My goal is to help you reach your goals and become a better writer. I work month to month to not only build your novel into something great, but also build a relationship with YOU, so I can better understand what you need to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot questions about my coaching services, and what it all entails.
Here are a couple of the most common ones!
Q: What does a book coach do?
A book coach is your writing wingman. I jump into your journey and help you through all the ups and downs.
I provide feedback as you write or revise your novel, to keep you on track. I’m a sounding board when you hit a plot snag and don’t know how to resolve it. I’m a drill sergeant when you need to get the words down. I’m a cheerleader when you lose confidence in your ability to reach your goals.
I help craft outlines, and workshop plots before they’re written. I answer publishing questions. I spot overused tropes and suggest ways to rework them. I teach about character development, romance arcs, the importance of emotion, how to build tension, the most common flaws in opening and closing scenes, and about a million other things as they arise in the pages. I help make plans for revisions, and give tips and tricks for how to tackle larger changes without feeling overwhelmed, and SHOULD you get overwhelmed, I’m here to help guide you through that as well.
A book coach is more than just someone who offers you notes every week— I’m truly there for you, and strive every day to help as much as I can.
Q: What’s the turnaround time on coaching pages?
Your pages are due to me on Wednesday, and they’re returned with your notes and feedback by the end of the day on Friday. (If not sooner.)
Q: What happens after I fill out my inquiry form?
The form goes to the main contact email, and within 48 business hours I’ll be in touch to schedule a consultation call with you. (Your complementary five page edit will be completed and returned to you before the consultation call.) During the call we’ll discuss all your options, your goals, and what you can expect from me as a coach. Then, if you decide to sign up, we set a start date and go from there!
Q: What if I have a vacation planned/get sick/family emergency/etc?.
Life is so much bigger than just the words you write. I understand! I’m more than happy to work with you should something come up. Just let me know and we’ll make a plan!
Q: Can you still help me if I haven’t started writing the book yet?
Yes! Coaching can be helpful at any stage, even if the book lives solely in your head, and you need help plotting it or figuring out where to begin.
Q: What kind of feedback do you give?
I leave both line-level tracked changes as well as comments. I look for plot holes, how the story is progressing, slow or stagnant chapters, how your characters are developing, emotion on the page, sentence structure, description, and a million other things.
I provide a great mix of tough and gentle feedback—it will never be hurtful or harsh— and I point out potential changes while also showing you what you’re doing right.
Q: What’s the difference between a coach and an editor?
An editor typically sees your book when it’s fully drafted. They take a completed, fully formed project and make notes to improve it during revisions.
Alternatively, a book coach is someone who’s along for the ride. I help as you plot, draft, or navigate revisions, and offer assistance and feedback weekly. It’s essentially the same work as a developmental edit, but in shorter bursts. This allows you to learn as you go, and come out the other end with a cleaner draft.
Q: How do I pause/cancel?
Contact me within five business days of your next invoice date and I’ll be more than happy to cancel your invoice for you. If you know well in advance when you’d like to stop coaching, you can also give me an end date ahead of time and I’ll set up invoices to automatically stop when you’ve chosen to be done with your program.
Q: If I fill out a coaching inquiry, will you for sure coach me?
Unfortunately, no. I have to take on new writers based on my schedule, how much help you need, my publishing commitments, and other life factors. But my waitlist is always open and as soon as I have an availability I’ll reach out.
Q: If I need a lot of help/my pages aren’t in great shape, can I still be coached?
Of course! I’m more than happy to tackle projects that need a lot of work and to do that work with you!