Editing Mastermind - Book Coaching - The Novel Smithy
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Editing Mastermind – Book Coaching

Need help revising your novel?

If you have a first draft, but aren’t sure how to turn it into a polished novel, this is the program for you. In my Editing Mastermind book coaching program, we’ll work together to develop an in-depth revision plan through seven weeks of personalized prompts, assignments, and weekly one-on-one coaching calls.

This is perfect for writers who:

  • Aren’t sure how to begin the editing process
  • Need help identifying the weaknesses in their draft
  • Want a detailed plan to keep them on track
  • Or are stuck trying to revise their novel

By the time we’re finished, you’ll have everything you need to edit your novel with confidence!

Not Currently Accepting New Clients for This Service –> Join the Waitlist

A Structured Process

Rather than revising your novel without a plan, I’ll help you tackle each stage of analyzing your novel in order. From now on, you can repeat this process for every novel you write—not just this one!

Regular Feedback

One of the best ways to grow your writing skills is to receive regular feedback. As part of this book coaching program, I’ll always be on hand to review your latest work and steer you in the right direction.

One-On-One Support

If you have a pressing question or are stuck on a tricky part of your story, don’t worry! I’m only a quick email away, ready and waiting to help you tackle the toughest parts of the writing process.

What Writers Have to Say

“My author voice is meandering and lyrical, reveling in details. Lewis encouraged me to embrace the heart of my voice while girding it with structural sense… I have been published by four literary magazines since our work together!” – Jenni M.

Program Details

Editing is a critical stage of writing a novel, giving you a chance to refine your story before you begin querying agents or pursuing self-publishing. This is a great chance to both improve your current draft, as well as polish your writing skills for the future.

When you sign up for this program, we’ll meet to discuss your vision for your story and your writing goals. We’ll then spend seven weeks analyzing and strengthening every aspect of your novel, from your cast to your plot, worldbuilding, and even pacing. By the time we’re done, you’ll have created an in-depth Revision Plan ready to guide you through the self-editing process!

Price: $925

Duration: Seven weeks from our first meeting

Details: We’ll meet to discuss your goals, before working through a series of prompts and assignments tackling every aspect of your novel. As we go, we’ll have regular coaching calls, and I’ll provide ongoing support and accountability via email. At the end of the seven weeks, I’ll review your new Revision Plan, and we’ll discuss your next steps.

Join the Waitlist

At this time, I am not accepting new clients for this service. If you’d like to be notified via email when I begin booking, join the waitlist below. This does not guarantee you a slot in my schedule—however, it does mean you’ll be the first to know about any availability.

Select all that apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are a few questions that always come up when I mention my book coaching programs—so, here are answers to the most common ones. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, feel free to get in touch through my contact page.

What times of day/days of the week are you available for calls and other feedback?

I’m available for coaching calls any time from 10:00AM EST to 4:00PM EST Monday through Friday. If you won’t be available during these times, let me know in the sign-up form above and we can discuss an alternative schedule. I’m always happy to accommodate your needs!

In terms of email support, I typically respond within 3-4 hours during the work day, and within one business day if you contact me outside of normal hours.

What if I’m editing a series of novels? Will this program still help me?

Yes! If you’re working on a series, let me know in the sign-up form above. We can discuss a few different options to ensure this program fits your needs.

Will you edit my novel for me as part of this program?

No—instead, I’ll be there to guide you as you analyze your draft and develop a personalized Revision Plan. I’ll definitely be providing a lot of feedback on your novel and planned revisions, but I won’t be performing a full edit as part of this program. You can check out my developmental editing service for that.

How much time will I need to dedicate to this program each week?

For my Editing Mastermind book coaching program, you can expect to spend 10-15 hours each week working through assignments and analyzing your novel. We’ll also have a one hour coaching call each week to discuss your progress.

Do you offer payment plans?

I know book coaching can be a big investment, so I’m happy to discuss payment options before we begin working together. Typically, I charge half of the program fee upfront, and half at the end of the third week. If this is prohibitive for you, let me know in the sign-up form above and we’ll develop a plan that fits your needs.

Can I get a refund if the program doesn’t work for me?

While I’m confident this book coaching program will be a great experience for you, I also understand that unexpected issues can arise. Because of this, you’re welcome to cancel your enrollment within the first week of coaching for a full refund. If you need to cancel after that time, you’ll receive a 50% refund. After three weeks of coaching, I do not offer refunds for this program.

Will I have to sign a contract before we get started?

Yes—this will lay out what we can each expect from the book coaching process, along with any responsibilities or deadlines related to the program. You’ll receive this contract (along with a detailed information packet) after we’ve met, discussed your needs, and agreed to work together.

What if I need more help after you finish reviewing my Revision Plan?

While I strive to provide as much guidance as possible through my coaching programs, I also know you might want additional support at a later date. If this is the case, you have a few options:

  • Standalone Consultation: If you have a specific issue you’re struggling with, I’d be happy to schedule a time to discuss the problem, brainstorm solutions, and plan your next steps. Standalone consultations are $70/hour and include up to 5k words of review.
  • Manuscript Evaluation: A manuscript evaluation is an abbreviated version of a developmental edit. We’ll agree on a section of your manuscript for me to review and I’ll identify big-picture issues like plot holes, poor pacing, or inconsistent characterization. I’ll write up a short report with my recommendations, and we’ll meet to discuss my feedback. Pricing for manuscript evaluations varies depending on length.
  • Developmental Editing: If you’d like me to perform a full round of developmental editing on your manuscript, I do offer discounted rates for previous clients. Get in touch with me directly to discuss this option. You can read more about my developmental editing services here.
  • Editor on Retainer: Finally, I also offer the option to hire me on retainer. You can read more about that here.

Please note that these options are limited to writers I’ve already worked with in the past—this helps ensure I can provide the best support possible. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly.