Book Coach

More than anything, I love working with other writers and helping make their dreams come true.

Whether you are working on a book, book proposal, article, or essay, I am ready to help you:

  • Refine your concept
  • Get organized
  • Create a timeline
  • Wrangle your ideas
  • Clarify your message
  • Pace your book
  • Strengthen your voice
  • Understand your audience
  • Hone your words
  • Finish your project
  • Find an agent or editor
  • Write a proposal that will sell

I’ve worked in publishing for more than 25 years and I use all of that experience to help your project succeed. Whether you have an idea for a book, have written an outline, just can’t seem to finish your project, or want someone to read what you’ve written, I’m here to give constructive, supportive feedback on your non-fiction, children’s book, memoir, fiction, essay, or article.

Most of my clients go on to find publishers and several have been Hay House winner: one of my clients won the Hay House Workshop Grand Prize, another received Honorable Mention in their Authorpreneur contest, while a third received Honorable Mention in the Hay House Writer’s Community contest. Whether you are submitting to Hay House, looking for a publisher or agent, or want to self-publish, I can help you prepare a winning proposal or manuscript.

How it Works

Some of my clients simply send me their work and ask for editing, rewriting, or feedback. With other clients I have regular calls to talk about their project, offer direction, encouragement, and suggestions. I work to see your project through to completion and get huge satisfaction from seeing my clients realize their dreams.

Whether you have already started writing or just have an idea, I’m here to walk you down the path to a completed published book or project.

Let’s Get Started

What People Are Saying

“Working with Brette as my editor and book coach was an absolute game-changer for my book proposal. Her expertise and guidance transformed it into something truly exceptional. Not only did she help me make my proposal better, but she also pushed me as a writer, teaching me valuable tips and writing rules along the way. Her dedication and commitment to my project were evident in every interaction, making the entire process both educational and enjoyable. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with Brette and highly recommend her to any aspiring writer.”


Dr. Anne Arvizu

author of FROM BURNOUT TO BALANCE: Build Your Business, Find Your Freedom, and Live Your Legacy with THE CORELIFE METHOD®

Honorable Mention in the Hay House Writer’s Community contest

“Having Brette as a writing coach not only helped me with meeting the deadlines I had, but it helped me clarify the message I wanted to share. She pushed me to focus on the essential things, she helped me develop myself as a better writer, and helped me build my confidence. The finished product was something I was very proud of, and I could not have gotten there without her guidance. After this experience, I have more clarity and trust in myself, which has impacted how I communicate now on other platforms. I look forward to working with her in the future and recommend her to anyone serious about getting their book done.”


Monica Ribero
author of Reconnecting Super Achievers to Their Inner Power
Winner of Honorable Mention in the Hay House Authorpreneur contest

“Having just completed my first book proposal with Brette, I can honestly say I feel like a budding author now. My focus, attention to detail, and confidence have soared since working with Brette.
I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to break into the industry. “


Roger Dummer
author of Blissed Out of Cancer

“When I asked my literary agent for a referral to a top-notch editor who could turn a good proposal into a great proposal at a reasonable expense and had the patience to deal with a new author, she recommended Brette because of her amazing range of skills.

After Brette worked her unobtrusive magic on my proposal (it was still my voice) it sold. As a new author, I had no idea how long it would take to go from signing a contract with a publisher to signing off on a book, but Brette has been with me every step of the way. Working with Brette on editing my manuscript, I was often amazed at her ability to fix a rough spot.

I felt Brette was reading my mind. She is an expert book doctor. She followed my thinking and my style of writing to meet me where I was at. As an English teacher I enormously value this skill. This means that the way a rough spot is fixed is a perfect fit with the way I write. The revision is not Brette talking, it is still me talking – still my voice, not hers.

Over time, I asked Brette for help on a range of other tasks from condensing my biographical sketch to doing the index for my book, to giving me feedback on graphics used in the interior design of my book, to consulting on how to display endorsements. She has provided me with valuable perspective and guidance.

There were times when I was really stressed out over deadlines and she could get me to chill because she has written so many books and been through all the deadlines so many times that she has the best sense of how well the process is going in terms of the time constraints. She could tell me “we have plenty of time” or she could tell me “we have to move on, we do not have time to keep going over x or further expanding on x or adding new things.” I was always in awe of how fast she thinks. She would have a problem solved while I was sending her an email explaining what I thought the problem was.

