FAQ

Q: Is my manuscript ready to pitch?

This is the number one question writers ask me/ It can be hard for writers to answer that on their own because getting enough distance to truly evaluate if your story is reader-ready and if you’ve got a pitch that positions it can feel impossible.

But I don’t want you to go it alone. That’s why I created WKND Pitch Perfection. I have read nearly a thousand queries in my time as a Pitch Wars mentor and book coach, and I created a mini course that you can complete in a weekend that takes you step-by-step through everything I know about query-writing.

For less than the cost of a query review from your local writing conference, you can have life-time access to a self-paced course that will teach you how to write a pitch you can send out with confidence.

Learn more about WKND Pitch Perfection.

Q: Will my book be ready to pitch/publish after I work with you?

A: That depends. On the market. On your premise. On how much time you have to devote to learning craft and deep revision. On getting your pitch and pages into the right hands at the right time. I don’t have a crystal ball, and I cannot guarantee you’ll get the book deal of your dreams after working with me (no one can promise that). What I can promise is that I leverage two decades of writing experience with strong story and market knowledge, project management, and strategic planning to help you develop both your craft and your story smarts. And I will help you both assess where you are and what you still need to learn to take the next step in your writing journey.

Clients often describe working with me as a one-on-one customized MFA program. So even if the book we work on together isn’t the one, or you need a few more rounds of revision after we work on a revision plan, you will learn craft skills that will help you with both the next draft and the next book.

Q: What’s the difference between a developmental editor and a book coach?

A: A developmental editor will read your partial or full manuscript and make suggestions. These sometimes take the form of inline comments, an edit letter, or a call (or a combination of all three). But this service is usually what I call one-and-done–I read once and then you revise on your own.

A book coach (sometimes called a writing coach) takes a more hands-on approach. That means being part teacher, part editor, part project manager, part cheerleader. My coaching clients typically work with me for anywhere from three months to two years and beyond. If you hire me for one-on-one coaching, I can help you with everything from:

• helping you clarify your writing goals
• brainstorming a concept that will appeal to the current publishing industry
• holding you accountable so you can reach those goals
• supporting your writing journey
• step by step planning of your story or revision

For more information, my mentor, the amazing Jennie Nash, wrote a great post about Why Writers Hire Book Coaches.

Q: How do I know if you’re the right book coach or developmental editor for me?

A: Three questions: Are you a reader? Are you ready to dig deep? Are you in this for the long-haul? If you answered yes to these three questions, let’s talk about how I can help you with writing a book!

Your love of story, curiosity, enthusiasm for your work, and dedication matter a lot more to me than your knowledge of craft, your educational background, or how many books you’ve written. Your openness to feedback and collaboration is a bigger predictor of your success as a client than a fancy degree. I work with indie authors and traditionally published authors, with beginning authors, and multi-published award winners. If you want someone to hold your feet to the fire, to help you hone your craft, and provide accountability and support as you navigate the publishing industry, contact me about book coaching or a developmental edit today!

Q: What genres and age categories do you coach and edit?

Just like I hope my clients read broadly, I love to read a variety of age categories and genres. Speculative fiction (especially fantasy and sci-fi) is my sweet spot across all age categories. I hold a special place in my heart for nerdy books, underdogs, dragons, lyrical writing (including verse), genre-bending, and stories of kick-ass girls and women.

I also love narrative nonfiction about environmental or social justice in the kidlit world. And any memoir that deals with women’s empowerment, writing, or recovering from trauma would be a great fit for me. I can coach you through the book proposal process and help you determine what platform building activities will help you bring your memoir out into the world with a splash.

