An Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach is a rigorously trained professional who understands story craft, knows the writing and publishing process, and loves helping writers bring their books to life.

An Author Accelerator certification involves specialized training in editorial assessment, story development, and the coaching skills needed to support writers through the novel-writing process. 

Think of a book coach as part developmental editor, part teacher, part mentor, accountability partner, and cheerleader.

A book coach can:

• Work with you at any stage of the writing process, from developing your initial idea to drafting, revising, and preparing for publication.

• Provide informed editorial feedback and actionable next steps to strengthen your story.

• Help you navigate the emotional roller coaster of writing a novel with compassion, encouragement, and perspective.

• Offer structure, accountability, and guidance to help you make consistent progress.

• Help you understand your publishing options and make informed decisions about your goals.

• Support your growth as a writer, not just the development of your manuscript.

• Keep you away from matches and dumpster fires when things get tough. (Kidding. Sort of.)

There really isn't a wrong time. I know, I know. That sounds cheesy, but it's true.

Maybe you've written several novels but aren't getting traction with literary agents. Or you've self-published and aren't getting the reader response you'd hoped for.

Maybe you're brand-new to writing and aren't sure where to begin. Or you've been working on the same manuscript for years and can't seem to finish.

You might even be an experienced writer with a degree in creative writing and plenty of craft knowledge, but you're struggling to turn what you know into a finished novel.

No matter your experience level, a trained professional can offer fresh, informed eyes on your work and help you identify what's working, what isn't, and how to move forward.

The thing to remember: finding the right book coach matters just as much as deciding to hire one.

Coaching is a relationship. You need someone whose approach, expertise, and personality are a good fit for you and your story.

That's what discovery calls and editorial samples are for.

A developmental editor (sometimes called a substantive editor) provides editorial feedback on a novel's big-picture elements, including narrative design, story structure, plot and character development, voice, pacing, genre conventions, and reader expectations. Their feedback helps you understand what's working in your manuscript, what isn't, and why, with your intended readership and genre in mind. A good developmental editor will also offer suggestions and examples to help you strengthen your story without taking over your creative vision.

Developmental editing is typically a one-time service. You submit your completed, self-edited manuscript, receive an editorial assessment and recommendations, and then take that feedback into your next revision. Some editors offer additional support, but that depends on the services you've arranged.

A book coach provides similar editorial expertise, but the relationship goes beyond manuscript feedback.

Think of a book coach as your editorial partner, brainstorming sounding board, project manager, and accountability buddy. Someone who helps you develop your storytelling skills while you develop your story.

A book coach can help you work through creative roadblocks, make decisions about your manuscript, and keep moving forward when things get messy. They'll hold the line when you need a push and offer compassion, perspective, and practical solutions when the words just won't come.

The biggest difference? Book coaching is about developing the writer alongside the manuscript.

And that's the part I love most.

I see your dream, and I want to help you make it happen. I'll fight for you and with you. I'll hold space for the hard stuff, push when you need pushing, and back off when you need room to breathe.

Because sometimes the biggest obstacles we face as writers aren't on the page. They're the stories we're telling ourselves about what we're capable of.

Commercial (genre) fiction writers with a story they want to turn into a novel but need help figuring out how to tell it and often doubt their ability. 

I work with writers at every stage of their writing journey, from beginners to experienced novelists. But I especially enjoy working with newer writers who've discovered and are leaning into their creative side, often later in life, and are realizing that writing a compelling novel is a whole lot harder than they imagined.

Maybe you're buying up all the craft books, attending workshops and webinars, listening to probably far too many writing podcasts, and trying to figure out how to put everything you're learning into practice.

Maybe you can see the story so clearly in your head, but what ends up on the page doesn't match. Or just never gets there. Or you've been working on the same manuscript for years, wondering if you'll ever actually finish.

And somewhere along the way, you started questioning whether you're cut out for this whole novel-writing thing, but you really want to be.

If any of that sounds familiar, you and I have a lot in common.

Because that was me a decade ago, and I'd love to help you find your way forward!

I work with writers of young adult and adult commercial fiction, including speculative fiction, fantasy, soft science fiction, romance, women's fiction, mystery, suspense, and thrillers.

It’s a broad range! But here's the thing: while every genre has its own conventions, reader expectations, and storytelling challenges, the foundational principles of compelling fiction apply across the board.

My approach combines genre-specific craft knowledge with coaching that builds self-awareness, confidence, and trust in your creative instincts.

Learning to write a novel isn't just about understanding story structure, character development, or pacing. It's also about learning how you write, recognizing what's getting in your way, and building the skills and confidence to make informed creative decisions.

