Private Coaching
After five published novels and two decades in the media industry, I have deep insight into what it takes to successfully write and sell a book. Think if me as your book doula.
Maybe you need someone to keep you accountable and create a sustainable writing practice: I can help you set goals and keep deadlines.
Or maybe you need to talk out challenges you encounter as you’re writing your manuscript: plot problems, character development, writer’s block. Should you outline or just start writing? I’ve been there and I have strategies to overcome all of this.
And once you’ve finished writing, I’m here to help as you wade into the publishing process, from writing a query letter to choosing the right agent to what to expect once your book sells and how to build a career as an author.
Rate: $100/hour
Peer Group: “Commit to Your Writing”
I’ve teamed with Forum to offer an online support group for writers. We meet twice a month for an hour to talk about everything from giving yourself permission to see yourself as a writer, to creating a sustainable writing practice, to conquering so-called writer’s block, to the journey to publication.
Cost: $50/month
Testimonials
“I finished my novel in huge part thanks to Julia Dahl’s amazing coaching. Over Zoom sessions, she shared insider writing strategies, genre pitfalls to avoid, and real-world advice on how to actually get it done (even as a busy working parent). She helped me problem-solve sticky plot points, approach the revision, and navigate the agent process. What I love most about working with Julia is her enthusiasm and positive spirit (her confidence in you is contagious). I’m so happy to have her as my coach on my second novel too.”
Lisa Lombardi
“Julia is an amazing resource of knowledge and an inspiration to her peers and students alike. I know I’m not alone in saying I’m better off for having been mentored by her. She’s as encouraging as she is brilliant.”
Maura Walters, writer/editor
“As a former newspaper reporter, I knew how to write a good crime story. But I wanted to expand my skill set and write about other things for other media outlets so I took a magazine writing class with Julia Dahl. I’m not kidding when I say that the experience with life changing. With the tools, techniques, and guidance she provided, I broke into writing for women’s websites including SheKnows.com and the now defunct iVillage.com, as well as magazines like Connecticut Magazine and Bella Magazine. But more importantly, I was able to develop a career that eventually led to my dream job as senior features editor at a larger newspaper. I can’t say enough good things about how supportive, thoughtful and knowledgeable Julia is!”
Sarah Walker Caron, The Bangor Daily News