Professional Book Coach: Get Help Writing a Book You’re Proud Of
If you write, you ARE a writer! As a book coach and book writing coach, I’m here to provide expert help writing a book—whether you’re working on a novel (any genre!) or a memoir. My book coaching services guide you through the entire writing process, from your first outline to your final draft. As a memoir writing coach and novel writing coach, I’ve helped hundreds of writers finish their manuscripts and feel confident in their work.
Unlike writing courses or workshops, I’m with you for the long haul. As your book coach, I’m your editor, your project manager, your emotional support, your expert, and your passionate cheerleader. I know your struggles because I’m a writer too—I’ve been there, stopping and starting and stalling for years. Writing is hard. But you can do it, especially when you work one-on-one with a book writing coach who understands the journey.
Need someone to write your story for you?
Why Work with a Book Coach?
You’re Not Alone in the Writing Process
As your book coach, I’m with you the whole way.
Unlike writing courses, workshops or conferences, I’m in this writing life with you for the long haul. I don’t just teach you the individual skills you need to write a book and then leave you to muddle through on your own—I guide you through the whole, long, challenging journey.
I lead you through the writing process (wherever you’re at in it), I keep you accountable so you finish a complete draft, and I’m always in your corner. You have the security of knowing that you have an expert and cheerleader on your side.
You’ll come away from our collaboration with confidence that you can write, the skills and discipline to write and, most importantly, a finished draft of your manuscript that’s proof you did write.
How I Can Help Writing a Book
No matter what stage of the writing process you’re at, whether you’re writing middle-grade, young adult or adult fiction, whether you’re writing literary fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, mysteries, thrillers or any other genre, I’m there for you!
For Writers Just Starting Out
You want help writing a book but don’t know where to begin
- A writer who has never written before and wants to start a novel or memoir
- You’ll learn how, step-by-step.
- A writer who wants to start a new book.
- You’ll get creative feedback to ensure you’re on the right track.
As a memoir writing coach and novel writing coach, I’ll help you build a solid foundation for your story.
For Writers in the Middle of Their Manuscript
You’re stuck and need a book writing coach to keep you moving forward
- A writer in the middle of a draft who needs accountability
- You’ll get customized time management and regular deadlines
- A writer who wants ongoing feedback as they write
- You’ll get expert guidance to ensure you stay on track
For Writers Who Have Finished a Draft
You need expert eyes on your completed manuscript
A writer who is done writing and needs professional feedback
- You’ll get an expert manuscript evaluation
A writer ready for revisions
You’ll get guidance on how to strengthen your story
Book Coaching Services and Packages
GETTING STARTED – Foundation Package For Writers Just Beginning Their Book
Package: $500-$700
Perfect if you’re looking for help writing a book and need to establish a strong foundation.
What’s Included:
Understand the fundamental story elements of your novel or memoir
- Create a two-tier Inside Outline
- Plan going forward
- On-going email support
- Four weekly deadlines (one month) and one 30-minute wrap-up phone call
Flexible and accelerated packages available; please contact me for details.
ALL-IN MONTHLY COACHING Ongoing Support from Your Book Writing Coach
Package: $500-$700/month
For writers who have completed the Foundation Package OR for writers needing support for revisions AND who can benefit from more flexibility.
What’s Included:
TWO deadlines/month where you can submit up to 25 pages each (up to 50 pages/month)
ONE 30-minute phone call/month
On-going email support
Helping you keep up your morale!
Depending on the progress of the writer, a full first draft could be completed in approximately six months. Flexible and accelerated packages available; please contact me for details.
MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION Expert Review from an Experienced Book Coach
Package: approx $7/page (standard manuscript format: Times/Times New Roman, 12 pt font, double- spaced, one-inch margins)
For writers who have a COMPLETED MANUSCRIPT (Memoir or fiction of any genre. Age range: MG, YA, adult)
Not yet ready for a developmental edit? Consider a more cost-effective, high-level assessment, where I read through your whole manuscript and offer a comprehensive 7-10 page evaluation letter detailing big-picture elements similar to a developmental edit including structure, characterization, narrative, point of view, transitions, writing style and genre expectations. No inline edits or comments, but the letter will include examples of what’s working well, what can be improved and specific suggestions for improvement.
