Why might you need a book coach?
Ever heard someone say, ‘I’m thinking of writing a book. It can’t be that hard’? Countless unfinished manuscripts languish in bottom drawers because their creator just hadn’t anticipated quite how hard it actually is. First, there’s having a great idea for a book. Then there’s knowing how to tell the story. And then there’s actually showing up at the page each day until it’s done.
I can tell you’re different. Because you’re here reading this. Which means you’re serious about writing your book.
But perhaps you’re stuck. Or bored. You might have lots of great material but can’t find the best framework to bring it all together. Maybe you feel your book is almost ready to start approaching agents but would love a fresh pair of eyes on it first. Perhaps you’re just tired of doing it all alone and could do with a cheerleader. Enter: the book coach.
A book coach is a cross between a mentor, a friend and an editor. They are someone to spark ideas off, to puzzle through a problem with and to ask for expert guidance. If you’re struggling to pin down your story, want advice on honing the narrative or need help writing a cracking book proposal that will get the attention of agents and publishers, I can help.
How you’ll benefit
With me on your side you’ll build confidence and refine your writing skills
Your book will have the best chance of success in a busy, competitive market
Whether you’re just starting out or need help writing a book proposal to submit to agents, you’ll benefit from my wide experience as an author and coach working with a range of writers
You will enjoy gentle encouragement, support at every stage and accountability (there’s nothing like a deadline, or knowing someone is waiting to read your work, to focus the mind)
I will help you find your voice and get words on the page
I share my in-depth personal experience of the publishing process, from agent submission to final copy edit, and working on marketing strategies once the book is out
I understand how hard it can be to tell difficult stories. I know all about imposter syndrome. I have wrestled with the terror of the blank page. And I know how to get you to the other side - the side where you’ve finished writing your book and you’re ready to send it out into the world.
“Lulah Ellender brings bag loads of energy to the class. I can almost see her shrugging a shoulder and saying, ‘Why not, give it a go?’ to yet another idea. But it’s not a wild, go out there and do anything you like type of ‘give it a go’, it’s uttered from an experienced writer who encourages you to experiment and play around then create out of the jumble of words thrown down. She brings fun to the work and a lot of her own story about being a writer. Why she writes, what she writes and how she plans and writes.”
Ready to get serious (but not too serious) about your writing?
“I was going round in circles with my writing and reached out to Lulah for guidance. She got to grips with my project really quickly and did a super job consistent with my brief. She’s professional, easy to work with and with her experience and diverse skills set, can offer a tailored approach to projects. I’d highly recommend to anyone with writing projects ”
Book coaching packages
I offer a range of book coaching packages tailored to different stages of your writing journey. Click on each one below to find out more.
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Do you have a brilliant idea for a memoir or non-fiction book but no idea how to get going? Have you started writing but found things are stalling? This is where it gets exciting. And real.
This is where your writing journey starts.
I will help you nail down what you’re trying to say and why it matters. We’ll figure out why you’re the only person who can write this book, and experiment with different ways to structure your narrative.
We will explore different techniques, tools and prompts to get your creative juices - and the words - flowing. We will work out the themes you want to explore, connect them to motifs and symbols, and examine how objects and place could be part of your story.
Imagine you’re setting sail on a new adventure. You’ve got your shiny new ship (your laptop or notebook) and trusty crew (your words) and enough supplies to last the trip (the books and ideas that feed your spirit). Would you set off without a map? I don’t think so. It’s the same for writing a book. I’ll be your literary cartographer, helping you chart a course through the choppy waters of creative non-fiction or memoir, until you reach the… Ok, enough with the seafaring metaphor. You get the idea.
Writing a memoir can be challenging. There are often difficult events or complicated relationships that need unpicking and transposing into prose. I can help you write your truth and tell your story.
WHAT YOU’LL GET
A set of questions to tease out your goals and find the beating heart of your story
A one-to-one Zoom call to develop a compelling structure and define your narrative
Written feedback on a synopsis or outline
Written feedback on your first 50 pages
Investment:
£450
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Tired of slogging away at the keyboard alone? Hit a writing roadblock and need some help finding a way around?
I honestly believe the main difference between published authors and those whose books don’t get picked up is quite simply that the former just kept going. But it’s hard to do it alone.
Perhaps you’ve been working on your book for years and can’t seem to finish it. Or maybe you’re just starting out and want someone to keep you on track.
Sign up for my mentoring package and enjoy ongoing support - whatever stage you’re at. I will be your cheerleader, guide and inner-critic-banisher, all rolled into one.
You’ll have your own personal writing mentor to help you develop your voice, get the ideas out of your head and onto the page, and most importantly to rekindle the joy in writing.
Want a writing mentor on tap?
WHAT YOU’LL GET
Weekly Zoom calls
Email support whenever you need it
Deadlines to keep you accountable and writing regularly
Monthly line edits and written feedback on your work
Help with developing an author profile and platform
Advice and insights into finding an agent, writing a proposal and navigating the publishing process
Investment: £1000 per month
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Written your book but would like some feedback from an experienced, encouraging fellow writer? Or maybe you’d like someone to check the first sections of your draft before you get too deep into the writing process?
Sign up for my manuscript feedback package and get detailed line edits, PLUS a written report on your manuscript.
I will focus on the overall structure as well as the line-by-line language and pacing. Using tracked changes and comments in the manuscript I’ll make suggestions for improvements and point out areas that could do with expansion or cuts.
I’ll also send a comprehensive report detailing the main strengths, potential and possible revisions to give your book the best chance of success.
Prices:
Up to 50 manuscript pages (double spaced, 12 size font) - £200
Up to 100pp - £270
Up or 150pp - £300
Up to 200pp - £340
Up to 250pp - £380
Up to 300pp - £440
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If you have three finished chapters of a non-fiction book or memoir and you want to find an agent, this package is for you.
Together we’ll create a killer book proposal that agents will be compelled to read.
I will help you write a love letter to your book that will win over agents, editors and marketing folk.
We will define the beating heart of your story, show why you’re the best person to tell it, and why it needs to be in the world right now.
You will finish with a draft proposal that shows you’re serious about getting published.
WHAT YOU’LL GET
A set of questions to help clarify why you’re writing the book and how you want readers to feel when they’ve read it
A Zoom call with me to refine your narrative arc, tease out the structure and talk
Five workshops (via email) on writing a synopsis, query letter, chapter outline and marketing strategy
Written feedback on each segment of your proposal
A final Zoom call on how to find the perfect agent and the next stages in the publishing process
Investment: £750
it’s time to take the plunge
“I only just realised the true value of what Lulah did with my book - apart from the excellent advice re content, editing etc, the book has also been my emotional repository.
And the questions she asked throughout were just pure insight and counselling and have helped moved things into a much better place at last.
I hope one day it gets published. But the real value has been in the journey, and Lulah was very much a part of that.”
If you’d like to discuss a bespoke package of support, get in touch..