Book Coaching

Are you a first-time writer struggling to write a draft of literary fiction or memoir? Have you always wanted to write a book but were unsure of how to approach it or too critical of your ideas? My expertise is helping women start that first draft despite obstacles, including family commitments, lack of confidence, perfectionism, and self-doubt. I make a daunting process more supportive, collaborative, and fulfilling. 

My 4-month and 6-month coaching packages provide you with not only accountability, deadlines, and a clear/concise editorial eye, they also give you that manuscript you’ve been dreaming of. Over a short burst of time, you’ll be able to start a first draft of your story with ease without getting stuck and quitting in the process (out of frustration or lack of direction). You'll also have the tools to refine your draft from continued feedback. 

As a writer and editor who straddles many identities, I know it’s been invaluable for past clients to have a coach who could offer them and their work a level of understanding, care, and kinship. This is why I encourage all prospective clients to book in a free, introductory call with me.

My book coaching practice is rooted in my experience as a ghostwriter working under tight deadlines for publishing houses, and coaching women since 2018 to write first drafts within 6 months to a year. As a book coach, I'm here to help you start the journey of writing a book, therefore I cannot promise or guarantee any deals with agents or publishers further down the line. What I can promise is a commitment to helping you write regularly and feedback that is incisiveness yet nurturing. You'll come to understand the mechanics of good writing, from what makes a robust character (whether you're writing about a fictional character or yourself), how pacing works, and the importance of scenes and settings, to name a few examples.

What to Expect:

• In-depth feedback to include line edits and a summary twice a month on pages submitted 
• 10,000 word/month maximum submission
• 40-min Zoom call twice a month after feedback is returned 
• Email correspondence up to twice weekly
• If you have preliminary materials such as outlines or the beginnings of a manuscript, an extra charge will be added to review these materials beforehand

Fees:

• 4-month plan – £2600 (£650/month)
• 6-month plan – £3300 (£550/month)
• I require two months payment in advance before work commences

Testimonials:

“Jenni is everything I could ask for in a writing coach: skilful with structure and storytelling, caring and considerate with her feedback. She brings so much experience and perspective to the work, and her calming, thoughtful energy gave me a lot of confidence. Trying to write a book (or anything you want others to read) is hard, especially if you're new to it, and Jenni's support and faith got me through to the first full draft. Thank you Jenni for being such a great partner!"

Nina Alexandersen, Sustainability & Social Impact Advisor

"I wasn’t too sure what to expect from a writing coach and where I lacked the confidence to put pen to paper, I was worried the feedback could make matters worse. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Jennifer’s feedback was always very clear, constructive, non-judgemental, and always very motivating. We had several discussions over the phone where she created tailored tasks to develop either my story or my writing skills. Jennifer has not only helped me with my writing, but also helped me to grow as a storyteller and reader with her intelligent and insightful comments. I am forever so grateful for all her support. If it wasn’t for Jennifer, I wouldn’t have a manuscript. She has made my dream come true."

Mel Sevinc 

"I didn't know what to expect from a partnership with a professional reader. What I found with Jennifer was someone who worked with me to draw out my best creative writing and to help me push away from lazy plot lines. She came to the work with a unique skill set of compassion, empathy and professionalism and met me where I was: nervous, self-doubting and suffering quite badly from Imposter syndrome. She was attuned to the genre I was grappling with and what I adore most about Jennifer is her ability to help keep my manuscript authentic to where I was coming from. She is a gifted editor in this sense. She challenges the work and encourages the work in equal measure and without her guidance I would never have gotten to a good first draft because it is all too easy to give up and put the writing away and never finish the project."

Christine de Leon

"Jennifer's input has enabled me to develop my writing in a much more focused way. She is able to quickly identify what the work needs to achieve its full potential and develops tailored exercises, which have already triggered so many ideas. Jennifer's structured approach has allowed me to really explore my writing abilities and think much more creatively about what I am trying to convey."

Alicia Mietus 

“I came across Jennifer Obidike through Spread the Word and it has been a real pleasure working with her. Her feedback has been rigorous, detailed, thoughtful, intelligent and insightful. I appreciate her talent for distilling issues and being able to get to the heart of the story. I would recommend her editorial and coaching services to any writer who is serious about developing their craft with the support of a gifted editor.”

Osob Dahir