As a book doula coach, I guide, inspire, empower, and support women in writing and publishing their books and stories.

There is a process to birthing our stories and books. Each stage has its own problems and challenges that can bog us down or stop us in our writing.

The Three Stages of Writing

In this phase, we are conceiving the idea for our book and determining what we want to write.

We may have many ideas that we’re shifting through to find the one speaking the loudest to us.

If we write fiction, maybe we write a scene, play with world building, or think about the characters and their interactions.

If we write nonfiction, we may examine how to solve a problem our clients are having or think through a process we teach. We might comb through our journals about an experience we’d like to share.

By the end of this stage, even if we’re “pantsers or discoverers” in how we write, we’ve come up with at least a basic plan of what we’re going to write.

This phase is perhaps the hardest. We have a plan, perhaps an outline, and now we have to put words on the page and write our story.

First time authors don’t realize just how difficult this process is. We imagine just sitting at our laptops and banging out the words.

More experienced authors know how hard this stage is! We become stuck, the muse abandons us, or life interrupts our creative flow.

Our manuscript needs refining and editing before it’s ready to be published (birthed).

We’ve finally written the manuscript. It’s edited, and now it’s ready to be sent out into the world.

We’re delighted with the thought of sharing our “baby.”

But we may become daunted by the indie (or self-publishing) process.

What do we do first?

How do we get our manuscript into the formats needed to publish on the various platforms?

Which distribution places are right for us?

Holding the printed book you’ve written in your hands for the first time is an amazing experience! It’s your baby that you’ve nurtured into something wonderful to share with the world.

We can try to work through the challenges of each stage on our own. Trust me, this can be a long, painful process as we try different things that might work. And if they don’t, we abandon our projects, and the world is a far poorer place.

Or we can seek help from someone who has gone through the process.

I’ve written and published both fiction and nonfiction books, and I can guide you through each stage.

I believe in you! You can write the story or book that is knocking (in some cases banging!) on your door.

The story in your heart and soul that wants to be birthed is meant for YOU to write it.

There is a divine purpose for why YOU were given the idea and are inspired to write it.

However, the Muse will only knock and wait for you for so long before She shares the idea and inspiration with someone who will act on it.

Don’t let that happen to you, especially when help is available to guide and encourage you through the process.

I’ve developed a program that will guide, inspire, and empower you in whichever stage you are in.

There are two tracks, one for fiction and one for nonfiction, as each type has its own challenges and needs.

The program is tailored to each individual author, as each one of us writes differently.

Some of us just need someone to believe in us and to have someone to talk to about our project. This ignites our creative flame, and we’ll move quickly through the process and stages.

Others are more methodical or thoughtful. They need time to think and ponder before putting words on the page, and they may take longer. Neither way is more righteous or better than the other.

We write the way we write, according to our Human Design and personality strengths. I honor your individuality as I work with your design and strengths to encourage, assist, support, and guide you in writing and publishing your fiction or nonfiction book.

In addition, because of my business background, we’ll talk about and work on your business plan and developing your author business.

As an author, you’ve created a business!

I’ll guide you through this process as part of the Book Doula Coaching program to help give you the best chance of succeeding.

If you are already in business, we’ll discuss how to integrate your book business with your current business plan if you have one. If you don’t have a business plan, we’ll work on creating one that incorporates all aspects of your business.

If you don’t already have a business, we’ll discuss what you need to set up a publishing company. If you desire, we’ll explore ways to expand what you can do around the topic of your book. Perhaps there is a course or program that you can offer.

During our introductory call, we’ll determine what phase you are in for your book or project, then we’ll work together to determine the right program for you.

Some people work better with someone setting a hard deadline for them, and snapping the whip (so to speak, and lovingly). Others, this kills their creativity. They need a more flowing, flexible schedule.

While other authors like having someone holding them accountable.

Together, we’ll discover the way that works best for YOU!

One way I do this is to help you work in alignment with your personality strengths (Clifton Strengths) and Human Design. During your program, we’ll incorporate your Human Design and your personality strengths to determine the best way for you to write productively, happily, and healthily.

How long it takes for you to plan and write your book depends on many factors, such as how fast you write and how much time you have to dedicate to your writing. Some authors can finish in 3-6 months, others take longer. It will usually take longer if this is your first book. My program takes this into consideration, allowing you to take as long—or as little—time you need based on your writing process, design, and strengths.

I use a combination of Zoom calls and asynchronous app called Volley. During your Zoom calls, we discuss where you are in your process and your next steps.

Adding Volley to my coaching programs allows you to ask questions as they arise or receive feedback as you need it rather than waiting for your next coaching session. And it gives me the opportunity to check-in with you between our calls.

Package Pricing

For those in the inception and gestation (writing) phases, I offer three packages. Each package can be renewed, as appropriate, for you to work through developing and writing your book based on your individual processes.

Indie Publishing Program

For those who have their book completed, or are in the Birth or Publishing stage, I offer a hands-on, guided Indie Publishing Program. In this program, we’ll work on preparing your manuscript for publication. We’ll determine which platforms and formats are right for you and your book. Once you’re ready, together we’ll set up your publishing accounts and upload your files. I’ll guide you every step of the way, showing you what you need to do to professionally Indie publish your book.

If you are a woman* who wants…

• To write the book in your heart the way YOU want to
• Support and loving encouragement to start, write, and publish your book
• Guidance and feedback
• To be empowered by having complete control over your intellectual property
• Doesn’t want someone to tell you what you can or can’t write, or how to write it

*I define a woman as anyone who identifies with being a woman, whether you were born as a woman, transgender, nonbinary, or fluid.

We are a Good Fit IF You Are

• Dedicated to your craft
• Willing to push through any writer’s block or struggles
• Willing to stay committed to your project
• Able to take and accept critical feedback
• Excited to work on their project with me
• Passionate about their stories and sharing their wisdom
• Desire to shine light to end the darkness of patriarchy
• Dedicated to empowering women

We are NOT a Good Fit IF You Write

• Christian fiction or nonfiction
• Hateful, racist, misogynist, anti-LBGQT+, white supremacist, etc.
• In these genres because I don’t know anything about them
  • Children’s books
  • Cookbooks
  • Men’s Fiction
  • Literature

I’m so excited to be doing this work with you, supporting and encouraging you to write and publish your stories and books!

You have such amazing wisdom, experiences, and stories to share with the world. I’ve found so much empowerment by independently publishing my books, and I want this for you as well.

I look forward to talking with you about your project with joyful anticipation! I can’t wait to hear about your project.

FAQs