FREE Sample Evaluation: Feel free to send me your first five pages for a FREE evaluation: Email me a Word document of the first five pages of your manuscript in standard manuscript format (Times/Times New Roman, 12 pt font, double-spaced, one-inch margins). I’ll offer you initial feedback in an email (no inline comments).
Next Steps After Manuscript Evaluation
You’re not alone in your revisions!
OPTION 1: As the most cost-effective option, we work together as you revise your story with one of my monthly coaching packages to ensure you stay on track.
Price: $500-$700/month
OPTION 2: The most high-touch value, I implement your edits and revisions for you, ensuring I consult with you every step of the way.
Specific price will be determined and agreed upon before any commitment on your part.
What Makes My Book Coaching Services Different
1. Expert Technical Advice
I know how to put a story together to keep readers engaged and interested. As your book coach, you’ll get value from my professional feedback, comments, advice and suggestions to ensure you’re writing the best book you can write.
2. Accountability
I’m like the friend you’re taking to the gym! When your book can easily get shunted aside, I can help make it a priority.
As a book coaching client, you get customizable submission deadlines; we work together to fit writing into your life. It’s much easier to write when you know someone is eager to read your pages. That someone is me.
3. Emotional Support
My superpower is empathy! Just because we know writing is hard doesn’t mean our uncertainties and frustrations and imposter-syndrome symptoms immediately vanish. I know, because I’m one of you!
As a book coaching client, that’s why I’m there for you for all your messy, complicated emotions—the good, the bad and the ugly.
What Writers Say About Working with a Book Coach
“Jen possesses an exceptional storytelling instinct, offering invaluable perspectives where writers, often too immersed in their own work, might falter. Her skilled eyes have helped me refine and elevate my novel, ensuring its fullest potential. Her guidance has been indispensable in helping me see and correct the flaws in my work.”
~Aaron Isaacson
“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
“Working with Jen Braaksma has helped my writing immensely. I love her supportive style, clear feedback, and quick turnaround of edits. She effortlessly teaches the art of storytelling. Her process has me on track to finish my novel in under 9 months. I highly recommend her.”
~Shannon Connery
“Before I met Jen, I spent two years trying to write a rough draft for my memoir, but I kept getting stuck. Since I started working with Jen I have been able to finally complete my first draft and create a structure for my second draft while working at a pace that is convenient for me. Jen’s easy demeanour and helpful feedback have made working with her a joy. She has helped me to go deeper into my writing with a confidence and excitement that I didn’t have when I tried to do it on my own.”
~Wendy B.
Not Sure If You Need a Book Coach or Ghostwriter?
Some writers aren’t sure whether they want to write their book themselves with guidance or have someone else write it for them. Here’s how to decide:
Choose book coaching services if:
You want to write your own memoir or novel
You enjoy the writing process
You want to develop your writing skills
You need accountability, feedback, and support as you write
You want the satisfaction of completing your own manuscript
Choose ghostwriting if:
You don’t enjoy writing or don’t have writing experience
You’re too busy to dedicate months or years to writing
You want a professional to handle the entire writing process
You prefer to share your story through interviews rather than writing
Book Coaching Services
While I’m based in Ottawa, Canada, my book coaching services are available to writers anywhere. Whether you’re searching for a “book writing coach near me” or you’re comfortable working remotely, I work with clients throughout Canada, the United States, and internationally.
Remote coaching means:
Flexible scheduling across time zones
Work from the comfort of your own home
Access to expert guidance no matter where you live
Ready to Start Your Book?
As an experienced book coach and book writing coach, I’m here to provide the help writing a book you need— whether you’re working on a memoir or a novel. My book coaching services are designed to support you from outline to finished manuscript.
Want someone to write your memoir for you instead? Explore ghostwriting services.