🪄 What’s the difference between a book coach and an editor?

A book coach is your story’s personal trainer, therapist, and accountability partner all rolled into one. I’m here from the brainstorming mess through the final epic scene. I ask a lot of questions questions, help you build structure, and give honest, actionable feedback so you can write forward and build momentum.

An editor, on the other hand, usually steps in after the draft is finished. They look at the manuscript as a completed product. I help you shape it while you’re building it. Think of me as the one helping you train for the marathon, not just timing your run at the finish line.

😬 What if I’m nervous to share my writing?

I feel this one deep in my writer bones. I know how hard it is to hand over your word baby. Every page has a little bit of your heart baked into it, and showing that to a stranger on the internet? That’s not just scary — that’s vulnerability Olympics level terrifying.

Here’s the truth: I’m a writer, too. I know that feeling of staring at your cursor, thinking, “What if this sucks? What if they hate it? What if I should just move to the woods and raise goats instead?” Spoiler: You shouldn’t. Goats are cute but terrible critique partners. They also eat everything. Ask me about Bah sometime.

When you share your work with me, it’s sacred. Everything you send is 100% confidential, pinky promise. And I never break a pinky promise. My job is to help you see what’s working beautifully, and gently untangle the parts that need a little TLC. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of snack breaks.

And here’s a reality check from one writer to another: if your dream is to publish, whether that’s indie, traditional, or hybrid, someone, somewhere, will have to read your work. Think of me as your safe first reader; your story’s warm-up act before it goes on the big stage.

🔒 Is my story safe with you?

Absolutely. Everything you share with me, your manuscript, your ideas, your notes scribbled on napkins, stays between us. Confidentiality isn’t just a promise; it’s a professional standard.

I’ll never share your work, ideas, or drafts with anyone without your express permission. And let me be crystal clear: I will never upload your creative work into AI programs or tools for analysis, critique, or review. Your words are yours, not fuel for the machine.

Your story is safe, your voice is protected, and your creative magic stays entirely in your hands. And mine, when you invite me in.

❤️ What’s your coaching philosophy?

I believe stories matter. Yours matters. Writing is hard, personal, and sometimes downright brutal. My job is to help you carry the heavy stuff, ask the hard questions, and celebrate every. single. win. No matter how big or small.

I’ll always be honest without being an asshole. I’ll always be your hype girl when you need it most. And yes, there will always be snacks.

💬 How honest is your feedback?

Honest always. Harsh never.

I’m here to help you make your story stronger, not crush your confidence. I’ll ask tough questions and point out areas that need work, but I’ll also highlight what’s working beautifully. My goal is to help you see your story clearly. The potential, the power, and the parts that just need a little more love…and snacks.

📚 Do you work with all genres?

Yes! I work with writers across all genres. I can go from rom-coms to space operas, thrillers to literary fiction, and everything in between.

However, I feel like your project isn’t the best match for my skill set, I’ll always be upfront about it. I’ll even help you find a better fit by referring you to other qualified book coaches or resources. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about me. You and your story deserves the right support. Even if that’s not me. I might cry a little into my snacks.

⚖️ So, what if we’re not the right fit?

That’s okay! Not every coach and writer pair clicks. That’s exactly why I insist on discovery calls before we start.

If I ever feel I’m not the best coach for your story, I’ll tell you upfront and do my best to point you toward someone who might be a better fit. My goal isn’t to collect clients. It’s to help writers find the support they truly need.

🚫 Who’s not a good fit for The Hype Girl Book Coach?

Okay, time to get real. Not every writer is ready for coaching, and that’s totally okay. Coaching works best when we’re a team, not two people tugging on opposite ends of a plot thread until it snaps.

If you find yourself fighting every note, suggestion, or question I ask, that’s usually a sign you’re not quite ready for the coaching process yet. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. Some writers need time to sit with their story before letting someone else peek under the hood. I’ll always start with gentle push back, but if we’re constantly at odds, I’ll lovingly recommend we pause or part ways. You deserve a coach who feels like a teammate, not a sparring partner.

And a quick PSA: this is a no-toxicity zone. We can, and should, vent about frustrations. Publishing can be wild, but I don’t allow catty or jealous talk about other writers, editors, agents, or anyone else in the industry. No dragging people into the mud. This space is for building stories, not tearing people down.

Because here’s the thing: your energy matters. The best writing happens when you feel safe, respected, and excited to grow. That’s the kind of environment I protect fiercely.

So, if you’re open, curious, and ready to roll up your sleeves and probably eat too many snacks while doing it, we’re going to get along just fine.

👥 Will you work with ghostwriters or co-authors?

Yep, I sure will. As long as the credited author(s) is/are part of the process. I’m all about open collaboration and clear communication. No mysterious “I’ll fix it for you” ghosting situations here. Everyone involved in the story should have a voice at the table.

✍️ Do you offer copy editing, line editing, or sales copy services?

Nope, I sure don’t. I stick to the big-picture stuff: story development, character arcs, structure, and narrative logic. If you’re looking for grammar-polishing or sentence-level refinement, I’m happy to refer you to trusted editors who specialize in that kind of work.

🧠 How far along should my manuscript be before I reach out?

Anywhere from “I’ve written three chapters and have a vision board” to “I have a full draft, but something feels off.” Each of my packages meets you at a different stage, from story planning to deep developmental editing. You don’t have to have it all figured out first.

⏰ What are your working hours and response times?

I work Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM Alaska Standard Time, by appointment only. That said, I regularly adjust my schedule for clients in different time zones. Because creativity doesn’t care what time it is, and neither does my coffee maker.

You’ll always get a reply from me within 24 business hours. Emails that take less than 10 minutes to answer? I’ll shoot those off right away. Anything longer gets the care it deserves during our next coaching call.

And if you message me after hours or on weekends, please don’t panic. I’ll get back to you the next time I’m officially “on the clock.”

📅 What if I need to reschedule a coaching call?

Life happens. Kids get sick, jobs get hectic, and sometimes the muse just doesn’t show up. I totally get it.

I just ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to reschedule. Emergencies are the exception, of course. We’ll handle those with flexibility and compassion.

If you ghost me, though? That’s a different story. I don’t ghost my clients, and I expect the same respect in return. You’d be amazed how many plot lines could’ve been saved by good communication.