8 Steps to a Better Manuscript: What it looks like to start working with a book coach

I talk a lot about craft and motivation and mindset when it comes to writing. 

Today, I want to do something a little different. 

I want to walk you through the process of what it looks like to work with me.

Like the nitty gritty logistics of it. 

Step 1: Check out my website

Learn a little about me on my website. See what I offer. Compile a list of questions and concerns. If you already have done that or just want to jump in, skip ahead to Step 2! 

Step 2: Book a consultation

I do free 20-minute consultation calls with writers where we chat about your story, where you feel you may need support, answer questions, and generally get to know each other. 

It’s important that I understand your goals for your book and that you trust me as a person before handing over your heart’s work. 

I get it. 

You don’t want just anyone giving you their opinion. I want to make sure I’ve earned that trust before we begin. 

Step 3: Follow-up (this one’s me!)

After we chat, I’ll have a clearer understanding of what you want to learn or understand about your story as well as your goals for publication. I will send a follow-up based on where we left that consultation. That may be a quote for working together, some options for a possible future working relationship, or simply pointing you to additional resources. 

Step 4: Let’s get started!

If we both felt good and you agree with the proposed strategy I sent you, we’ll get to work! 

That entails: 

1. Signing the quote agreeing to the scope of work
2. Signing a contract that I countersign that includes all aspects of how we will work together, how to terminate that relationship if needed, who owns your work (you!), deadlines, invoicing dates, and all that other fun technical stuff to ensure we are both protected in our working relationship. 
3. Making a payment (how that breaks down will be project dependent)
4. Me sending you your first assignment for one-on-one coaching OR you sending me your manuscript for an evaluation. 

Step 5: The Work

This is where the magic happens! 

If we’re doing one-on-one coaching together, you will be working on your assignment. 

If I’m doing a manuscript evaluation, that means I’m reading. 

Either way, we’re taking a hard look at your manuscript and your process to see where adjustments can be made. 

Step 6: The Feedback

When you turn in your assignment or I finish reading your manuscript, I will send you in-document feedback as well as summary feedback (lots of this for an evaluation!). 

My intent with feedback is to be honest, fair, compassionate, clear, and kind. 

The goal is for you to learn and grow during this process. I will do my best to ensure that happens by pointing out where you are doing great and where there may be opportunities to focus on learning a new skill, finessing your story structure, fixing a plot hole, or more fully realizing a character. 

Step 7: The Call

Regardless of what type of project we’re working on, we will typically have a call after you receive your feedback. 

This is an opportunity to dig into issues you’re struggling with, brainstorm, and ask questions. I may offer additional resources or teach through a problem. It’s a safe place for conversation and growth. 

** If we’re working together on one-on-one coaching, we’ll repeat steps 5-7 depending on the scope of work we outlined to do together. ** 

Step 8: The Relief

This is usually where writers are relieved. Relieved because they have been seen and heard. Relieved to see all the amazing things they are doing in their manuscript already. Relieved to have a plan for moving their story forward. 

When writers complete their course of work with me, they typically leave energized and inspired and motivated in their writing. Here is what a few writers have had to say about working with me: 

I am so incredibly grateful for this time. You helped rekindle my enthusiasm for this story. Your insights about character motivations helped me anchor the heart and humor of the story. -Joanna Monahan

I’m no longer confused about which changes to make to the manuscript. I can do this revision! -Katelin Cummins

It is always such a pleasure working with Monica! She is encouraging, insightful, and full of interesting ideas. She has a way of looking at projects in a way that makes me view my own work differently and incites creativity. -Deonna Kay

Have more questions about the process? Ask in the comments. I am Happy to answer questions about the process or what the coaching relationship looks like (at least to me) to take the mystery out of getting editorial help. 

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If this kind of help sounds like something you’d be interested in, book that call! 

Reminder: I still have some Manuscript Spring Cleaning slots open for full and 50-page evaluations.