So, if you are short on time and do not think you have enough time to consult with an editor, book doctor, ghostwriter – think again. I would absolutely call Brette. She works so incredibly well under pressure.”


C. Jay Stratoudakis
author of SAT 2-Second Shortcuts

“Working with Brette was a great experience. She was so very encouraging. She knew all the right questions to ask to help me fill in gaps in my plot. She kept my writing flowing. I highly recommend working with her if you get the chance. “

Tina Teegarden
author of Dad Was a What….?

“Brette is a literary artist! Her professional feedback is incredibly supportive and encouraging. She has a gift for helping me articulate my thoughts into writing, without compromising the integrity of my voice. I’m so lucky to have found her.”

Tricia Easter
author of Bold Trust

“I am extremely thankful Brette was my coach and editor throughout the process of writing my book proposal. She provided supportive feedback, encouragement, and really championed me and my book. Her suggestions helped me break through a stuck point early on too. Brette was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and thoroughly answered any questions. All of this was so instrumental in enhancing my writing skills and building my confidence as a writer.

Brette’s guidance helped me clearly and concisely convey my thoughts. Her amazing editorial expertise shone through in her editing work. The line editing transformation was pure magic! I highly recommend working with Brette for any of your writing needs.”


Kristi Ottis, MS, LPC, NCC

Author of Reclaim You: A 12 Step Guide to Living an Empowered, Purposeful, and Joy-Filled Life After Sexual Assault

“It’s hard to get beyond the word AWESOME when I think of Brette’s guidance in helping me cross the finish line with a nonfiction/teaching memoir book proposal weeks in advance of the due date! She is not only creative, insightful, and helpful, she works quickly and without fussing with the details. I’ve had no less than 6 writing coaches in my life, and Brette tops the list. Her guidance makes sense and she knows when to nudge you in a new direction without losing your voice or unique writing style. I highly recommend Brette and will eagerly hire her again.”


Gwen Mayes, JD MMSc
Author of More Person Than Patient

“I’ve so enjoyed working with Brette as one of our freelance editors at KN Literary. Her skill set is so versatile, making her a great fit for a variety of clients. She is thorough, asks excellent clarifying questions, and always comes with a supportive and open mindset. Our clients have had nothing but effusive praise for her, and I would highly recommend!”


KJ Grow
General Manager at KN Literary Arts

“I came to Brette with a million book ideas running through my head. I knew I wanted to write and publish  a book to get my message out into the world but I had so many ideas I really didn’t know where to start or what  book idea to write first. Brette listened to me and gave me an action plan to help get all of my ideas out of my head and onto paper. She then helped sift through my ideas to find a common theme and helped me figure out a cohesive message for my first book.

I am a person who gets completely in my head too often and easily second guess myself and the direction I’m going. Time and time again Brette came to my rescue to keep my head straight and to stay in line with my goals. She helped guide me into my book outline. And from there I asked her if she thought it was possible to go from the outline we had created to being able to put together a full book proposal for my dream editor in 4 weeks.

I knew the timeline was tight, I wanted to push myself and meet it, but I also had a lot of self doubt on whether or not I could pull it off. Brette again had the confidence that we could do this if I wanted and made the time to write. I had to get the content out but she could work her editing magic to polish it up. Brette’s skills are AMAZING she could take my thoughts and words and bring them new life. Her talents constructed my writing so it could be its best. Her comments and editing skills helped articulate my thoughts into the best words for my reader to understand and receive the most value. Together we completed a beautifully polished proposal that I am incredibly proud of! In less than 3 months time Brette took me from my ideas, to having a full book completely outlined with two finished chapters out of 12, and a perfect proposal to present to publishers and literary agents, I can’t thank Brette enough for not only her skills but her belief in me to get me this far on my book writing journey.
If you have a dream to become a published author, Brette is your person to help bring that dream to life with her book coaching and editing skills you can’t go wrong!”

