Writing a book is really freakin’ hard. With summer starting, some writers will want to turn their attention to their books – especially after this beast of a semester where much of your time was focused on teaching via Zoom, Canvas, and whatever other digital tools your university (and your kid’s school) threw at you on short notice. Are you planning on working on your book this summer? If so, keep reading.
This summer, I’m offering my new program called Elevate for the first time. It’s a group coaching program designed to help you successfully write your academic book. Elevate is the result of months of planning and years of working with academic writers as a coach and developmental editor. I created Elevate after speaking with scores of writers at various stages in their book writing process. I’ve supported them with coaching, developmental editing, and long discussions about their work. I’ve seen the process at every stage, from idea to physical book. Based on all of this experience, I created a framework based on three principles: Clarity, Strategy, and Courage. Why these three? Because writing a book is a mysterious process, and there’s little structured support in demystifying it. As a result, writers proceed without a clear plan, feeling disempowered throughout the process. It’s like driving cross-country with a map torn in half. You have some ideas, but not a complete guide to the process.
Elevate is the happy marriage of my coaching program Productivity Pipeline and my developmental editing work. Through both, I’ve realized that writers need earlier editorial interventions than what they currently get from developmental editing or book workshops. Writers also need support at the early stage where one complex idea can keep you paralyzed, and midway through the process when they’re ready to give up. Sound familiar?
The program includes lessons on writing and planning your time, along with coaching and editing. It’s a one-stop-shop for everything you need to make significant progress on your book.
It includes:
- Twice Weekly Live Sessions:
- One topical (based on the three pillars described above), where you get group coaching on an issue related to writing, mindset, or time management
- One editorial hot seat where you get live feedback on your ideas and your writing
- all recorded for your review.
- Access to a Membership Platform: a private, confidential community where you’ll be able to interact with the Elevate team and your fellow writers.
- Daily Accountability Check-Ins – community support to help you maintain momentum
- Twice Weekly Virtual Writing Sessions: a few hours for you to write with your community of fellow book writers
- Weekly Planning Worksheets
- Access to Jumpstart, my course that teaches you how to plan your book writing schedule
- Written feedback on your writing – consistent, objective feedback on your writing from someone who isn’t on the “inside” when it comes to your book. My editorial expertise without you having to wait for an opening on my calendar. This feedback comes in the form of:
- Written responses to your questions about your writing in the membership group
- Outline review
- Review of writing assignments (which are all based on your book – these aren’t quizzes or unhelpful busy work).
- One 1:1 coaching call for the 3-month program, two calls for the 6-month program
Elevate is for motivated writers who need the structure of a guided program and the support of a community to successfully write their book. You might be just starting your book or in the later stages (but keep in mind that it’s a minimum 3-month commitment, so if you’re just about to finish, it’s not for you!). It’s likely that you’re working on the book that will help you earn tenure, although all book writers are welcome!
If you’re interested in learning more about the program, attend my free workshop, “Elevate Your Book Writing System” on Thursday, May 14th at 1 pm EST. You’ll learn how to develop a system for writing your book that helps you figure out what to write and when to write it. We’ll discuss the importance of planning, how to develop writing routines and systems, and I’ll take questions from participants. Can’t wait to see you there!