What is book coaching?
A book coach is someone who cheers you on, encourages you, holds you accountable, and helps you find your way to a finished book that reflects the story you set out to tell. They give you feedback on how your story and its elements are working, help you dig deeper when it’s needed, brainstorm with you, problem solve with you, encourage you to keep going, and celebrate your successes with you.
What genres do you specialize in?
I specialize in fantasy, sci-fi, and other speculative fiction. This can include subgenres like fairy tale and mythology retelling, dystopian, post-apocalyptic, superhero, paranormal romance, alternate history, and steampunk. I work with Young Adult, New Adult, Adult, and Middle Grade fiction, with YA being my specialty.
I’m also open to working with authors who write historical fiction and contemporary fiction.
I do not take on work in the literary fiction, memoir, nonfiction, poetry, or picture book genres as these are not my areas of expertise. I do not work on AI-generated books.
Can we customize a package for what I need?
Definitely! On our consultation call, we’ll discuss your goals and desires, and if we need to alter an existing package to fit those needs, we totally can create a package together.
What is the application process like?
It starts when you fill out the Work With Me form! Once you fill that out and submit it, you’ll be redirected to my booking calendar, where you can choose a time for our free consultation call (make sure you choose your time and click “Schedule Event”). On our call, we’ll talk about your manuscript, your goals for it, and how I can best support you as an editor and book coach. If we determine we’re a good fit and have agreed on an editing or coaching service, I’ll send you the contract. Once the contract is signed, I’ll send the invoice through Dubsado (invoices can be paid with debit or credit card via Stripe or PayPal). And once the first invoice is paid, we can get started on the fun part!
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! I know that payment plans can make opportunities more accessible, and I want to see you succeed. If you believe a payment plan could be helpful in getting you to your goals, let me know during our consultation call and we can discuss options!
Do you offer sample edits?
I do! I offer paid sample developmental edits of the first 20 pages. Samples are charged at a discounted rate of $20 per 1000 words. And the sample amount you’ve paid gets deducted from the cost of the full developmental edit if you choose to move forward with me.
I also offer paid manuscript evaluations of the first 20 pages. Samples are charged at a discounted rate of $15 per 1000 words. And the sample amount you’ve paid gets deducted from the cost of the full manuscript evaluation if you choose to move forward with me.
What software do you use?
I work with your manuscript in Microsoft Word. I ask that your submitted writing is formatted with 1-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font, and is double-spaced.
Coaching calls are held via Zoom and will be recorded (with your permission) so that you can refer back to them later if needed.
What if we disagree on something in my book?
It’s your book and you’re the creator of your story! You make the ultimate decisions on how that story will be written. I’m not here to tell you what to do, but to offer possible solutions and to ask the questions that help you find the answers.
Can you guarantee my book will sell/be published?
I can’t guarantee your book will be chosen by an agent or publisher, and I can’t guarantee it will sell. The publishing world is unpredictable and out of my control.
What I can do is help you strengthen your book so it’s ready for that next step.
Can you help me with marketing?
Helping authors build their social media platform and market themselves is something I do too! It would be covered in a completely different package as it’s a different part of the publishing process, so be sure to check out my social media marketing site and contact me there if you’re interested: beccajohnsoncreative.com