Writers call me when they’re ready to STOP struggling TO DO EVERYTHING THEMSELVES.
Are you this writer?
Don’t write another chapter until you grab the 10 Step Chapter Checklist.
Transform your chapters from blah to badass.
Most writers never finish their books.
Filled with tons of ideas, they’re also filled with tons of fears and doubts.
“Am I good enough?”
“Am I too old?”
“Will I make any money?”
“Will anyone read my novel?”
“What if I get bad reviews?”
“What if my story is stupid?”
“What if I’m telling the same story ten million billion other people have told?”
The answer to all those questions:
Finish your damn book.
Thank your doubting brain for showing up, then tell it to sit in a corner.
You’ve got work to do.
Jocelyn gave me story advice that I will implement in my writing from here on out.
She shared clever ways to reveal character details and a plan that could solve my main revision problem. She is knowledgeable and kind, a killer combination in a book coach.
— MEAGAN SMITH
Writing a book is a complicated process.
But you know that. Or you wouldn’t be here.
Because you’ve already….
… attended the massive thousand-person industry conference.
…. signed up for every Crossfit Style Craft Workshop.
… forgotten about a dozen online webinars you downloaded last month.
… trekked off to an exotic location for a “famous author” writing retreat.
… read all the books that tell you to believe in yourself and never give up.
And your book still isn’t finished.
Now you’re ready for expert guidance, individual attention, and kick-ass results.
Buckle up, buttercup. We've got work to do.
You’re ready to work with a book coach if:
You have a full draft or a handful of notes written on napkins.
Whether it’s your first draft or seventeenth, I can help you meet your goals of finishing your novel and getting it ready for publishing.
You’re serious about pursuing publishing (either indie or trad).
It’s time to cross the finish line and get your book into readers’ hands. In other words, you’re not just writing a novel to hand out at next summer’s family reunion.
You sent your book into the world, but got crickets back.
You wrote a book that should have gotten attention from readers or agents. Now you’re stressed out and wondering “WTF went wrong, and how the $%@* do I do avoid this next time?”
You’re ready for the tough love “no-fluff” approach.
You’re want tangible, real feedback. Not just a pat on the back. I’m going to be your Mary Poppins. I’ll give you a spoonful of sugar, but the goal is to get the medicine down.
You’re ready to roll up your sleeves and invest in yourself.
It’s not easy to let someone into your writing process. Be willing to explore your writing with fresh eyes and be open to considering a different perspective.
Ready to get started?
Novel Evaluation
You’ve finished writing your book. Now what? Focused help to level up your existing novel draft, sort out the shit sandwich (cough)…er…challenges, and get a clear idea of how to revise.
Book Coaching
For the serious writer when you’re ready for someone to keep you on track, provide ongoing feedback, guidance, and support. Six month of 1-on-1 partnership through the writing or revision process.
Nonfiction
I work with a limited number of nonfiction writers. I can help you develop your book idea, troubleshoot problem areas, and guide you through organizing your book.
Have a few questions?
Here are a few answers.
>> Writers write alone. Rawr! Why can’t I?
You totally can write alone. But I gotta ask, how’s that been working for you so far?
If it’s turning out how you dream of it, then don’t stop. Go on with your bad self. In fact, email me and tell me about it. I’d love to hear what’s working for you.
But yes, some writers do spend their lives writing in isolation. For most of us, that’s not how it works.
Pick up a few books and look at their acknowledgment section. You’re going to see a long list of people who helped that author get their book out into the world.
Writing is a skill you develop by doing it over and over until it becomes second nature. Nora Roberts didn’t just hand wave all those books into existence.
There’s a lot of work for you to do between here and becoming as prolific a writer as Nora Roberts. Bringing in an experienced, and knowledgeable support team will help you reach your goals better faster stronger.
>> Do I need to hire a book coach to get published?
Certainly not.
My superpower is helping writers get their stories on the page by providing consistent, compassionate, and honest editorial feedback while they write.
You want a book coach who understands the book industry. Writing a book comes first. Period. But having a realistic idea of what the industry looks like will give you a leg up in getting noticed.
By working with me, you’re going to get where you want to go faster and with better results. A finished rough draft we work on together will be more like a fourth or fifth draft or sixth draft.
The most important reasons to hire a book coach is to learn and grow as a writer. By investing in a book coach, you are investing in your long-term future writing.
>> You won’t change my ideas? Erase my voice? Hijack my story and run off to party in Ibiza?
No. I’m not lying in bed at night dreaming of ways to change your voice, hijack your story or make it my own. I’m here to be a mirror for your writing, to reflect back to you what’s on the page so you can see if the story you’re telling is being told effectively, and to the best of your ability.
I am here to help you write the best book you can.
And best case scenario, sell millions of copies of your book and live out your wildest dreams.
Only then will I'll run off to party in Ibiza.
>> I have a critique group. They’ve been helping me fix my novel for 20 years.
You may have an amazing critique group of your best friends. But ask yourself, are they helping you become a better writer?
Community, friendship, and margaritas are excellent reasons for having a group of writing buddies. But more often than not, writing groups are composed of struggling writers who don’t understand the craft of editing and aren’t qualified to give feedback to help you become a better writer.
I’ve worked with writers who have escaped critique groups with their self-confidence barely intact, their novels warped six-ways-sideways, and swearing never to write again. I don’t want that for anyone.
Keep your writing buddies for the love, laughter, and margaritas. You’re going to need them to pick up up off the floor someday. But when it comes to your writing, be absolutely certain it (and you!) is being handled with care. And if that’s not happening in your group, then run away. Fast.
>> But, if I ask for help, am I a real writer?
What do you do when something with your computer isn’t working? When you have a broken leg? When your car has purple coming out of it from under the hood?
You ask for help.
Asking for help doesn’t make you are a fake anything. It means you’ve gone into uncharted territory and you need to bring someone in who can help you. Asking for help this time doesn't necessarily mean you’ll need help next time it happens. You learn. You grow. You move on.
>> So, how do I know if I’m ready to hire a book coach or an editor?
If you feel you’ve come to the end of your own ability to improve your novel, you’re probably ready to bring in a professional. You either can’t see the problems any more or you see all the problems and don’t know how to fix them.
Don't get caught in the churn of endless revision. It's a trap. A Sargasso Sea for stories.
Get help. Even if it's just a quick check-in to get things moving and get you back on the right path.
Still have questions?
Fill out my quick prospective client survey, and let’s chat. If you’re feeling shy and don’t want to chat, send me an email.