Publication 
Coaching

​Do you have a publication-ready manuscript? Do you have a complete draft, but aren't sure what your options are? Are you interested in publishing, but don’t know how navigate what comes next?

Working with Alissa as your book coach through this exciting stage can be invaluable. Read more about publication services and programs.

Let's plan for your book's future today.

                       
The Next Chapter Program
The Next Chapter program is for fiction and narrative memoir writers with a finished manuscript who are ready to move forward but aren’t sure what comes next. It’s designed for authors seeking clarity, guidance, and confidence as they explore publishing options and make informed decisions about their work.

​The program includes:

• Two specialized client questionnaires to hone in on what matters most to you in publishing (one Author Questionnaire and one Publishing Questionnaire)
• One submission of the first fifteen pages of your manuscript with light in-text commentary to make sure they are polish and publication-ready
• One 60-minute coaching call to go over your options and brainstorm your publishing path forward.​

Investment: 
1-2 working weeks. $300.

Preparing to Pitch Program
Who this program works best for:
Preparing to Pitch is for fiction and memoir writers with a finished manuscript who need to pitch their work—whether for traditional, small press, or hybrid publication, or for contests, awards, and other opportunities that require a query, synopsis or pitch materials.
This program is not the right fit for writers who want to self-publish independently. If self-publishing is your goal, your manuscript won’t require pitching, and the better fit for guidance on your publishing next steps is the Next Chapter program.

To participate, you'll need a complete manuscript that has already been revised at least once—whether by you, a developmental editor, or through coaching. This program isn't about revising your pages; it's about preparing to share them with the people who can help bring your book to readers.

What you’ll accomplish:

• Build your complete pitch package – A polished query letter, a compelling synopsis, and your strongest opening pages (10–15 pages) ready to send
• Understand what your manuscript needs – Get clarity on whether your pages are ready to pitch or if there's work to be done first to attract the right attention
• Position your book in the marketplace – We'll explore where your project fits, who's publishing books like yours, and how to talk about your work in a way that stands out
• Identify the right agents, presses, and publishers – Narrow in on the people and places most aligned with your book and your goals—no more guessing or mass querying
• Curate your personalized submission list – Leave with a targeted list of up to 30 agents, small presses, or publishers where your work belongs
• Create your Pitch Strategy Plan – A step-by-step roadmap for how and when to query, so you're organized and confident throughout the process
• Learn how publishing actually works – Understand timelines, expectations, what to watch for, and what happens next at each stage
• Get ongoing support – Alissa will be there to answer questions, troubleshoot challenges, and cheer you on as you navigate submissions

By the end, you won't just have a pitch package—you'll have the knowledge, strategy, and confidence to put your work out there and give it the best possible chance.

This program includes:

• Structured submission deadlines throughout the program to keep you moving forward
• Two questionnaires:
  • A Client Questionnaire to understand your goals and process
  • An Agent/Press/Publisher Preferences Questionnaire to identify what you're looking for
• One complete manuscript read-through – Alissa will read your full manuscript to identify any potential red flags that could turn agents, presses, or publishers away. (Note: This is not a developmental or a line edit and does not include in-text commentary; it's a high-level assessment to make sure your manuscript is ready.)*
• Developmental edit of your opening pages – Your first 10 manuscript pages will receive detailed feedback to ensure they're as strong as possible
• Query letter development – Drafting support plus one round of revision, including in-text commentary and an editorial note**
• Synopsis development – Drafting support plus one round of revision, including in-text commentary and an editorial note**
• A curated submission spreadsheet – Between 10 and 30 agents, presses, or publishers who are the right fit for your project, complete with submission guidelines and notes
• Four 45-minute coaching calls strategically spaced throughout the program:
  • Call 1: Discuss your preferences and manuscript read-through
  • Call 2: Review and refine your query and synopsis
  • Call 3: Go over your curated spreadsheet and create your personalized Pitch Strategy Plan
  • Call 4: Check in after you've begun querying to see how it's going and troubleshoot as needed
• 90 days of email support* as you begin submissions—because questions will come up, and you won't be navigating this alone

Additional Options:

• Manuscripts over 85,000 words: Additional reading fee of $150*
• Additional rounds of revision on your query or synopsis: $75 each**
• Extended email support beyond 90 days: $100 per 30-day period***

Investment:
This program takes 8-16 working weeks to prepare your pitch package materials to pitch, plus 90 days of email support once you start querying. $2600.

Ready to plan your book's next chapter?

A Writer’s Perspective on Publication Coaching:

Alissa has been immensely helpful in my search for an agent. She not only offered on-point editorial suggestions, but also provided me with a comprehensive list of agents to query and walked me through that process.
She has been available for every question I've had and has talked me down from more than one ledge. She always lets me know her availability and is thorough, kind, and knowledgeable.
—Dana B.
​fiction
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