Here are a few more specifics…

Please reach out to talk about:

• Fantasy of all stripes in all age categories
• Sci-Fi of all stripes in the kidlit space, dystopian/alt-history/post-apoc in the adult space
• Horror (MG only–I’m a bit of a fraidy-cat)
• Memoir dealing with trauma recovery, writing, or women’s empowerment/social or environmental justice
• Contemporary in all age categories, but especially high-concept/literary
• Historical, alt-historical, and historical fantasy in all age categories
• Novels or memoirs in verse
• Short story/essay collections or anthologies
• YA romance

But I’m not the best fit for:

• Thriller
• Mysteries (mystery subplots, especially in the speculative genres, are fine!)
• Detective novels
• YA/Adult Horror
• Adult Sci-Fi dealing with hackers, epic battles, or military themes
• Adult narrative nonfiction/self-help
• Adult romance (I love it, but it’s what I read for fun, so I can’t work on it! Again, romantic subplots are fine.)

If your work is on my “not the best fit for list,” don’t despair! Ask me for a referral. I know a lot of fabulous coaches who take these genres!

Q: How many revisions will it take for my book to be finished?

A: There is no one answer to this question other than it takes as many revisions as it takes and it’s different for each book and each writer. However, Author Accelerator’s Hierarchy of Editorial Concerns can give you some guidance:

Most beginning and intermediate writers spend several drafts or perhaps even several books mastering the base level of the pyramid. Only once that base level is mastered can additional rounds of revision move you through the higher levels of the pyramid. That’s why, for example, it doesn’t make sense to hire a copyeditor (top of the pyramid), or even a line editor (second and third from the top of the pyramid), before you know your story is structurally sound.

Some intermediate to advanced writers can tackle the base level of the pyramid over the course of one or more revisions without professional help. They may still benefit from support with prewriting/planning activities and with the accountability and support that comes with one-on-one book coaching. But it may still take two or more revisions to make it through the middle levels of the pyramid, and a line edit/copyedit will still be required before publication. This service is provided by your publisher, or for indie-published authors, outsourced to freelancers or a packaging service.

Very rarely will an author nail all the elements of the base pyramid on the first draft unless detailed outlining is part of the process. So even with a coach’s help, it’s realistic to expect 2-3 revisions. Sometimes more.

Q: How can I connect with you?

A: I post regularly about a variety of writing life topics on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn). But I also blog on Medium and you can subscribe to my monthly newsletter for free tips, exercises, and other special opportunities.

Q: What book coaching and developmental editing services do you offer?

A: You can see a list of the packages I have available on my book coaching services page.

Q: What craft resources do you recommend?

A: The best way to level up your writing craft is to read as much as possible. That means reading widely (not just in your preferred genre/age category) and consuming other story formats from films to televisions to plays to short stories, comics, and graphic novels. But if you’re looking for great resources on the craft of writing, I love:

• Story Genius by Lisa Cron
• The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass
• The Magic Words by Cheryl Klein

There are also many helpful blogs, podcasts, webinars, and magazines with excellent craft information.

Have you every book and listened to every podcast, but are still struggling? See “What is a book coach?” above–maybe book coaching is for you!

I also have a weekly email newsletter full of tips and inspiration. Subscribe today!

Q: What is working with a book coach like?

My clients often describe working with me as a one-on-one MFA because of my deep knowledge of craft and the publishing industry. For more information about what my clients have to say about working with me, check out my testimonials page.

Q: What books have you worked on?

The publishing industry is notoriously slow, so many of my clients’ published books are not out in the world yet. But some of them are, including the following:

Out Now!

Jane Warren’s debut, How to Be a Goldfish, is the story of two young strangers who form an unlikely alliance to help an old farmer, and along the way uncover a forty-year-old secret that will change both of their lives forever.

Turtles of the Midnight Moon, by Honduran American debut author, María José Fitzgerald, is a middle-grade eco-mystery with magical elements, set in Honduras. The story follows Barana and Abby, who reluctantly come together to solve a sea turtle egg poaching mystery plaguing Barana’s coastal village, and learn the true meaning of friendship, courage, and community.

Coming Soon!

