My Proven Process to Write a Book that Works

I’ve been editing for RevPit and similar events for 10 years. In that time, I’ve read and provided feedback on thousands of submissions and worked with hundreds of authors on their manuscripts.

What I can tell you is that there are two components to writing a novel that sells:

✨ Persistence
✨ Understanding what makes a story hook readers and keep them engaged from beginning to end

Personal, Cost-Effective Guidance on Your Story

Now, I’m beyond excited that say that I’ve developed a masterclass to make this approach work in a small group setting. This means I can help more authors at once (since, sadly, I have not yet figured out how to clone myself), and there are some huge benefits to authors:

➵ Lower cost – A developmental edit is generally $2,500-$3,500 depending on word count

➵ Faster results – it takes me 4-6 weeks to read and edit a full-length novel manuscript, and in our group, we will hit the ground running in our first meeting

➵ Accountability – I’ll keep you on track with a short timeframe, specific homework, and knowing you’ll have to face my “I’m not mad; I’m just disappointed” puppy-dog eyes if you don’t do said homework

➵ The same information and process you’d get if we did a full developmental edit on your book

➵ The opportunity to connect with other writers at the same phase of their writing career and learn from each other’ experience in an encouraging, low-key setting

I am looking for 10 intrepid writers to go on this journey with me in this 10-week Masterclass.

When we’re done, you’ll have a fire lit under you to apply everything you’ve learned—and better yet, a new set of skills to bring your story to life like never before.

Cost: US $1,000

Here’s What You’ll Get

🌟 2 x Personalized feedback + guidance on your story at the most beneficial points in the process to make sure you’re on track

🌟 5 x 1-hour biweekly Zoom calls with me and the group, live if you can make it + recordings of all the calls

🌟 Each call includes:

➢ Detailed, step-by-step explanation of the most important craft elements, how to “see” them in your story, and how to tell when they aren’t working

➢ Homework assignments. In fact, you’ll get homework before the first call so that we can make quick progress once we start

➢ The templates and worksheets I’ve developed and use with all my developmental editing clients

➢ Access to some of the most popular craft topic videos in my library for further explanation. These are not available to the public.

It All Starts May 14

May 14 – Get to the heart of the main elements of your story.

May 28 – Evaluate the needs of your manuscript.*

June 11 – Identify your story’s structure.*

June 25 – Construct your new blueprint.

July 9 – Start revising!

*After the second and third calls, I will review each author’s progress and send personalized feedback on progress, issues, and next steps. 

FAQ

When do I have to sign up? 

You’ll get the most out of the masterclass if you sign up before May 10 so you have time to do the pre-class homework before the first class on May 14. 

Can I join if I didn’t participate in RevPit? 

Yes! This masterclass teaches the same method I use with my developmental editing and coaching clients, and it’s open to any writer with a completed novel manuscript.

Do I need a complete manuscript? 

The masterclass is intended for at least a completed first draft (or zero draft). 

How polished does the manuscript need to be? 

This method can help whether this is your first draft or you’ve already revised and focuses on story-level issues like plot, pacing, and character arc. 

Who should not participate in this masterclass? 

Since my method is focused on novels, writers of picture books, memoir, self-help, other non-fiction, and poetry will not benefit as much from this masterclass.