Chelsea VanBuskirk
Break Out of the Caregiving Trap

7 Signposts“Brette is 50% artist, 50% coach, and 100% the reason why I have a publishable book that I am proud of. At the beginning of working with her, I had an idea and a desire to write a book; she helped me bring that tiny seed into full bloom with her structural feedback, detailed suggestions, and invaluable insights into the book world. Her experience as an author and writer are clear from her long list of accomplishments, but what may not be as easily quantified is her perfectly-timed pep talks, loving candor, and raw skill. I am incredibly grateful for her influence and her guidance through writing—what will always be—my first book. As I inevitably go on to write a second book, I will carry with me the lessons and care from the experience of working with her, and I’m already looking forward to working with her again one day.”


Jamie Hillman
author of 7 Signposts: Find Your Direction in Life’s Foundational Decisions

“After participating in a Hay House writer’s workshop, I came to Brette with an idea, but it was her magic touch that helped me make it a book. Not only she has many years of experience and can spot immediately what can make the book more fun, engaging and easier to understand, she knew exactly what Hay House would want to see in my book proposal and how to make it a great value proposition.

She helped me keep pace with her very prompt response and clear guidance.

Brette was my editor, my book coach and my cheerleader. I am now happy to say that thanks to her amazing help my book won the grand prize and will be published by Hay House! I couldn’t be more grateful for Brette’s advice.”

Sandra Hinojosa Ludwig
author of Chica, Why Not? How to Live with Intention and Create a Life That Loves You Back
Grand prize winner of the Hay House Writer’s Workshop Contest
Winner of 2022 International Latino Book Awards

“My sincere gratitude to Brette for her exceptional talent, professionalism, honesty and encouragement in the writing of my first book. She was patient, informative and direct. She helped me define my objectives and express myself constructively. She is a true gem to the industry.”

Susan J. Bucur
Author of Waking The Music: How My Special Needs Daughter Ignited a Spiritual Awakening and Led Me to Joy

“I have just finished working on my book with Brette and it has been an amazing experience. She started as my book coach and then continued as my editor and because of her skill and wealth of knowledge I have a finished manuscript.

Her guidance and insight to a first time author was invaluable, helping me to bring my vision of this book to fruition. I’m forever grateful for all she has done for me and would recommend her highly.”

Patricia Comeau-Simonson
Author of Recipes for Healing; Working Through Grief One Plate at a Time (Just Not Lasagna!)

“I would highly recommend Brette Sember’s coaching, editing, proofreading, marketing, and ebook/paperback publishing guidance for authors wanting to publish a manuscript. As a new author, having a seasoned professional shepherd me through the process from my first draft to the book’s placement on Amazon/Kindle was invaluable! Brette, thank you for all your support, expert guidance, and most importantly your patience associated with the publishing of my recent book. I would highly recommend all of your comprehensive author’s services to others!”


Steve Grady
Author of Achieve Employer Health Plan Excellence

“I highly recommend Brette as an editor and book coach. In almost 40 years of working in publishing, she is the best I have ever encountered.”


Echo Garrett
co-founder/co- publisher Lucid House Publishing

“It was my first book proposal and I had lots of books on the shelves to tell me how to do it, researched the internet, but in the end my truest form of help came from Brette Sember. Once I sought her help for this overwhelming project, everything came together.

Brette clearly is a master at crafting and honing book proposals and helping you find your voice. She not only gave me practical advice but encouraged me to use my own voice in the proposal. I still remember her little notes, “Where’s that Claudine bravado?!”

My agent complimented me on the book proposal (I think she was expecting a mess from a first time author) and sold it to Running Press. The book is doing very well, and after 3 months of its release went into its second printing.”

Claudine Jalajas
author of Beaded Bracelets: 25 Dazzling Handcrafted Projects

“Brette was a huge part of my book writing process. She gave so much incredibly helpful feedback and helped me bring my book together. The advice I was given was to DEFINITELY get a book editor, and I’m so glad I got to have Brette as mine!”


Felicia Broccolo
Impossible Goal Coach
author of Create the Impossible Life: How to Achieve the Extraordinary Goals You’ve Always Wanted

“Brette is a great writing coach, cheerleader and editor in one. She helped me to work on big enough pieces of my book proposal to feel like ( and make ) great progress while keeping it from feeling overwhelming. From concept to proposal in just over 8 wks! Wahoo! I look forward to working with her again- on the full book when it gets accepted in the next few months.”


Mary Meston
VP of Talent Management at Concentrix and
author of the upcoming book Intuitive Leadership

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