Sunday.

What technology do I need to use to work with you?

Our main tools will be:

• Email – We will send notes, questions, and feedback through email.
• Microsoft Word – I use Track Changes to make edits and leave feedback on your pages.
• Zoom – I’ll send you a link for our scheduled video chats.

I know a lot of folks love writing in Google Docs, but that program just isn’t my jam. I ask that you always send your pages to me in MS Word.