Author | Book Coach
Book Coaching Options
Memoir | Creative and Prescriptive Nonfiction
It's time to stop throwing story spaghetti at the wall.
You have insights and expertise to share, but…
All that knowledge and experience can feel overwhelming. How do you know where to start, how to end, and what to include in between?
Planning a whole book can seem daunting, especially when you're not sure how to organize your thoughts.
Do you feel like you have a book inside you, but you’re…
worried your idea isn’t strong enough?
unsure where to even begin?
stressed because the idea of planning—and writing—a book feels intimidating?
overwhelmed because you have so much to share but don’t know how to put it into words?
struggling to organize your notes, ideas, or the various drafts you’ve started?
If so, let’s talk.
It doesn’t have to be so hard…
With the right guidance and support, you can plan your book with confidence and save yourself time and frustration.
You don’t have to start from scratch and hope it all comes together.
You don’t need to waste months or even years trying to piece it all together on your own.
You can gain clarity from the beginning, allowing you to move forward with purpose.
You don’t have to wrestle with fitting your memoir—whether it’s coming-of-age, transformational, or experiential—into a structure that feels right.
You don’t have to struggle with one-size-fits-all advice that doesn't resonate with your unique story.
There’s a more intentional, less stressful way to plan your book, and it’s closer than you think.
And that path to focus is closer than you might think.
Imagine…
Having a clear vision for your entire book, one that gives you direction while still allowing flexibility for changes as you go.
Knowing exactly where your book begins and ends so you can confidently draft your memoir or develop your nonfiction proposal.
Feeling confident about your idea, with a clear sense of what to include, the timeline, or chapters so you can keep moving forward with focus and intention.
What People Are Saying
“Maurene is a powerhouse, and she’s been so instrumental in helping me give birth to my book! She’s organized, sharp, and wonderfully insightful, but most importantly, she gives very straightforward feedback in the kindest way possible; we have great collaborative conversations, and her coaching is top-notch. I was struggling with the organization of my book, and Maurene was able to draw out which direction the book really needed to go, helping me see the path clearly. I wholeheartedly recommend working with Maurene as a book coach!”
— Rebecca B.
If you’re ready to…
Clearly define your story or book idea.
Share your insights and expertise with impact.
Feel confident in your book’s concept and structure before you start writing.
Save time and avoid the frustration of writing without a clear direction.
Get excited about your book and the journey of bringing it to life.
Then, you’re ready guidance and direction to move from confusion to clarity about your idea and book.
How We Can Work Together
Foundational Planning - Start Strong
Message Into Motion: Story or proposal development for memoir & nonfiction
This planning package combines foundational planning with years of writing experience and instruction, as well as the Blueprint processes from Author Accelerator’s founder, Jennie Nash. This deep-dive process focuses on the big picture of your story and provides you with direction and motivation.
We’ll work through planning your story, creating a working outline, and the initial and ending chapters (so you know where you’re starting and where you’re going).
When you’re done, you’ll have a clear path forward to continue working on your story.
This process saves revision time and frustration further, as potential stumbling blocks are identified before they become a problem.
What’s Included:
Design a focused plan for your memoir or nonfiction book so you can move into the writing or proposal phase with clarity and direction.
Identify the key points in your story or chapters.
Determine your story arc or the transformation you want your readers to experience.
Create a working structure so you can stop staring at a blank screen and start writing.
The process includes:
A 60-minute pre-planning conversation.
Four submissions based on provided materials, so you'll know exactly what to do.
A 60-minute follow-up call after receiving comments on each submission.
Your Investment: $1250, or two payments of $600
Monthly Coaching - Ongoing Support
Message to Manuscript or Proposal: Drafting or revising
Sometimes, it can be hard to go it alone, even with a clear path ahead. This monthly coaching package is designed to keep you accountable as you work through the drafting or revision process. I'll be with you each step of the way and will continue providing feedback and encouragement as you go.
