IS YOUR BOOK IDEA KEEPING YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?
If you nodded yes, you've already started your book journey.
You're driven to empower others to learn, grow, and find their way. Maybe you're an entrepreneur, adventurer, coach, artist, business executive, activist, or motivational speaker. Or you have a powerful true story to share that you know will help others.
Or perhaps you're an expert in your field: building environmentally conscious brands, mountaineering, dog training, wilderness survival, meditation, running a nonprofit, orchid cultivation...whatever the specialty, people turn to you when they need guidance.
You're here—both on this planet and on this website—because you have a message to share with the world. A message so strong that pieces of it keep flashing into your mind.
You know you want and need to get this message out into the world, but something's stopping you: self-doubt, imposter syndrome, questions about the big bad world of publishing. You're in the right place.
It's a Sad Truth: Most Books Never See the Light of Day
Chances are, your current book idea isn't your first. Most of us driven, creative souls have had a flash of inspiration at some point and thought, "I need to write a book." But life got in the way, we got bogged down with our work (and life in general!), and we let the idea slide.
The sad fact is, the vast majority of book ideas never even make it into a rough draft. Of those that do, another huge percentage are abandoned—a draft left in a file or drawer somewhere, stuck in limbo forever.
And far too many books that do end up being published sit behind unclicked links on Amazon or at the back of dusty bookstore shelves, not making any sales—and not reaching the readers they could inspire, uplift, and help.
Maybe that original idea is still floating around, nagging you. Or maybe you've come up with a new idea you're thrilled about. And this time, it feels different—it feels like it could really be something.
I SEE YOU, CHANGE-MAKER—
I'M MOLLY MCCOWAN
As a sought-after developmental editor and book coach, I've worked with New York Times–bestselling authors, Big Five publishers, and hundreds of indie authors. What I love most about my career? Meeting amazing people driven to make an impact using the one tool that's hardwired into all human beings: storytelling.
I help authors:
- Understand the world of publishing
- Decide whether traditional or self-publishing is right for them
- Get clear on their message and how to best deliver it
- Write book proposals and query letters that land agents
- Self-publish books that reach readers
- Develop a strong book marketing plan to get their book seen
You're an expert in your field—and you're driven to help others learn and grow. I'm an expert in crafting compelling books—and I'm driven to help authors get published. Together, we create books that change the world.
IT'S YOUR OWN ADVENTURE, BUT CHOOSING ISN'T EASY
The publishing world is known for being ambiguous. Sometime I imagine the head honchos at the Big Five publishers transforming into bats and escaping out the window when someone asks, "What did you think of that manuscript I sent over?"
All bats aside, today's authors are asked to be more than simply writers and storytellers. They're expected to be marketers, public speakers, bloggers, and publicists. It can be overwhelming and discouraging, and it can lead to endless cycles of the imposter syndrome that comes along with thinking, "I have no clue what I'm doing."
The good news? You shouldn't be expected to know all the answers.
Here are just some of the questions and dilemmas I help with regularly in my 1:1 book strategy sessions for authors:
THE SELF-PUBLISHING PATH
QUESTIONS I CAN HELP WITH
THE TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING PATH
QUESTIONS I CAN HELP WITH
Take the Next Step Toward Becoming a Published Author
Whether you're just starting a book project or you're getting close to the finish line and are unclear about what to do next, a 1:1 book strategy session with Molly provides clarity on your next steps so you can move forward with confidence.
We'll work together to problem-solve any hurdles or obstacles you may be encountering, come up with an accountability plan to get you rockin' that word count, and get your questions answered. Your session is fully customizable and 100% tailored to you.
Your book strategy session includes:
- A detailed pre-work questionnaire that ensures you get the type of feedback and support you need
- A 60-minute 1:1 Zoom call with Molly
- Review of your current draft, table of contents, or outline (no written report is provided)
- List of resources tailored to your questions and needs
- Unlimited email support for one week following our session
Investment: $400
After working with Molly on my book proposal and query letter, all three of the agents I queried got back to me within 48 hours and requested the full proposal. Of those three, I got offers of representation from two of them. One of the agents commented that my query letter, written with Molly’s help, ‘Had me at hello.’
—Jim Davidson, Mountaineer and New York Times Bestselling Author of The Next Everest
Molly helped bring out the best version of my book and the best version of me.
—Melinda Cohan, CEO of The Coaches Console and Author of The Confident Coach
work performed via The Writer's Ally
To say Molly has extensive knowledge—she does—and is the consummate professional—she is—doesn’t do her work justice. She brings an uncommon touch to all aspects of the writing, subtle and otherwise, which to me, as an author and editor, makes her work literary art. She has a gift for bringing out the full power of a writing voice. And she misses nothing. I can’t commend her more highly.
—Michael Coffino, Author and Editor
Working with Molly on my memoir was a transformational experience that helped take the manuscript from a collection of disjointed personal stories to a cohesive and structured book.
—James Studdert, Professional Actor and Author
work performed via The Writer's Ally
Molly has a gift for helping writers find the right voice for the story they want to tell.
—Rob Balich, CEO of Heart-Centered Counseling and Author
Molly is not only an excellent text editor, but she also brings a sharp mind and smart instincts to looking at how to make the communication with any reader as straightforward as possible. If I ever write another book, I’d seek to hire Molly again after what a terrific job she did.
—Patrick Geddes, former CFO of Morningstar and Author of Transparent Investing
work performed via The Writer's Ally
Molly’s detailed, insightful, and encouraging review of my work was just what I needed. This is the best investment I’ve made in a long, long time.
—Nancy Doyle, Author
WHILE YOU WAIT...
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Here's what students are saying:
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“These are things that are often neglected in creative writing classes for some awful reason, and they're truly critical to know as a writer.”
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“Very complete information, well organized, and well presented by a good lecturer. I’ve taken many online courses but this one stands out. Highly recommended. I truly learned much more than I expected.”
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“Molly McCowan is an excellent teacher and gave excellent tips and insights on editing my own work and getting it ‘just right’ for the next steps toward publication. This course is a must for all writers.”
