Frequently Asked Questions
What is book coaching?
In short, book coaching is helping someone write their book. Not by writing it, but by being a coach or mentor to a writer so they can create the best story they possibly can. Much more on book coaching here.
What type of coach are you?
As a writer I know how personal writing is. And how hard. My coaching method therefore starts from the premises of kindness, empathy and encouragement, for you as a writer and as a person behind the story. Much more on my coaching method here.
What type of coaching do you offer?
I offer coaching from the very first inception of a story idea through to creating an outline for your book to actually writing it. All in the form of one-on-one coaching. More on the services I offer here. For those with a chronic illness or disability I offer group coaching through my Spoonie Writer Academy.
What happens when I get in touch to work with you?
Firstly: yay! I’m so glad you want to work with me! As writing is such a deeply personal endeavour and coaching a writer is an emotional one, I want to make sure we are a good fit before we spend time, energy and money on one another! After all, we would be starting a creative process together and creativity comes from a place of honesty and vulnerability.
To this end, if you want to work with me I will ask you to fill out an intake form to assess if I think we will be a good creative and emotional fit before making it official. Then I will invite you to a video call. This discovery call is no guarantee of a happy collaboration, but it is a good indicator for me.
Can I apply for you to give feedback on my story?
Yes I offer one-off feedback. Check my services and email me to tell me about your story and we will assess whether I am the best coach to provide you with feedback and what the pricing would be.
Can I apply for a customised package?
You can, but I can’t promise that I can provide what you need, but I’d love to hear about your wishes and see if we can work together. Send me a message with your specific query.
Do I need to have a wish to be published?
No. Anyone who wants to write a book can apply for my coaching. Whether you write for yourself, for the traditional publishing market or want to go the self-publishing route, I can help.
Do you work with agents or publishers?
No. However, I know the publishing industry itself and if you are coached by me through the writing process I can help you get a good feeling for it down the line and we will definitely discuss your publishing wishes regarding your story.
Can you guarantee that I get traditionally published when you coach me?
No. All I can guarantee is that I will do my best to guide you while writing the best story you can, but when it comes to publishing I can give zero guarantees I’m afraid.
Do you decide what I write?
No. Book coaching is all about helping you tell the story you want to write! I will offer suggestions and help you see what works and what may not in your writing, but every word will be yours, from the beginning to the end. All creative decisions lie with you.
How about copyright? And do you get a percentage of any possibles sales?
All copyright of your story lies and stays with you. Book coaches do not get a percentage of any sales profits. Your payment of me remains purely within the coaching process as you write your book.
Can I get a refund when I’m not satisfied with your feedback or coaching?
No. Once you have paid me, it means I have also made a committment to you. Therefore, I will have made room in my coaching schedule. Perhaps I will already have spent time working for you and done my utmost to coach you to the best of my professional abilities. Therefore, payments are non-refundable.
How does payment work?
If after the free intro session we decide to work together, I require monthly payment up front. This means that once you read and sign the contract and send it back to me, I send you the first invoice. Once I have received the first payment confirmation, we will schedule our first official call.
Payment is possible in many different ways, including creditcard and Paypal.
You mention you have a chronic illness. Does this affect your coaching?
I indeed have several chronic illnesses. Rest assured, when I take you on as a client, I make sure I am there for you. I have lived with my illnesses for two decades and have a good handle on what my physical and mental abilities are.
Longer flaring of symptoms however could happen, as everyone can get sick, but honest communication is key to me. So if I take any sick days that affect my coaching of you, such as a cancelled video chat, your package will be extended by the amount of canceled weeks. One canceled call = one week extension for no extra fee, for example.
What if I get sick? Do I get compensation or an extension?
Payments are non-refundable and I do not provide compensation.
Coaching packages have the possibility of an extension, but please, understand that communication and honesty are key to me. So if you are ill for a week, let me know and we can work out an extension period. However cancelling a consultation or missing a deadline due to a busy schedule or having forgotten does not grant an extension and could therefore mean missing a week or more of coaching while not receiving a refund.
The payments will also continue even if you have to drop out of the program within the six months contract.
I’d like to write, but don’t have the money for a book coach. Do you offer discounts?
Alas, no. Book coaching is how I make a living and how I put food on the table, so as much as I understand this predicament – trust me, I do – I can’t offer discounts and my prices are non-negotiable. They will also go up as I expand my business, so keep checking back for the most current fees. I do however offer free advice online, whether on this website, on Twitter or on Instagram.
I have a different comment and/or question not listed. How can I reach you?
You can send me an message. You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram. I will respond within two work days on emails, but am a lot quicker on social media!
I would like to be coached by you! What do I do now?
First of all: yay, awesome! Secondly, get in touch with me via the form on this website or by directly emailing me, or by booking a free intro call!