Book Coaching
You have a book somewhere inside the mess of notes, ideas, memories and half-finished chapters - but getting it onto the page is another matter. Book coaching is for writers who want a thoughtful, experienced person alongside them while they find the shape, voice and momentum of the work.
What we can work on
We can work on your idea, structure, voice, narrative direction, opening, chapters, creative blocks, accountability and the inevitable moments when you decide the entire book is terrible and should be thrown into the sea.
How it works
We meet one-to-one online. You send agreed material beforehand, I read it, and we use our session to explore what's working, what's getting in the way and what you'll do next. The process adapts to the book and to you rather than forcing every writer through the same formula.
This is / this isn't
This is collaborative, developmental and encouragingly rigorous. It's a space to think deeply about the book and keep writing it. It isn't copy-editing, proofreading or somebody rewriting your book for you. The voice stays yours.
“I have been studying with Nicky (Torode) since 2024 and in that time her advice and guidance with all aspects of my writing have been invaluable. There is a fine line when it comes to appraising and editing work for an emerging writer: too much praise won't prepare you for the harsh commercial reality of the publishing industry, too severe and it can be galling and off putting. In all of my dealings with Nicky she has been tactful, makes comments with great clarity and isn't afraid to highlight parts of a piece that need more attention, more precision. I'd recommend Nicky without hesitation!”
“I am truly grateful for Nicky's invaluable mentorship, her perceptive, focussed, generous and co-creative communication and guidance. Over the course of the year's work, my book underwent a great deal of shapeshifting and editing as I responded to Nicky's prompts and feedback. Nicky was really insightful and supportive and offered me links to relevant materials. Nicky's questions, comments and suggestions offered me new perspectives, and helped to shift my way of thinking at times when I felt stuck, or struggled with the structuring. This process felt very co-creative without losing any sense of my own authenticity, and I realize how much I have grown as a writer, gained confidence, expanded my vision and focussed my sense of purpose for this book.”