Book Coaching

Your writing practice is as unique as your voice. A book coach can help you enhance both.

Whether you’re looking to geek out about (or inject some magic into) your writing practice, resolve a tricky plot problem in your novel, or ensure the structure of your nonfiction book is solid, working with a book coach will put you on the right track.

We’ll collaborate to find untapped wells of inspiration and customize a writing plan that fits your life, your book, and your goals.

Explore the options below to see how we can work together.

Get Unstuck Session

I get it—sometimes, you just need somebody to talk to about writing. Maybe you’re dealing with writer’s block or a wonky schedule and need suggestions for shaking the words loose when the world is getting in the way. Perhaps you have the seed of a nonfiction book, and you’re craving a gut check—will this idea work? Or maybe your characters aren’t behaving, and you have no clue how to get your novel back on track.

Whatever it is, let’s talk. A Get Unstuck Session provides you with an hour of my undivided attention and all my accumulated writing process and publishing expertise.

What You Get

One 60-minute coaching session
A recording of the session
Follow-up notes and recommendations from me

$250

1:1 Coaching

Writing a book is a major undertaking, and you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll be in your corner as you write, and we’ll be laser-focused on two key components: your writing practice and your command of the craft. I’ll give you extensive feedback so you make real progress and sharpen your writing.

For nonfiction, we’ll ensure your book employs compelling storytelling strategies and a structure that keeps readers turning the page. For novels, we’ll focus on character, story arc, and essential plot beats.

1:1 Coaching offers the structure you need to reach your most ambitious writing goals.

What You Get

2 hours of monthly coaching sessions
In-depth feedback on your draft
Summary comments, recommendations, and resources

$1,200/month

(1:1 Coaching has a minimum three-month commitment, and we can work together until your book is done.)

“Bailey is the consummate professional. She provided clear, concise, and informative feedback. It takes a keen and sensitive eye to catch all the discrepancies and an avid lover of words to really grasp the heart of your intention. Bailey did all this and more.”
—Rey H., Science Fiction Author.

Manuscript Review

You’ve completed a draft of your book. Congratulations! But, you’re probably wondering, is it ready yet? Should you send it to agents and publishers, or does it need polishing? Start with a Manuscript Review.

During this process, you’ll receive a detailed assessment of your book (without direct edits—there’s no red pen here!). I’ll read your book with a critical, publishing-focused eye to show you what’s working and what still needs work.

If you’ve written a nonfiction book, I’ll assess its structure, style, argument, and usefulness to your future readers. If you’ve written a novel, I’ll provide feedback on characters, story structure, pacing, dialogue, and key plot points.

A Manuscript Review sets you up to revise with confidence and move your book to the next stage of the publishing process.

What You Get

Detailed in-line feedback and commentary
A manuscript review letter with specific recommendations
One 30-minute post-review meeting

$3,500

(Up to 100K words; completed manuscripts only. Allow 4 weeks to receive feedback.)

Book Proposal (Nonfiction)

You know you have a solid idea for a nonfiction book (or even a complete draft), and you’re ready to send it out for consideration. Then the questions start: How do you write a book proposal? What do you need to include? Who do you send it to?

There’s no need to panic—I’ve got you covered. Together, we’ll develop a business case for your book. That means writing a clear and compelling outline, researching comparable titles, gathering a list of best-fit agents and publishers, and creating a marketing plan that shows you’re ready to sell your book to an excited audience. I’ll also work with you to ensure your sample chapters shine.

What You Get

A flexible, customizable bank of proposal materials
A list of relevant agents and publishers
In-depth feedback on up to two sample chapters

$4,500

(Allow 8-10 weeks for proposal development.)

“Almost immediately, I was excited about my writing again. It felt different approaching my writing sessions knowing that I am not the only one engaged in them, that someone else also cares and is there for support. I started a daily writing streak that is now 40 days and going strong, and I went from 31K words to over 63K words.”
—Milena Velez, Children’s and YA Author.

Ghostwriting (Nonfiction)

You’re a thought leader, creative, or entrepreneur—and you have an idea for a book that will change people’s lives for the better. You have the expertise; you’ve done the research; your idea can walk the walk. What you don’t have is the time to write an entire book.

That’s where I come in. As a ghostwriter, I’ll step as fully into your shoes as possible, learning to tell your stories in your voice. You bring the idea; I bring the research, writing, and publishing experience. Together, we make a book you can be proud of.

