What’s the difference between an editor, a book coach, and a ghostwriter? What type of help should I get to write my book? If it all feels confusing, I get it! And I’m here with a quick and easy guide to help you decide if you need an editor, book coach, or ghostwriter. Read more…
"I’m having trouble getting started. I tend to pour a lot of energy into something and often have it flop. I want to put myself into things that have good potential." This is an excellent question because of course you're having trouble getting started if, in the back of your mind, you're thinking, What's the point? It's just going to be a flop, anyway. Read more…
"I still haven't started writing. I want to make it a story of experiences, not abuse." This was a question I got from someone who wants to write her memoir but doesn’t know how to write about the abuse that went on in her life. I sent her a private email, but I want to share my advice here in case you to write about abuse or some other bad shit that went down in your life, and don’t know how to handle it. Read more…
What would you like to know about writing and editing? Seriously? I want to answer your question. I just don't know what that question is! (I'm about as good at mind-reading as Professor Trelawney.) So here’s your chance to ask. For free. (And you don’t even have to sit through a Divination class.) Read more…
Have you admitted you feel drawn to writing a book? To doing this big, ambitious, kind of obscure thing? Because it is kind of obscure, isn’t it? And sometimes it makes me feel like I’m weird. I don’t want anyone to think I’m a weirdo, or ask how the book’s coming along. And I don’t want to publically fail to finish the damn thing. But what happens when we admit we want to write? Read more…
What type of writing help do you need to start, finish, and feel proud of your book? Take this one-minute quiz to discover the fastest way to start writing, get unstuck, or polish your manuscript so it’s ready for the world. Read more…
So many of my clients have experienced that. They know they have something to share and they're frustrated they aren’t getting their words into the world. I feel that frustration, too. But dwelling in frustration doesn’t do us any good. So here’s a novel idea. Why don’t we forgive ourselves? Read more…
How much does it cost to self-publish a book? Can you publish a book yourself, or do you need to hire help? How much work is involved in self-publishing? We can break this down into three broad price categories, so you can make smart, informed decisions about how to self-publish your book without breaking the bank. Read more…
Wondering how to become a ghostwriter? Trying to get into it but not sure where to find ghostwriting clients? Bored of other writing gigs and want to challenge yourself with writing books for a living? About once a month I get emails asking for tips to become a ghostwriter and get ghostwriting clients. And today, I’m sharing those tips here! Read more…
I get a ton of inquires from people who want to hire me as a ghostwriter but (understandably) don't want to wait on my crazy-long waitlist. If that's you, here's some info on how to find a ghostwriter who can help you sooner. This post is also for anyone wondering how to avoid ghostwriting scams and find a ghostwriter they feel really good about. Read more…
How do you make sure your book is actually good? Let me gift you my quick guide on how to write a book chapter that’s actually good. Read more…
I don’t know about you, but sometimes, my life feels a little too serious. Between pandemic bullshit, a packed work schedule (which I love, but still, busy, busy), managing my health, and keeping my kiddo sane during lockdown, I sometimes need to make a conscious effort to laugh. Sound familiar? Here are a few writerly things making me smile lately. I hope they do the same for you! Read more…
Where do you start writing your book? And how do you make sure your book is actually good? You use a plan—a structure—for your book chapters. If you need someone to show you where to start writing, let me gift you my quick guide on how to write a book chapter that’s actually good. Read more…
Don't know where to start writing your book? Wondering how to write an introduction? Not sure what to include in your book's introduction? This is for you. If you're writing self-help, a guide, something that's designed to help other people by sharing your experience, knowledge, and stories, listen up for the seven essential parts of a book introduction. Read more…
If you've ever looked for editing services and found the whole thing confusing, you are not the problem. The industry is stupid, not you. Editing services make zero sense. Zippo. Zilch. If you're confused about what type of book editing you need (or might need in the future), I'm not surprised. Read more…
I am so over New Year’s resolutions. I know we’re barely a week into 2021, but I already firmly think New Year’s writing goals can go suck themselves. Instead, I’m here to say let your writing goals be small. You don’t need to write a billion words today. Read more…
People working on their first book often ask, "When should I hire an editor?" Here's the answer: Hire an editor when you've finished your book and made it as good as possible on your own. If you haven't finished your book yet and are struggling to get to The End, you're not ready for an editor, but do not fear! A book coach could help. Read more…
Did you there’s such thing as Small Business Saturday? I knew about Black Friday (as did my bank account). I’d heard of Cyber Monday. But I just discovered Small Business Saturday, where, you guessed it, small businesses give you something great. Guess what! I am a small business! And I have something awesome that will help keep your writing dreams alive. Read more…
What is a book coach? A book coach is a professional editor, book outliner, project manager, emotional support puppy, cheerleader, kind-but-honest critique partner, and publishing guide—with a dash of life coaching and utterly unqualified therapy thrown in for good measure. In this post, I’ll describe what a book coach does to make this happen, and how they work with writers. Read more…
Do you wonder what it’s like to write, finish, and publish a book? Today, we have an interview with author S. M. Kelly, who just released the hilarious and thought-provoking memoir, Here’s Your Pill, Kitten! She’s telling us what the writing process was really like and sharing some tips for anyone who wants to write a memoir. Read more…