You want to write a book. I want to help. Let's talk!

If you're thinking about writing a book or are already in the process of writing one and could use some extra support, I would love to help you!

As an author, editor, and writing coach, I know how important it is to have a helping hand while writing, publishing, and marketing a book, and I’d be thrilled to support you through this process.

When you work with me, you'll quickly find that I'm passionate about books and the English language and actually get excited talking about everything from big-picture book structure to details of language usage at the sentence level. However, what I love even more is seeing someone take a dream of writing a book and turn it into reality when they publish it. It's always such a thrill to be a small part of this process with my clients, and I would love to be that for you as well.

Please read through this page so you can get a sense of my style and the types of books I'm best suited to work on. If you're interested in working 1:1 with me as your writing coach and/or editor, please fill out the form to share more about your book and to set up a free 30-minute discovery call so we can get to know one another better and see if we're a good fit to take this journey together.

Writing a book is a very big deal, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming or lonely. It can be a fun, soulful, and transformative process—and you don't have to go it alone! I would be honored to help you bring your book dream to life. 

About Me

If we're just meeting for the first time, I'm glad our paths have crossed!

I’m a writer, editor, book-writing coach/teacher, co-creator of the 365 Book Series and Soulful Journals Series, editor of Soul Biz, and bestselling author of Rewrite Your Story. In addition to my own work, I’ve co-authored numerous books with my wife, Jodi, which have sold over 70,000 copies worldwide.

I have an MFA in creative writing and have mentored approximately 1,000 authors—editing, formatting, and even ghostwriting their books and also supporting authors to write and publish their own books through the Your Soulful Book writing program and my private coaching practice.

I've had the privilege of working 1:1 and in classes/workshops with some of the world's most acclaimed writers (including novelists from The New Yorker's "20 Under 40" list and a winner of the MacArthur Foundation's "Genius Grant"), so I know the value of working closely with someone who loves books, cherishes the process of creating them, and champions new writers on their path to publication. And I'd be honored to play this role for you now, serving as a guide on this thrilling, challenging, and transformative journey of writing, polishing, and publishing your own book.

My Coaching Style

 As a coach, I have only one agenda: your agenda!

I want you to realize your dream of writing the best book you can, successfully publishing it, and enjoying the satisfaction of knowing that you're sharing your words, your story, and your message with the world.

As a Certified Life-Optimization Coach, I've learned to support others in reaching their most meaningful life goals. And as a Certified Law of Attraction Master Practitioner, I've found that the best way to do this isn't by harping on everything someone is doing "wrong" but rather by focusing on what you do want—such as a great book that moves readers and changes lives...including your own!

In addition to bringing a supportive mindset to your project, I also encourage you to take consistent action that will move you toward your goal—moving at a pace that's comfortable for you, staying accountable (to me and to yourself), and enjoying the entire process. After all, writing shouldn't be torture or drudgery—it's a magical journey of exploration, discovery, and self-expression that can be fun, inspiring, empowering, and richly rewarding!

On a practical level, we can connect via Zoom and/or email as often as you find helpful: once a week, once a month, or whenever you hit a challenging spot in your writing or feel like you could use a little extra support. I'm here for you in whatever way is most helpful for you and your book!

My Editing Style

I've been working as a professional editor for over twenty years. In fact, the very first job my wife and I had together—in 2001, before we were even married—was editing documents for an archaeological firm in New Mexico. Since then, I've edited novels and nonfiction books in a variety of genres, including memoirs, self-help/personal growth, spirituality...and even one book about quantum physics and economics! The one element that ties them all together, though, is that they were written (and edited) with the intention of having a positive effect on the reader.

I offer editing services ranging from big-picture structural and developmental editing all the way to detailed copy editing and proofreading. I love helping authors identify what's most important in their books—what the book is really about—and I also love the nuances of the English language: word choice, usage, and yes, even punctuation! But whether we're looking at your book's broad themes or focusing on line-by-line (or word-by-word) details, I always put your vision and your voice at the forefront. My job as an editor is to help you realize your intentions for your book and to provide a positive experience for the reader—effectively conveying your message in a clear, enjoyable, and non-intrusive style.

My prices vary depending on the book's length and the level of editing desired, but I always provide a free sample first to give you a sense of my editing style, to help you decide whether I'm the right fit for your book, and to make sure we're on the same page (literally and figuratively) before we dive into a full-length project.

My Design Style

In addition to coaching and editing, I also offering formatting and interior design for your book. This includes preparing the book for publication in print and ebook formats.

As with my editing, my goal in this area is to help bring your vision to life in an appealing, professional way that enhances the reading experience without distracting the reader from what's most important: your words.

