Novel Ignition

Are you...

• Feeling uncertain about what kind of story you’re writing and want help shaping your novel to appeal to the readers you want to reach...
• Struggling with plotting, pacing, or figuring out what should happen in the middle...
• Concerned that your plot may be treating your protagonist far too nicely
• Wondering how to make your villain more devious or your plot twists more surprising...
• Worried that your readers won’t feel an emotional connection with your main characters (especially romantically involved heroes)...
• Having trouble balancing all your ideas for narrative arcs, plots, and subplots...
• Feeling overwhelmed by all that you’ve heard about story structure and want to know how to write a novel that readers like, but that doesn’t feel like a cookie-cutter story...
• Determined to convey an important message through your book, but worry that the takeaway won’t come through to the reader (or that they’ll get it and you’ll sound too preachy)...
• Wishing you had someone in your corner who took your writing seriously, and could help you improve...

Do your daydreams sound like this...

Picturing the day when you meet with your loyal readers. You read a sneak peek of your latest novel and can watch them fall under the spell of your prose.

Imagining the moment when you update your social media bios with the words “New York Times bestseller”.

Dreaming of the day when you’ve quit your 9-5 job and can spend whole days devoted to writing new stories.

What if

• Publishing your current work-in-progress was a career turning point–the first step to making your dreams of becoming a full-time writer come true?
• So many agents and editors loved your novel that there was a bidding war over the right to publish your next book?
• Other novelists start asking you for advice because you’re the one they look up to now?

With Novel Ignition you will

• Design a plot that intrigues readers from the start and will keep them turning pages to the end
• Learn what belongs in this book, what goes in your next novel, and what you should save for an unrelated project
• Craft believable, riveting characters readers will care about
• Brainstorm scenes which delight readers and showcase your unique voice
• For stories with villains, craft a villain who is devious and forces your hero(es) to change in order to win by the end of the story
• For stories with romantic arcs, identify the lessons that each romantic hero needs to learn and grow so you can make that narrative arc come alive for the readers
• For mysteries and thrillers, determine the clues that will help your sleuth solve the case, and the red herrings that will make innocent characters look guilty, and keep readers guessing about what will happen next

How Novel Ignition Works

Novel Ignition is a story coaching service where we work together to design and organize your novel so it will keep readers turning pages.

It’s appropriate for authors who have a work-in-progress in a commercial fiction genre. (Genres like fantasy, romance, thriller, mystery, sci-fi or subgenres like paranormal romance, urban fantasy, historical thriller, etc.)

We cover narrative arc, main characters, genre, and plot. We’ll make sure your story starts by grabbing readers’ attention, continues with a middle that makes readers excited to see what happens next, and ends with a climax that leaves readers hungry for more of your fiction.

Depending on the specifics of your story, we also cover villains, emotional progression, clues, romantic arcs, and any other component that is critical to the success of your novel.

Novel Ignition starts with an evaluation of your notes, character sketches, outlines, or other story materials. It continues with 4 editorial feedback calls to refine your plot, tighten up your overall narrative arc, and make your characters come alive.

You’ll have homework assignments in-between each of the feedback calls to help improve your story. And I’ll review these assignments in-depth no matter the length.

After our last call, you’ll receive a Next Steps Recommendation Letter tell you exactly what to do to make your novel a book readers can't put down as you continue working on your story on your own. You’ll also be eligible for services I only offer to existing clients.

Novel Ignition: Investment

Includes an evaluation of up to 20 pages of existing story materials (e.g. notes, character sketches, outlines, draft scenes) prior to our first call, four (4) editorial feedback calls + review of your homework assignments, and a Next Steps Recommendation letter

Most developmental editors make you wait for feedback until you have a completed manuscript. Then, they give you a long (and demoralizing) list of everything that’s wrong with your book.

Skip all that pain and make your novel into the story you know it has the potential to be. NOW.

If you’re one of those determined authors who’s ready to write a novel that turns readers into fans, schedule your free call today.