I also offer a book coach/writer mentor service, specifically for memoir and non-fiction writing. It sits alongside my ghostwriting service, but is aimed at people who really want to write their book themselves rather than bring a ghost on board, but are struggling with the process. If that sounds like you, and you’re either stuck halfway through your first draft, or unable to get past chapter one, or procrastinating so badly that you’d rather clean the loo than sit down and face the fear of a blank page on your laptop screen (been there, many times) then a book coach or writing mentor can help you push through the pain barrier. Sometimes all you need is a bit of guidance, some critical feedback, and regular accountability - but from a professional writer, not your best buddy.

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As with developmental editing, there are no hard and fast rules for mentoring. Every mentor/coach will approach the job differently, and no two mentoring projects are ever the same. I start with a free thirty-minute phone call or zoom session so I can get a handle on what your book is about, where you are with it, and what your ultimate goals are. Then I will send you a proposal outline with various options.

 

Sessions usually last for an hour – or ninety minutes if necessary. They can be held in person if you live in my general area, or online via zoom. Sometimes just a couple of sessions will do the job, and sometimes the process can span over several months. I recommend a break of two to three weeks between sessions to allow you time to write. I also need time to read your work and write notes ahead of our session … but we can talk through the nitty gritty during that first conversation. I’m pretty flexible, and if you feel the initial approach we agree on isn’t working for you, then we can look at adapting it.