Book Coaching Services for Fiction Writers

At Cypress & Ink, I offer personalized book coaching services for writers who want to strengthen structure, deepen character arcs, and finish their books. Together, we can customize all services to fit your project and your timeline.

From Idea to Ink

Shape your story. Strengthen your plot. Write with purpose.

If you’ve got a story idea (or a partial draft that’s gone sideways), this book coaching package will help you build a solid foundation for your novel… especially if mystery or suspense is your genre!

Over four focused sessions, we’ll transform your scattered notes or fuzzy concept into a clear, actionable story roadmap, based on the powerful framework in Jennie Nash’s Blueprint for a Book, which I am certified to teach. We’ll sharpen your plot, clarify your character arcs, and create a development timeline that fits your real life.

This is for you if: 

• You have a story idea but need help to shape it into a compelling plot
• You’re stuck mid-draft and can’t figure out what’s not working
• You’ve completed the first draft and need to step back and reassess before diving into revision

You’ll receive: 

• A digital copy of Blueprint for a Book: Build Your Novel from the Inside Out by Jennie Nash
• In-line comments and feedback on four iterative drafts of your blueprint and outline
• A detailed editorial letter for each submission with prioritized next steps
• Four 45-minute recorded coaching calls

By the end of our work together, you‘ll have:

• A comprehensive story blueprint, grounded in your unique vision
• A high-level outline to guide focused, purposeful drafting 
• Opening chapters that reflect the tone, voice, and structure of your novel 
• A realistic project plan to keep you moving forward… even with a full schedule 
• Confidence that your story is making steady progress, not tucked away and waiting for “someday”!

Price: $800 
Need more time or an extra deadline check-in? Add a feedback round with call for $150.

Monthly Book Coaching

Structure, accountability, and support to keep your novel moving forward.

If you’ve got a mystery or suspense novel in progress, along with a calendar packed with everything but writing time, this package is for you.

It’s easy to start strong with a fresh idea. But maintaining that momentum when you’re 20K or 30K words in? That’s where things get tricky, especially for research-minded writers juggling demanding careers and perfectionist tendencies. I’ve been there! 

This one-on-one coaching service helps you stay on track. I’ll be your accountability partner and creative sounding board — your strategic guide as you draft or revise. We’ll keep your story aligned with your vision, adapt your outline as needed, and create a project plan that fits your schedule. 

Book coaching is customized to each writer’s needs. We’ll begin with four deadlines, with the option to add additional deadlines as needed.

You’ll receive: 

• Four submission deadlines (up to 5,000 words each) 
• In-line comments and a detailed editorial letter for each submission
• A 60-minute recorded coaching call for each submission to discuss feedback, troubleshoot issues, and plan next steps

By the end of our initial time together, you’ll have:

• At least 20,000 new or revised words that you are confident about
• Actionable feedback to keep your story moving
• A flexible outline that evolves as your story takes shape
• A writing routine that works with your real life… not against it!

Price: $1,000 for a four-deadline commitment to build trust and traction (complete within four months)
Add-on months: $500 (includes two deadlines with feedback + coaching calls) 
Most writers opt for two deadlines per month, but we’ll tailor the pace to fit your goals, your writing flow, and your busy schedule. 

Manuscript Evaluation

Return to the roots. Refine the structure. Revise with confidence.

You’ve typed “The End” — that’s an incredible accomplishment! So… now what? Whether this is your first draft or your fifth (been there, done that), a full manuscript assessment can give you the clarity and structure you need to move forward with purpose.

If you’re a research-minded writer used to tackling complex projects (just not this kind), this is where we step back to look at the story with fresh eyes.

This coaching service is for fiction writers — especially in mystery and suspense — with a complete draft ready for professional, comprehensive feedback. I’ll evaluate what’s working, what’s not quite landing, and which revisions will have the most impact. Regardless of having worked together before or if this is our first collaboration, I bring a fresh, thoughtful perspective grounded in deep respect for the story you want to tell.

This is for you if: 

• You’ve finished a draft but you’re unsure how to tackle revisions
• You’ve been submitting to agents or editors but not getting any bites
• You know something’s “off” but you can’t quite put your finger on what

You’ll submit: 

• A one-page “mini-blueprint” summary of your novel
• Your full manuscript

You’ll receive: 

• A full manuscript review
• In-line comments on the first 20 pages focused on voice, tone, pacing, and character grounding
• A detailed editorial letter outlining strengths, challenges, and revision priorities
• A 60-minute recorded coaching call to review feedback, ask questions, and map out your next steps
• A custom revision plan that fits your goals, writing style, and schedule

Price: $1,300 (up to 80,000 words; +$125 per additional 5,000 words)

Charting the Opening Pages

Feedback on your first 50 pages to ensure your story is heading in the right direction.

Not ready for a full manuscript review? This mini-assessment is a great starting point, especially for deadline-driven writers juggling packed schedules and still figuring out if coaching is the right fit.

Whether you’re just a few chapters in to your mystery or suspense novel, or sitting on a full draft that needs a second opinion, this book coaching package offers insight into how your story’s opening is landing… and what needs attention to keep readers turning pages. 

You’ll submit:

• A one-page “mini-blueprint” summary of your novel
• The first 50 pages (up to 12,500 words)

You’ll receive: 

• In-line comments on the first 20 pages focused on craft, clarity, and reader engagement
• An editorial letter highlighting what’s working, what could be stronger, and whether your opening lays a firm foundation for the story ahead 

Price: $300