Transform Your Writing with
The Book Coach
Find the shape of your story and the confidence to keep writing it.
Whether you’re shaping a new idea, wrestling with a messy draft, or preparing for a serious revision, I’ll help you understand what your story is really trying to become and how to get it there.
I’m Stuart Wakefield, The Book Coach. I work with fiction writers who want thoughtful, practical, one-to-one book coaching that brings clarity to the creative chaos.
You don’t need more vague encouragement.
You need a clearer story.
A strong idea can still feel shapeless on the page, and a finished draft can still leave you wondering what’s actually working. The middle can sag, the ending can drift, and a perfectly promising protagonist can somehow wander into an entirely different book.
That doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means the story needs focus, structure, and a calm outside eye.
As your book coach, I’ll help you step back from the noise of the manuscript and make stronger decisions about what belongs, what matters, and what needs to happen next.
Choose the right kind of book coaching for where you are now
Not every writer needs the same kind of support. Some writers need to build the story before they draft. Some need honest feedback on a manuscript. Some need a practical plan for revision.
Start where you are.
1
Story Development Coaching
For writers with an idea, notes, early pages, or a story that keeps changing shape.
We’ll build the blueprint for your book before you get lost in the weeds. You’ll clarify your story’s central promise, structure, character arc, and direction so you can write with more confidence and less second-guessing.
Best if you’re thinking:
“I know there’s a book here, but I don’t know how to shape it yet.”
2
Manuscript Evaluation
For writers with a complete or substantial draft who need clear, honest feedback.
I’ll assess what’s working, what isn’t, and what to revise first. You’ll receive thoughtful developmental feedback on structure, character, pacing, point of view, emotional arc, and reader experience.
Best if you’re thinking:
“I’ve written the draft. Now I need to know what I actually have.”
3
Story Revision Roadmap
For fiction and memoir writers who need a clear plan for the next draft.
We’ll clarify the story you meant to write, create a “to-be” outline, identify the gap between your current manuscript and your intended book, and build a practical revision roadmap.
Best if you’re thinking:
“I know this draft needs work, but I don’t know where to start.”
Client books
A few of the published books I’ve supported through coaching, feedback, or pitch development.
Because of You, This Is Me
Jaz-Ampaw Farr
Story Development
Daughter of the Seven Hills
Margaret McNellis
Manuscript Evaluation
Sentinel of the Sun
Eira-Morgan Jones
Pitch Development
What does a book coach do?
A book coach helps you develop, structure, revise, and strengthen your book with expert guidance and ongoing support.
Unlike a copyeditor or proofreader, a book coach works with the big-picture elements of your story: premise, structure, character development, emotional arc, pacing, point of view, theme, and reader experience.
My job isn’t to hand you a formula, it's to help you understand the book you’re trying to write and make stronger creative decisions at every stage.
Why work with me?
I’m Stuart Wakefield, an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach with an MA with Distinction in Professional Writing.
I work with fiction writers who want thoughtful, practical, compassionate feedback and not vague encouragement, not formulaic rules, and definitely not someone shouting “raise the stakes” before disappearing into the shrubbery.
My approach is structured but flexible, honest but kind, and always focused on helping you write the strongest version of your book.
Eira Morgan-Jones, author of Sentinel of the Sun
"No exaggeration - Stuart is a magician and I cannot rate him highly enough. He always knows the way around a problem and has helped me take my manuscript and pitch materials from a tangled mess of insecurity and procrastination, to something that, dare I say it, actually feels like the real deal."
Margaret McNellis, author of Daughter of the Seven Hills, The Red Fletch, and Outlawed.
"I look forward to working with Stuart again in the future, and I plan to. No amount of financial recompense or testimonial or future spot on an acknowledgements page can express how truly grateful I am to Stuart. I feel fortunate to have worked with him, and I know my book will be all the better for it."
Jaz Ampaw-Farr, author of Because of You, This Is Me
"If you're on the fence about hiring Stuart jump off and do it as soon as possible. Not only will he give you insight beyond what you'd considered possible, he will also level up your skills and boost your confidence allowing you to become the writer you were designed to be."
D. Liebhart, author of House on Fire and Feral Creatures of Suburbia.
"Not only is Stuart a delightful human being, he's an exceptional book coach. If you want to make your book as good as it can be, you won't find anyone better to help you."
Bella Cassidy, author of Shoot the Moon
"Through his unique blend of kind and gentle guidance he'll give you all the confidence you’ll need. Not least, because he: knows what he’s talking about; will be constructively critical when necessary; and is brilliant at structuring, proof-reading and brainstorming
I’d say you’re lucky to have found him. He’ll make your journey so much more enjoyable."
Andy Gallacher, broadcaster
"In short, Stuart cares. He knows what it's like to struggle, doubt and question every word you write. At my lowest points he lifted me up and kept me pushing forward, often more enthusiastic than I was. We worked together for a year and I still hear his editorial voice in my head, and that is no bad thing. There are lots of coaches out there, lots of people offering advice and guidance, but I dare anyone to find someone better than Mr. Wakefield."