Every great writer needs help — and the best help is hard to find.

I was ready to write a bestseller. I had a great idea. I knew how it would go, chapter to chapter. I saw the scenes, paragraphs and even sentences in my head like a movie. My writing was great - everyone said so.

What’s more, I knew what steps came next:  I put together a proposal and got an agent. Finally, I thought, people will hear what I have to say.

When my agent said, “You need to work on a few things,” I was ready to listen. But the truth was, his advice confused me. I was a strong writer, but I didn’t know the publishing world. Wasn’t he supposed to fill in the gaps?

Every great writer needs great help.

So, I tried a different tack. I hired an editor. She had just left one of the big five New York publishing houses-- and her rate reflected her experience. But she’d be worth it, right?

Well -- no. Her notes were rushed. She’d skimmed my work. And when we spoke on the phone, I wondered if she understood what I was going for.

Next, I took my idea and my sample chapters to a writing workshop.

And met well-meaning people.

Who were more confused than I was.

Why was this process so difficult?

All I really wanted was to work with one person I trusted. I wanted to work with someone who could guide my writing, who knew the industry and could help me through the publishing process.

But I couldn’t find that person.

How do published writers do this?

The sad truth is -- and I’m embarrassed to admit it -- I quit. I gave up on my book. Without good help, I lost sight of the finish line.

I shelved the proposal. My confidence evaporated. My agent disappeared. I wasn’t going to be a best-selling author after all.

What I didn’t know then was that I needed someone like myself. I needed an expert and an insider to guide me.

I needed someone who believed in me, had the editorial chops to guide my work, and the industry know-how to help me reach my goal.

I needed someone who was dedicated to helping me write (and sell!) the best book I could write.

 

That’s what we all need.

It was my lightbulb moment. It’s why I do what I do now. Writing a book takes work, but it shouldn’t be confusing and painful. It just shouldn’t be so hard.

Fast-forward to today: I’m still writing. But I’m writing smarter. I know what agents and publishers want. I know a good book idea when I see it. I know how we get there.

Every time I cross that finish line with an author, I get the sweetest satisfaction: We did it!

Whether you are a first-time author, or an author with a huge platform, the questions are the same: What is the book that wants to happen right now? How can we, together, create the best book possible?

I ask you the hard questions so that you don’t have to wonder if you’re on the right track.

I’m dedicated to being your guide, your audience, and your cheering section - to the very end.