About Jen Braaksma: Author, Book Coach & Memoir Ghostwriter

I’m Jen Braaksma, a writer, teacher and book coach in Ottawa, Canada. My debut YA fantasy novel Evangeline’s Heaven was published in 2022, and my  YA dystopian novel Amaranth was published in May 2024. My memoir Befriending Betsy with co-author Betsy Pauly was published in December 2025.

As an author, book coach and memoir ghostwriter with 20+ years experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of writers tell their stories.

Living My Passion

I have the word “passion” tattooed on my wrist—literally!

It’s my philosophy: to live my passion.

No surprise, then, that my passion is writing and reading and teaching.

I’ve always loved reading, but when I wrote my first story at age 8, I was blown away by my sense of excitement over what I had created.

Over time, I learned how to hone that creativity and then teach others to do the same. I’ve been writing, coaching and teaching for more than two decades, and what I love most about it is the incredible creativity I get to see with every new writer. I love helping them shape their stories into something they’re proud of.

Learn more about what I can do for you by clicking below.

Why I Became a Book Coach and Memoir Ghostwriter

Working with Writers Worldwide

I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of clients from countries all over the world on their own labours of love—including Canada, the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, Austria, Uganda, Tanzania and Thailand.

Writing is work, but it’s also incredibly exhilarating. I get to share all of that with you as your writing coach for new and experienced authors.

Combining Journalism, Coaching, and Writing

It made sense to offer my own writing skills to other people who also want their story told but may not have the

time, interest or patience to learn the necessary skills. As a memoir ghostwriter, I get to combine my training as a journalist, book coach and author to give people a voice they may otherwise not have.

Teaching Experience

I was also a high school English teacher, so I’ve had plenty of experience working with students of all levels and learning styles. I understand how to offer compassionate, constructive feedback.

I’ve Been Where You Are

When I wrote my own books I was filled with self-doubt. And I struggled to balance my day job, my roles as wife and mother of two daughters and my writing life—until I worked with my own book coach, Jennie Nash, founder of Author Accelerator.

She taught me how to get the job done and believe in my own work. I am living proof that hiring a book coach makes all the difference in the world.

Now I’m pleased to work with Jennie as a Certified Author Accelerator Book Coach, bringing that same transformative support to writers like you.

Ready to Tell Your Story?

Whether you need support writing your own book or you’d like me to write it for you, I’m here to help.

What Clients Say About Working Together

“In a far shorter time than I thought was possible, I just finished a first draft of my second novel with Jen. What began as an outline is now a solid story with all the moving parts in place. After struggling alone for years on my first book, going through this process with Jen has wildly exceeded my expectations. Because of her keen sense of story, her precise actionable notes, and her passion for writers and writing, I now understand what real collaboration feels like.”
~Susan Setteducato, Author, Luminous

“Jen wrote our late mother’s life story. Before we started, we were worried that we’d struggle without Mom’s input, but when we met with Jen, we were instantly convinced she was the right person to write this book for us. Jen is great at putting together stories from many contributors to create a complete, coherent picture. She’s compassionate about the harder topics and writes about them with delicacy and empathy. We’re amazed at how Jen has been able to tell our mom’s story without ever having met her. She’s really shown Mom as the kind, multi-faceted person she was. This book will be a treasure for our family for generations to come.”

~Terasa Perkins and Diana Perkins

Let’s Work Together

Ready to start your writing journey? Whether you’re looking for a book coach to guide you through your manuscript or a memoir ghostwriter to tell your story, I’d love to hear from you.