How it works
This is how we get your book done.
1: We tease out your book idea so that you get super clear on what you are writing about and who you are writing for.
2: I help you to structure your novel or, if you are writing nonfiction, to write your book proposal.
3: I support you while you write your novel, while you pitch to agents and publishers, and while you write your nonfiction book.
Your first step is to book a Clarity Call
We will talk about your book idea and what work lies ahead to make it a reality. I work with writers of fiction and of nonfiction.
There is no charge for the call. Its purpose is for you tell me about your book so that I can work out if I can help you to plan, write and finish your book.
Click on the button to pick a time to talk.
What happens after the Clarity Call?
If you want to hire me when we’ve spoken on the Clarity Call – and there is no obligation to – we make a plan to help you reach your writing goals.
In a series of coaching cycles, we work to build solid foundations for your book and I guide you through writing your book proposal and your book.
What is a Coaching Cycle?
When you engage me as your book coach, we work in coaching cycles.
A cycle:
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Starts with homework (written assignments under guidance).
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You send it to me for feedback.
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We hold an hour long coaching call, where the real value of coaching is: in the back and forth of questions and answers, so that you dig deep and find the words that truly express your ideas. Then we set your next steps to move your work on.
You choose whether to work with me once a month, or twice a month (so you complete two cycles in one month and work faster to reach your goal.)
If you want to know more about the nuts and bolts of what our coaching agreement would look like if we work together, please take a look at this page, my legal terms of business.
How long could it take to write my book?
If you are writing a novel…
If you are writing non fiction
Assumptions based on a 75,000 word manuscript for which you are well prepared by intensive coaching, and able to devote, say, five hours a day, four days a week. It can take longer. No guarantee of securing an agent or a publishing contract. Independent publishing is an option.
Timing based on assumption that your research is under control and that you work hard in two coaching cycles per month. No guarantee of securing a publishing contract. Book production times vary: traditional: up to 3 years; hybrid: 6-12 months; self-publishing is quicker.
Nonfiction: Why write a book proposal?
A full book proposal is a business case for your book idea. Well-researched and well-written, you aim to persuade a publisher there is a profit to be made in buying your book idea.
A book proposal is essential to the process of actually writing your book, whether you seek traditional publication or intend to self-publish.
Because you do all the deep thinking up front, you don’t need to waste time writing multiple drafts and running the risk of giving up, discouraged.
The deep work we do on your book proposal helps you work out why you are writing, and who for.
You make an argument for your book’s place on the bookshelf.
This is how you persuade a publisher of the commercial benefit of publishing your book.
So what does a book proposal look like?
It’s a written document that in its fullest form, has all these parts to it. When finished, it should be around 50 pages in length, no longer. When you submit your book proposal to a publisher or agent, they may ask for the whole thing, or parts of it at a time. You have to be ready with all the information before you start to talk to a publisher or agent.