With a series of deadlines along the way, you'll see ongoing progress. No longer will that draft sit on your computer awaiting your return. Instead, you'll be that much closer to a completed draft with each submission.
With ongoing feedback, you'll get closer and closer to having a submission-ready draft. (This may take more than one draft—but each step along the way is worth celebrating!)
You'll gain confidence in your ability to revise and the motivation to keep going, knowing that someone is in your corner. This package begins with a three-month commitment.
What’s Included:
If you have not completed the Foundational option, the first submission packet will be prep material so we can create a plan for moving forward.
Written work twice per month, up to 25 pages each (new or revised pages)
In-line comments for each submission
Detailed summary editorial letter for each submission
60-minute phone call after each submission (each recorded)
Ongoing support via email
Proper encouragement to keep going
Multiple months may be needed to get through an entire manuscript and/or to ensure that all revisions are completed.
Also, because the revision process can be intensive, we may focus on one or two primary issues before tackling other areas. This approach ensures the revision process is tailored to your writing style and needs. Otherwise, the process may become too overwhelming or disjointed.
When it is appropriate to do so, based on your specific progress, we will discuss whether or not the manuscript or proposal is ready for pitching or if additional work is still needed. Writing is an ongoing process, and additional rounds of revision (together or on your own) may be needed.
I won't recommend pitching if I don't feel your work is ready. My goal is for you to be as successful as possible, and providing you with false hope does not support that goal.
Your Investment: $500 per month
Not Sure Yet? No Problem!
Writing a Book is No Small Feat.
My Feedback & Coaching Style
You have some experience. You've been writing for a while and know the importance of quality feedback. Maybe you're looking to get some of the benefits of an MFA program—such as feedback from a teaching professional—without the additional cost or work required of an entire program. If this is you, read on!
If you are serious about your writing, have a growth mindset, are open to suggestions and feedback, and are willing to examine your work (sometimes deeply), I can help you find your way forward.
I'll help you step into your story more fully through in-depth, heart-centered coaching that helps you navigate the messy middle of revisions.
I'll provide you with specific examples and options so you can see how my suggestions can be implemented. You're not required to use them, so if you don't like them, focus on what they illustrate instead.
Please note that I offer no guarantees of publishing or landing agent, that you'll have a best seller, or that you'll agree with all of my suggestions. I also do not provide line editing, copy editing, or proofreading.
What You Can Expect from Me
I'll help you find and develop the deeper parts of your story to help your work connect with your ideal readers within a safe space. You'll receive detailed feedback specific to your work and goals. I provide honest feedback but aim to deliver it in as clear and compassionate a way as I can.
I do not believe in unnecessarily harsh feedback—but that does not guarantee that feedback on your work won't always feel warm and fuzzy. You need to be prepared to hear what may not be working and why. I'll encourage you but will be honest about your work and what it needs.
While I may occasionally note wording or spelling issues, I do not provide line editing, copy editing, or proofreading.
What I Expect from You
You are serious about your writing and making improvements, regardless of whether or not you're well published or are working on your first manuscript. You can meet deadlines (except for unavoidable life events).
You're looking for specific feedback about your work to make improvements, and you carefully consider the feedback rather than get defensive. If you're only looking to receive praise, I'm not the coach for you.
If you are writing a memoir, I will assume that you have enough distance from the event or events for the writing process. While I always strive to address the subject matter with sensitivity, I will also provide feedback from a more objective, story-focused perspective.
However, I’m not a counselor, so if you need additional emotional support during the writing process, please ensure that you have that in place.
Are you interested in becoming a book coach yourself? Learn more here!
Plan and Write Your Book With Purpose
You don’t have to do this alone!
Imagine having a complete plan for your book (with room for those unexpected “ah ha!” moments) and being ready to write with clarity and intention.
Starting on the right path can make all the difference.
Rather than wandering through conflicting advice or feeling confused about your direction, let’s connect and create a plan with purpose.
Let's Chat
When you’re ready to get started, click below.
Remember, we’re in this together!