Client Suzette Mullen’s memoir The Only Way Through Is Out, will be published in January 2024 by the University of Wisconsin Press. This lovely story is the perfect mix of women’s empowerment and inspiration—I loved every minute of helping shepherd it into the world.

Q: Where can I read some of your writing?

I have links to many of my nonfiction articles and blog posts on the writing life on the Books, Essays, and Stories page. But also check out my latest stories in Villains & Vengeance, a Sirens Benefit Anthology from Astres Press and Beyond the Latch and Lever, an adult speculative fiction anthology from Glimma Publishing.

I also have a monthly email newsletter full of tips and inspiration. Subscribe today!

Q: How do I sign up to work with you as a book coach or developmental editor?

A: I typically book developmental editor read-throughs and book coaching clients anywhere from 4-12 weeks in advance, depending on the season. So the sooner you let me know about your project, the better. Use the Contact Julie form under Get in Touch to send me a secure email. I typically respond within 1-2 business days. 

Q: How do I find a critique partner?

A: I’ve got you covered! Check out the free critique partner matching service I run three times a year: CP Meet Cute.

Q: How can I read books all day and get paid for it?

If you’re obsessed with story and think you have what it takes to help others write their books, consider becoming a book coach. It’s the best job I’ve ever had and the only thing I like to do as much as writing! My friend and mentor, Jennie Nash, can help you on your journey. Check out her book, Read Books All Day & Get Paid For It. Or visit bookcoaches.com today to learn how you can become an Author Accelerator certified book coach in fiction or nonfiction.

Q: Do you accept credit cards?

A: You asked and I answered. As of fall 2019, I now accept all major credit cards and EFT via Stripe. I also accept payment via the Cash app, PayPal, and Venmo. 

Q: Can I get an invoice for my tax records?

A: Absolutely. I provide all my clients with a PDF invoice with my name and contact details, the date of service, and the price of service.

Q: Do you use a written contract?

A: Yes. I use 17 hats for digital contract management and invoicing. When I provide a quote for services of a book coach or developmental editor, you will have the chance to review my contract and terms of service and ask questions as they arise.

Q: Would you give me the fine print on working with a book coach or developmental editor, please?

A: Sure, here are my terms of service:

• Scheduling​ – Clients schedule all calls through 17hats. We’ll use Zoom for calls unless different arrangements are made in advance. 
• Appointment Changes​ – Clients can change their appointment time through 17hats based on Julie’s schedule and availability. 
• Default Manuscript Format – Julie provides all edits in Microsoft Word and all submissions must be formatted in standard manuscript format (12pt Times, double-spaced, first line indent, 1” margins).
• Deadline Policy​ – Deadlines are the responsibility of the client. If a clients misses a submission deadline, the client may need to wait until the following week to receive feedback depending on Julie’s schedule and availability. If a client misses both a deadline and call without advanced notice, the deadline may be forfeited. 
• Termination Policy​ – If a client misses two deadlines, the package may be terminated by Julie at her discretion with no refund granted for the missed deadlines. Reinstatement via the purchase of a new package is also at Julie’s discretion and the new start date is decided based on Julie’s schedule and availability. 
• Business Hours – Julie keeps regular Monday – Friday business hours with the exception of public holidays and vacations. She does not check email after hours or on weekends and rarely schedules calls during evenings or weekends. 
• Cancellation Policy ​– Julie bills by the word for editing and bills for coaching in four-deadline installments. Packages are non-refundable once payment has been made. But you can cancel upcoming coaching sessions by giving 30-day notice via email.
• Deferment Policy – Life situations happen that are beyond our control. Please notify Julie as soon as possible if you need to defer the remainder of your package for a short period of time. Julie will propose a solution that is equitable. The re-start date will be at such time when the client can resume and when Julie has room in her schedule. Plans cannot be deferred longer than three months once payment has been made. If more than three months passes, Client must enter into a new agreement in order to continue coaching with Julie.