My goal is to help you become a stronger storyteller and develop a writing process you trust to achieve your novel-writing goals. 

We begin with an assessment of both the story you want to tell and you as the writer—your goals, obstacles (both external and internal), expectations, and the milestones we'll use to measure progress.

From there, we meet twice a month for an hour to discuss editorial feedback on your submitted work, troubleshoot story or writing-process challenges, and determine your next best steps.

Everything is organized in your personal coaching folder, where you'll find feedback, craft resources, your work-in-progress report, and other tools specific to you and your novel. Private coaching also includes unlimited email support between sessions, so you don't have to wait for our next call when you hit a snag or need guidance.

Throughout our work together, you'll periodically assess your own progress—not just how the manuscript is changing, but how you're growing as a writer. This helps us recognize what's working, identify where you're getting stuck, and understand how your writing process is evolving.

We laugh. We cry. We make progress. We finish books.

But the goal isn't only to finish this book. It's to help you become a stronger, more resilient writer who trusts yourself and your process—and is better equipped to write the next one.

Honest and kind. Always.

You don't need sugarcoating or smoke and mirrors. You need the truth wrapped in compassion, along with the tools and guidance to help you grow as a writer and strengthen your story.

My focus is on big-picture developmental feedback. I evaluate character development and characterization, story and scene structure, plot and emotional logic, theme, and worldbuilding.

I also look closely at cause and effect, conflict, tension, and pacing. Does the story have forward momentum? Do the characters' choices and actions make sense? Are the events of the narrative building toward a satisfying conclusion that delivers on the story's central point?

Most importantly, I help you understand what's working, what isn't, and why, so you can make informed creative decisions about how to strengthen your manuscript.

I'll also provide occasional line-level feedback on prose and style when there are specific craft issues worth addressing. However, my focus isn't on copyediting, proofreading, grammar, or spelling.

Well … sometimes years, sometimes less. It depends on the writer, their experience and skill level, and the complexity of the story they want to tell.

Generally speaking, a seasoned writer might spend six months drafting a novel, give or take. Revision often takes longer—sometimes another six to nine months, sometimes more, but sometimes less.

One of the benefits of working with a book coach is that you're receiving editorial feedback and guidance as you write. This helps you identify potential story problems early, strengthen your storytelling skills, and make more informed creative decisions along the way.

The result? You may end up with a much stronger first draft, one that requires less extensive revision than it otherwise would have. And because you're learning and applying new skills as you go, your writing will often become stronger and more efficient throughout the process.

Of course, how much time you can devote to writing also plays a significant role. Someone writing a few hours a week will have a different timeline than someone writing ten hours a week. And an epic fantasy with multiple POV characters and intricate worldbuilding is going to take far longer to develop than a category romance.

The goal isn't necessarily to write faster. It's to make meaningful progress, grow your skills, and develop a story you're proud of.

Only the bee's knees. :)

Author Accelerator offers a rigorous professional certification program for book coaches, with specialized training in story development, editorial assessment, and the skills needed to guide writers through the novel-writing process.

When I first got serious about writing fiction, I hired an Author Accelerator-trained book coach, and the experience was nothing short of transformative. It gave me confidence in my writing abilities, deepened my understanding of story craft, and helped me grow tremendously as a writer.

I believed in the process so much that I eventually pursued the certification myself.

The training didn't just make me a stronger writer and storyteller. It made me a better critique partner, beta reader, editor, and coach. It broadened my perspective, challenged my assumptions, and opened my eyes to new possibilities.

I'm incredibly grateful for everything I've learned through Author Accelerator and for the opportunity to pass those skills and insights along to the writers I work with.

IteLife happens. Plans change. And sometimes you need to step away from a project or discover that coaching isn't what you need right now. That's okay!

My drafting packages are month-to-month, so there's no long-term commitment or pressure to continue if you need a break or decide we're not the right fit. I just ask for fourteen days' notice if you'd like to pause or end our coaching relationship.

My revision package requires a four-month commitment, with the option to transition into ongoing monthly coaching afterward.

At the end of the day, I want you to do what's right for you and your writing. No guilt, no hard feelings.

I guarantee I'll show up for you. I'll fight for you to finish your book. I'll be real and honest. I'll challenge you when you need it and remind you of the growth you sometimes forget to acknowledge. I'll bring the best of my knowledge, experience, compassion, and empathy as you do this incredibly hard thing called writing a novel.

What I can't guarantee is literary or publishing success, no matter how much I believe you deserve it. The publishing industry is an unpredictable beast. So is writing a novel. Too many things are outside our control.

So no, I can't promise you a book deal or self-publishing success.

But if you're a writer intent on putting your story into the world, I promise to do my very best to help you make that happen.