ABOUT ME
I work with socially conscious writers who want to share what they know in compelling, human-centred books that make a difference.
I love helping authors develop and organize their ideas, fine tune their message, and harness the power of storytelling to craft a powerful narrative.
For three decades, I worked as a journalist, editor, and writer. As a reporter, my focus was always on highlighting human stories. I've covered conflicts, refugee crises, political upheaval, social issues, and natural disasters.
I immersed myself in different cultures and witnessed amazing human resilience, particularly early in my career when I was a humanitarian worker in the Middle East. Over the years, I've also consulted for non-profit organizations, international institutions, and academic bodies as a writer, editor and strategist.
As a book coach, I mentor and support nonfiction and memoir authors as they navigate the challenging process of turning the story in their mind into a book that readers need. Under a calm exterior, I’m a passionate advocate for books, their authors and the impact they make on the world.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a book coach?
A book coach is a mentor and a sounding board who provides editorial feedback and encouragement as you shape your book and find your voice.
I work with socially conscious nonfiction and memoir authors, supporting them as they transform their ideas into a marketable book concept, develop an outline, prepare a proposal, and navigate the writing process.
My role is to ask questions to help you clarify your message, identify your target reader, and craft a compelling narrative. You will still have to work hard, but I'll guide and support you through the process. I'll keep you accountable and provide honest and constructive feedback along the way.
Why do I need to plan my book? I’m ready to start writing right away
Do get started if you feel confident about your book concept. Keep in mind, however, that nonfiction book projects are usually sold to agents and publishers on the basis of a proposal – a comprehensive business case for your book that includes several components, including a marketing plan and an audience analysis.
Having a polished proposal gives you a better chance of getting your book traditionally published. Even if you do not seek an agent or publisher, identifying your target reader, clarifying your message and structuring your book before you start writing your manuscript will save you time and energy.
As an author myself, I also know that writers can get so involved in their material that they lose the reader’s perspective. This is why I enjoy my role as a mentor and sounding board. I engage in an intense collaborative process with my clients and their projects but maintain an outsider’s perspective.
If you want to find out more about The Benefits of Investing in a Book Coach, check out this blog post by Jennie Nash, founder of Author Accelerator.
Can you guarantee that my book will be published?
I can offer no such guarantee – nor can any other book coach. Many factors influence an agent or a publisher’s decision to sign up an author and these evolve constantly. What I can say is that I will support you and work hard to give your book the best chance of success. It is important to keep in mind that traditional publishing is not the only path to release your book into the world. A growing number of authors opt for hybrid publishing or self-publishing, which give them a greater degree of control over their work.
What are your credentials as a book coach?
I earned my certification as a nonfiction and memoir book coach from Author Accelerator, an organization that trains book coaches to high standards. My coaching is based on the methods and tools developed by Jennie Nash, the founder of Author Accelerator. It is also informed by the skills I developed during my long career as a journalist, editor, and writer.
As an Author Accelerator certified book coach, I am qualified to coach writers using Author Accelerator's strategy, methods, and materials. However, I operate independently of Author Accelerator and am not affiliated with them