Thorough, Compassionate Feedback for Gay Fiction Writers
LET'S GET YOUR BOOK INTO SHAPE.
SERVICES THAT WORK FOR YOU
When you're writing a book, it’s easy to steer off track without a little one-on-one guidance from a professional who can help you address any number of story issues. Take a look at my book coaching services and choose the right one for you.
MONTHLY MENTORING
The only way to achieve your goals is to stay accountable, and the only way to stay accountable is to have someone else who cares about you—keeping you accountable!
I provide monthly mentoring, so you never have an excuse for not writing the very best you can.


STORY DEVELOPMENT
Using specific exercises, story development helps you to take an idea and develop it into a plan — or fix a broken manuscript.
I'll help you develop a story that has momentum and meaning.
DEVELOPMENT EDIT
Over the period of 4-6 weeks, I'll evaluate your manuscript, providing written feedback on how the book holds together on every level, along with a plan on next steps.
We'll also have a videoconference to discuss my feedback and suggested next steps.


SENSITIVITY READING
As a sensitivity reader, I'll guide you away from one-dimensional portrayals of gay men and help create more nuanced characters (and get your facts right).

ABOUT ME
There are three reasons I coach gay fiction writers:
1. Because although we live in a world of story, it’s easy for writers to steer off track without a little one-on-one guidance from a professional.
2. Because there are so many gay fiction stories in the world, there's a risk that the good ones will get lost in the business of selling and buying books.
3. Because with so much left to luck and timing, it's my mission to give gay fiction books the best chance of getting into readers' hands.
And with 26 years of experience in theatre, broadcast media, and coaching, I have a visceral understanding of what makes stories work.
I have an MA (Distinction) in Professional Writing, and my debut gay fiction novel, Body of Water, was one of ten books long-listed for the Polari First Book Prize.
My latest gay fiction book, Behind the Seams, was a 2021 BookLife Fiction Prize Contest semifinalist.
I'm an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach and a proud Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.
If you’re ready to get your book into shape, no matter what stage it's at, here I am.
I have been certified through Author Accelerator’s Book Coach Certification Program.
When I learned about the Book Coach Certification program from Author Accelerator, I knew it would take my coaching to the next level.
I didn’t want to buy a meaningless certification. I wanted to be assessed by some of the best coaches in the field and held to the highest professional standards and code of conduct and, after a solid year of study and practical work, I've improved 8 years of previous experience beyond measure.

Stuart Wakefield has been recognized as one of the Top Book Coaches by Coach Foundation.
LET'S TALK
Want to talk things over?
Book a free half an hour with me (or contact me using the Tell Me About Your Project form below).

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PROJECT!
Tell me about your project and the package you're interested in.