Author coaching
Personalised guidance for every stage of your writing and publishing journey
Writing a book is challenging. Publishing it can feel even more overwhelming.
Whether you're struggling to finish a manuscript, preparing to query agents, considering self-publishing, or navigating the next stage of your writing career, I offer one-on-one coaching tailored to your goals.
As Head of Editorial at NAC Literary Agency and a traditionally published author, I've worked on more than 100 manuscripts and seen firsthand what helps writers move from draft to publication.
How coaching can help
Every author's journey is different.
Some clients come to me with a completed manuscript and want help securing literary representation. Others are still developing an idea and need accountability, structure, and guidance.
Coaching sessions can focus on:
• Manuscript development
• Plot, structure, and story planning
• Finishing a first draft
• Accountability and goal-setting
• Query letters and synopsis development
• Preparing submission packages
• Literary agent research and querying strategies
• Understanding traditional publishing
• Understanding self-publishing pathways
• Book positioning and marketability
• Author branding and long-term career planning
What coaching looks like
Every writer's journey is different, so coaching is tailored to your goals, experience level, and project.
Some clients book a single consultation to discuss publishing options or receive feedback on a query package. Others work with me over several months as they develop a manuscript, prepare submissions, or build a long-term writing career.
Examples of coaching clients include:
• A novelist sending chapters each week and receiving ongoing feedback on plot, pacing, character development, and structure.
• A short story writer developing work for literary journals, anthologies, and competitions, while receiving guidance on suitable submission opportunities.
• A poet seeking feedback on new work and support identifying appropriate journals, contests, and literary publications.
• An author preparing to query literary agents and needing help with revisions, opening pages, query letters, and synopsis development.
• A writer who wants accountability, deadlines, and regular check-ins to stay on track and finish a manuscript.
• A self-publishing author seeking guidance on publishing strategy, book positioning, and long-term career planning.
Whether you need a single strategy session or ongoing support throughout your writing journey, coaching can be tailored to your individual needs.
Who I work with
• Aspiring authors
• Debut novelists
• Memoirists and nonfiction writers
• Authors preparing to query agents
• Self-publishing authors
• Traditionally published authors seeking career guidance
• Writers looking for accountability and support
Whether you're writing your first book or building a long-term writing career, I provide practical guidance, honest feedback, and a clear path forward.
Getting an agent
Securing literary representation is more competitive than ever.
Many strong manuscripts are rejected not because they're poorly written, but because the query package isn't working, the manuscript isn't quite ready, or the author doesn't understand how the industry operates.
Having successfully secured representation with a leading US literary agency and prepared manuscripts for submission through NAC Literary Agency, I can help you:
• Evaluate whether your manuscript is query-ready
• Strengthen your opening pages
• Refine your query letter
• Develop a compelling synopsis
• Research appropriate agents
• Understand the submission process
• Navigate requests, revisions, and responses
Traditional publishing or self-publishing?
There is no single right publishing path.
Some books are better suited to traditional publication. Others thrive through independent publishing.
Together, we can explore:
• Traditional publishing opportunities
• Independent (indie) publishing options
• Hybrid approaches
• The advantages and challenges of each path
• Building realistic publishing goals
What you'll receive
Coaching is tailored to your individual needs and may include:
• One-on-one Zoom consultations
• Manuscript and chapter feedback
• Query and synopsis reviews
• Publishing strategy discussions
• Accountability check-ins
• Goal-setting and action plans
• Email follow-up notes and resources
6-month author mentorship
Unlike standalone coaching sessions, mentorship provides ongoing support over an extended period, allowing us to work together through multiple stages of your writing and publishing journey.
For writers seeking deeper support and accountability, I offer a limited number of long-term mentorship spaces each year.
This program is designed for authors who want ongoing guidance, accountability, and editorial support while developing a manuscript, preparing submissions, or building a sustainable writing career.
Depending on your goals, mentorship may include:
• Regular Zoom coaching sessions
• Ongoing chapter and manuscript feedback
• Accountability and deadline support
• Query and submission guidance
• Literary journal and contest recommendations
• Publishing and career strategy
• Email support between sessions
Please contact me for availability and pricing.
What clients say
Jessie Cal, USA Today bestselling author
Memories Lost (Romantic Suspense)
"I am so grateful for Bella's expert eyes on my manuscript. She not only pointed out basic errors but also made me think about why I had made the choices I had made. Her editorial help has made me a better writer."
Katia Rose
Latte Girl and Your Rhythm (Romance)
"Bella's critiques have been professional, trustworthy, and immensely helpful to me as an author. She delivers concise and actionable feedback that goes beyond simply 'liking' or 'not liking' elements of a story; her suggestions are all thoroughly explained and easy to incorporate into the editing process. I'd highly recommend her to any author looking for honest and encouraging insight on their work."
Fees
Tailored to your goals and project needs, coaching is available as single sessions or ongoing packages.
Please get in touch for current coaching rates and package options.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you're finishing a manuscript, preparing to query agents, exploring publishing options, or building a sustainable writing career, I'd love to help.
Book a free 20-minute consultation or request a 3-page sample edit.
Questions?