We’ll collaborate throughout the process, from ideation to putting the finishing touches on the manuscript. Expect many touchpoints, opportunities to offer feedback, and deep conversations with me. I primarily work on educational, business-oriented books with a strong research component. Contact me to learn more about whether we’re a good fit.

$50,000+

(Ghostwriting a book typically takes 10-12 months.)

“Bailey provides thoughtful feedback that has helped me develop and more clearly present my ideas. I love working with an editor who feels aligned and shares my excitement about my project.”
—Dr. Jo Line, Assistant Professor of Sport Management, Coach, and Consultant.

Client Books

Book Coaching FAQs

What does a book coach do?▼

A book coach is part word witch, part writing teacher, and part cheerleader. I’ll draw on my background as a writing instructor and expert in the creative process to offer you incisive feedback on your drafts, helping you hone your style, enhance your writing practice, and tell the best possible story. I’ll be there as a source of external support (and accountability) through all the highs and lows of the writing process, pointing out paths you can take when the woods seem dark and perilous. My job isn’t to tell you what to do, but to support you in finding new ways to access the creative magic you already possess.

What’s your coaching style?▼

As comedian, writer, and musician Steve Martin said, “Some people have a way with words, and other people…not have way.” I have a way of helping people find their way with words. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing. That bedrock belief informs everything we’ll do together. I know a lot (like, a lot) about writing-related best practices and the publishing process—but you’re the expert on your life and needs. Together, we’ll collaborate on a customized writing practice that feels magical and supportive. When you arrive at our coaching sessions, whether a single meeting or one of many, you can expect me to be fully present and prepared with thoughts, questions, and suggestions. I will never uncap the dreaded red pen and tear your writing apart—but I’m not afraid to push you to do your best work. One of my gifts is seeing the potential in every writing project. I’ll help you find the stepping stones to turn that potential into reality.

How do I know what option is right for me?▼

If you have a completed manuscript and are eager to get to the next steps, check out the Manuscript Review and Book Proposal services. A Manuscript Review puts my eagle eye on your draft. A Book Proposal prepares you to tackle the traditional publishing process. If you’re starting a new book, feel stuck partway through a draft, or want help and feedback as you write, check out the Get Unstuck Session and 1:1 Coaching. Get Unstuck Sessions are great for breaking through specific story problems and generating project plans. 1:1 Coaching is ideal if you want long-term support. If you’re a thought leader, creative, or entrepreneur who’s bursting at the seams with an incredible nonfiction book idea and your schedule is bursting at the seams with prior commitments, let’s talk about Ghostwriting.

I know what I want help with—where do we start?▼

You can sign up for a Get Unstuck Session right from the link above. From there, you’ll get a series of emails that will collect the information I need and provide you with meeting options so we can get together at a time that works for your schedule. For 1:1 Coaching, Manuscript Review, Book Proposal, and Ghostwriting work, the first step is to schedule a free 30-minute meeting. We’ll discuss your book and needs in more detail and decide if we’re a good fit before moving forward.

What are your credentials?▼

I have a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Ohio University, a master’s degree in rhetoric and writing from the University of Findlay, and a PhD in rhetoric and writing studies from Bowling Green State University. (I liked school; what can I say?) I have designed and taught university writing courses, coached and judged for a state writing competition, written and published a book and multiple peer-reviewed academic articles, and completed a Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing. I launched The Writing Desk in 2021. Since then, I have coached and edited authors working on novels, nonfiction, and academic books. Authors I’ve supported have gone on to land traditional publishing contracts with major publishers and pursue self-publishing and hybrid publishing. I have ghostwritten multiple published nonfiction books on a range of topics. I read and write extensively on writing habits and practices, habit formation, and the publishing process. I regularly attend industry conferences and trainings to provide the best support and advice to the writers I coach.

Does book coaching guarantee my book will get published?▼

There is no guarantee that coaching will produce any specific level of success in your writing practices or provide a particular outcome, including publishing (sorry!). Numerous factors contribute to determining your publishing experience and results, and, as with any class, training experience, or coaching relationship, your results are determined in part by how you apply the material. When it comes to traditional publishing, luck is also a component! If I’d figured out how to control publishing’s luck of the draw, I’d be the world’s first gazillionaire.

I want to work with you, but I can’t afford it. What should I do?▼

My weekly newsletter, Word to the Wise, is 100% free—and I pack it full of practical writing advice and inspiring interviews with working writers. I also offer occasional low-cost writing challenges and other resources, which you can learn about in Word to the Wise!