My Ideal Author

I love working with writers who are committed to their books. This doesn't mean you have to become a full-time writer, simply that you do more than just talk about or dream about your book—you actually write it!

I love working with writers who are proactive, passionate, and willing to put in the time required to write a book.

And I love working with writers who care about quality—writers who don't want to simply churn out a sloppy first draft and publish it as fast as they can just so they can call themselves a published author. I want to work with writers who take pride in their work, who care about effectively conveying their message, and who value their readers' time and want to provide the most meaningful experience possible for them.

I'm happy to work with first-time authors—those who are just learning the ropes, bringing a beginner's-mind perspective, and feeling the excitement of publishing their first book. I also enjoy working with experienced authors who are looking to take their work to the next level, could use a little help with a challenge they're facing in their latest book, or have already worked with a coach and know the value of getting support along the way.

I will meet you wherever you are on your writing journey so that we can take the next steps together!

Book Genres

Although I love supporting authors with many types of books, there are some that I gravitate toward and have more experience with than others. 

While leading the Your Soulful Book writing program (YSB) and in 1:1 coaching, I've worked with many authors of books meant to inspire, support, or have some positive effect on the reader—including these genres:

• Inspiring Memoirs – true stories from the author’s life, focusing on experiences that opened their hearts and minds, presented with the intention of helping readers learn and grow in their own lives
• Self-Help/Personal Growth – books that inspire people to reach their goals, realize their dreams, and live their best lives
• Spirituality/Religion/New Age – books that focus on conveying profound spiritual teachings for a modern audience
• Uplifting Fiction – novels that seek to convey deeper truths and take readers on a journey of awakening (rather than focusing only on artistic or entertainment value)
• Hybrid – books that combine elements from two or more genres (e.g., a work of fiction that draws heavily from your personal experiences and has the aim of promoting personal growth)

Beyond YSB, I've also had training and years of experience working in other genres, including:

• Novels (especially "Upmarket Fiction") – books that seek to make an artistic statement, reveal truths of human life, and above all, tell a good story filled with interesting characters
• Short Stories – works of fiction intended to be read in a single sitting, usually presented as stand-alone pieces or within a book-length collection
• Screenplays – movie scripts of almost any genre

Although I am open to working with a variety of styles and approaches, I'm not the right coach for authors of horror, romance/erotica, poetry, or academic writing (e.g., doctoral dissertations). While many of the books I work with contain intentionally unpleasant elements (e.g., backstory in a memoir about healing from trauma), I prefer to work with authors whose overall intention is to inspire, convey uplifting messages, and provide a positive reading experience—regardless of the specific genre they're working in.

Testimonials 

"Not only did Dan help me get through a monumental writer’s block two years ago, he also gave me sage advice while I was negotiating with my publisher earlier this year. In addition, Dan went above and beyond while editing my book, and I’ve learned so much from him in the process. I also felt all along that he cared as much about my book as I did. It was a great feeling to have such an amazing and caring mentor to accompany me on this journey. I can honestly say that my book would not be what it is today without his help and expertise. It is now published and has been endorsed by three NY Times bestselling authors, the author of one of the top 100 business books of all time, and other leaders and HR experts."

– Lisa Anna Palmer, author of Light a Fire in Their Hearts: The Truth About Leadership

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"Dan provides all the tools, resources, and support you need every step of the way in writing, publishing, and marketing your book. He helps authors make their dream of becoming a published author come true!"

– Isabella Rose, author of Behind the Masked Smile: A Survivor’s Quest for Love

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"Hi, I’m Maria, and I'm a procrastinator. So, I was looking for a writing coach who was a.) not bossy and b.) would keep me in line—and I don’t know how you marry those two. By magic, apparently, because that’s what it feels like working with Dan. In the last year that I have written my book with his guidance, I have completed my manuscript, whereas in the previous year and a half, I had only gotten down a few thousand words. His presence, guidance, and loving attitude about wherever I was in my process have been absolutely invaluable. He reminds you every step of the way that he is there for you, that he can help guide you, and that your information and you are absolutely worthy and that the world needs to hear what you have to say. Just having that reminder from an outside source has been so helpful in getting my book finally written. I hope the same for you."

– Maria T. Rothenburger, PhD, author of Transcending Infertility: 9 Keys for Improving Fertility, Creating Miracles, and Being a Better Human

About You and Your Book

Now that you know a bit more about me and how I can support you, I would love to learn more about you! If you feel that we might be a good fit, based on what I've shared above, please fill in the form below and submit it. I'll then be in touch via email to set up a free 30-minute discovery call with you.

Thank you so much for filling out this form and telling me more about your book! I look forward to connecting soon on our free 30-minute discovery call!

I'll be in touch within 72 hours with some days/times to set it up.

Wishing you all the best!
Dan