Are you better in front of a room than on the page? Or do you think through your fingers onto the screen? We'll make a plan for your book that plays to your strengths.
1. I write for you: Ghost writing and co-writing
Many of my clients are great at thinking on their feet.
They’re comfortable and articulate in conversation or in front of a group, yet they freeze up in front of a blank computer screen. The words won’t come, or they seem stiff, awkward.
So we talk.
I ask questions (many questions), follow the answers where they lead, and write.
We go deep, unearthing details that aren’t on the familiar list of “greatest hits,” those stories that spill out almost without thought.
We look at ideas afresh, recombining them, questioning old assumptions and refining examples.
Together we make connections, find the hidden shape of the story and get their voice, vision, and expertise onto the page.
Hear what my co-writing clients say on the Raves page.
2. We talk, we both write: Co-writing and editing
I also work with people who come to me with notes and drafts, frustrated that what they put on paper doesn’t seem to come to life.
We use the basic process of talking through the story, looking for telling details, connections, and electricity.
The client’s writing gives us a head start as we follow the path of the richest narrative, and we build on it. At that stage, I write samples to show what the book might sound like.
Once they have a sense of the voice that gives their work the most power—their own voice at its best—some people are inspired to try writing sections of the book on their own.
In that case, I guide them with questions, editing, deadlines and encouragement, and ensure that the book comes together.
People often become confident about working on their own, knowing that whenever they hit a problem or block, we can reconnect to edit or brainstorm.
Hear more about this experience from people on the Raves page.
3. Translating expertise into self-help books
People who are experts in a field often want to offer their teaching, coaching, or specific programs to a broader audience by writing a book, or creating an e-book to sell on their websites or offer clients.
They have piles of client stories, seminar notes, Powerpoint presentations, exercises, web copy and worksheets, and they’re not sure about how to weave it all into a series of step-by-step self-help chapters.
I help them translate the material that works so well in person into programs that a reader can follow on the page without confusion or overwhelm.
My clients learn when to elaborate, when to pause, where to insert exercises, and when to go for a laugh.
We create a blueprint for the book, find a tone that matches their teaching voice, and create a couple of complete chapters.
In most cases, I write the rest of the book, but some clients feel comfortable enough to finish on their own, knowing I’m available for any follow-up work they need.
Hear what my self-help clients have to say on the Raves page.
4. You write, I coach, consult, and edit.
For writers, a great editor is a secret weapon.
She’s a set of fresh eyes when you need them, a second brain, an objective, compassionate critic and a partner who knows your work, your style, your strengths, and your weaknesses.
I support writers with line editing, project consultations, critiques of manuscripts, brainstorming, and triage when a project has crashed or stalled.
A significant edit with detailed notes, or a hands-on line edit from me, may be just what a difficult draft needs, especially if deadlines are a factor.
Want to learn more? Let’s talk.
I’d love to hear about your project and how I can help you. Please use my contact page to get in touch. We’ll arrange a time to talk, and find out if we’re a good fit.
Because a book can take six months to a year to complete, I schedule major projects several months in advance, though I do consulting, editing, and small-scale projects on an ongoing basis.