It has recently become trendy for people to attempt to write and successfully publish their very first book. Often, a new writer may attempt to do this entirely instinctively, without first grounding themselves in the art of writing. These things don’t always work out according to plan. There is a serious learning curve to writing a book.
There are a lot of terribly written books out there. When I read them, they break my heart. I can generally see how the new writer may have created a beautiful book by delving deeper into the same material.
Alternatively, some authors recognize they need help before publishing. I often wind up working with new authors to overhaul a book they have written without guidance. This can become a very expensive way to work. It is also frustrating to the new writer who may have spent years lost in the weeds of their project.
There is a better way.
I offer intensive year-long coachng apprenticeships for new writers who would like to focus intensively on writing a specific book with grounding in the basics of good writing. I trained for years before publishing my own work and have a deep respect for literature. I started this apprenticeship as a way to share my passion, energy and the wisdom I’ve accumulated over decades of book writing.
People who I have been working with from the beginning create beautiful artful books they have written themselves. Some have sold to top agents and publishers. Others have successfully self-published books they are proud of that have sold well and gotten great reviews and publicity.
Writing a book is a maddening process punctuated by occasional moments of bliss and confidence that you are creating something amazing. It is an investment of time, love and emotional energy. You don’t necessarily have to do it entirely alone. Having personalized guidance through the ups and downs can be invaluable and save you a lot of stress and money over the long term.
If you are going to embark on the process of writing a book, make sure that you do it correctly.
*Coaching apprenticeships limited to two exclusive clients per year. Writing sample and phone consultaton are a prerequisite to acceptance.
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Packages include: Monthly guided exercises in elements of good writing including: character development, timeline, dialogue, structure, plot, voice, tone, imagery.
Magic tricks specifically for memoirs or other books with elements of autobiography: -Poetic and timeline sequence devices to make up for gaps in memory. -Writing in a child’s voice. -How to avoid over exposition and backing into the story. -Present tense hacks to slow yourself down and write as the character in the moment. -Grounding your work in sensory and visceral details. -Meditations for going deeper. -The power of what is left unsaid. The white space in between paragraphs and conversation.
Comprehensive written feedback on 250 pages of work total *, which generally amounts to the first complete draft of the book. These are sent/reviewed in batches of 15-20 or more pages each month.
Two-hour monthly check-in calls. Comprehensive email responses to up to 5 writing questions per month.
Final check in call thorough analysis of the entire manuscript and next steps advice/guidance.
Rate: $27,500. *revisions are counted as a new page. Full manuscript revisions/critiques offered as an additional service.