Take your readers on a heroine's journey

YOUR STORY SPINE

for non-fiction

Here, we'll explore the point and purpose of your book before you start writing; and look at your idea from the point of view of scope and marketplace viability.

You'll receive:

 STORY SPINE WORKBOOK

2 x SUBMISSION DEADLINES

2 x EDITORIAL NOTES

1 x 90 MIN COACHING CALL

1 x 30 MIN FOLLOW-UP CALL

With this jump-starter offer, you will narrow your ideas down from the broad to the specific. You'll define what your book is about, why it's of value to readers, and how it will interact in the world.

This is a simple yet powerful clarification process that sets you up for your writing journey ahead. It has the added advantage of offering a 'taster' of my coaching style, without any bigger financial commitment.

THIS OFFER IS FOR YOU IF....

You're struggling to take your book idea from wide to narrow

You have what you believe to be a strong idea for a transformational non-fiction book.

Your book's purpose will be to offer your readers an illuminating shift in perspective on an issue that's of deep interest to them. 

You have accumulated an expansive body of work over time, and your book idea is starting to take form in your mind. You have a broad sense of what it is you want to achieve. 

However, you are yet to envision your book as a finished entity, because you are yet to define its point: the specific argument you intend to make.

You haven't figured out your unique contribution to the bigger cultural conversation on your chosen subject.

This lack of clarity is causing resistance when it comes to sitting down to write, even though you're passionate about your project. Your wheels are spinning, you're losing precious time, and you feel impatient to get the real work underway.

Resolving this feel urgent, because your book will speak in some way to the pain and brokenness in the world, and offer a way through. 

If this sounds like you, read on.

STEP 1: THE POINT

We'll begin by defining the point of your book: a singular, powerful idea that you will be the through-line for your book. I think of this as the heart of your message.

You're longing to come up with the idea that feels right, giving you a full-body "YES!" The exercises in the first part of this program guide you towards this.

The clearer your intention is at the start, the more lucid your writing will be, and the more you'll enjoy the process of writing.

A breakthrough in clarity can get you through overwhelm, confusion, and the sticky moments, because you remember your source of inspiration in the first place; and this motivates and galvanizes you.

It is not only liberating to define your book's point early on; it helps you write your manuscript with thematic and structural cohesion right out of the gate. This is as satisfying for you as author as it is for the reader. 

This leads us into Step 2...

STEP 2: THE PURPOSE

Defining your reader's transformation journey

You are making an important offering to your readers by leading them through an arc of change. This is an aspect of non-fiction that many writers fail to take into account: they focus excessively on what they have to say, forgetting to give thought to the reader's experience.

You're going to open your readers' eyes, shift their worldview in some significant way, and (most likely) suggest calls to action that will change their way of being in the world.

In order to be most effective, your book should appeal to a question or desire your readers are already carrying inside - whether that's a question of utmost intimacy (a form of internal transformation that they long for), one that addresses the broader culture (urgently needed external change), or both. 

In this second step of Your Story Spine, you will consider who your ideal readers are, alongside their pressing wants, needs, and hunger for knowledge. 

This way, you can speak to them in specific terms, and they know at a glance, that your book is right for them, because it offers the answers they are seeking.

Creating author-reader rapport

Factoring in your readers' wants and needs might feel salesy, manipulative, out of integrity, or anathema to your creativity.

These feelings are common, but actually the process of exploring your readers' needs is incredibly helpful. It guides you into the deeper layers of your intention: that is, to inspire cultural change.... one reader at a time. 

By considering your readers right from the start, you end up offering them the kind of rewarding, transformative experience that has them feel as if this book was written specifically for them.

When this happens, they are likely to spread the word about your book through word of mouth - and that is the proven #1 way to sell a book.

STEP 3: POINT & PURPOSE TOGETHER

When you put your point together with your book's purpose, you have your organising principle or 'story spine.' Here, you find the sweet spot between what you have to give and what your readers long to receive.

This puts you on the best possible footing, before you venture into the longer-form writing.

IMAGINE THE FEELING...

  • Your vision for your book has simplified and deepened.
  • You are clear about your book's point and purpose, and therefore have the through-line for your entire book. (Note: this puts you way ahead of the curve. I cannot emphasize this enough. Most people write to find out what they want to say. This approach saves an enormous amount of time.)
  • You've put your attention into who your readers are, what you're offering them and why.
  • You're starting to think in terms of your book's role in the marketplace.
  • Having defined your book's organising principle, you're energised to make the next steps.
  • You know what to say if people ask you what you're working on. You can articulate your vision in a few well-chosen words.

You will have to ask yourself challenging questions.

It takes dedication to find your story spine. You're going to have to dig deep to find the answers that are true for you. It's likely this will involve digging into your life purpose or dharma. 

The tools provided in this program are carefully curated to help you do this.

Set yourself up with 'right thinking.'

This process does not promise instantaneous results. It will be iterative. After all, there's nothing small about the subject you're writing about. You're probably challenging belief systems that have grown in power and influence over centuries, and that's deep work.

You might experience an 'aha!' moment at some point during our process that gives you goose-bumps. This can happen, but it's more likely you will continue to refine your ideas after we've done our initial, bite-sized work together. 

What this offer will do, most importantly, is set you up with right thinking as you embark on your project. You will learn how to ask the right questions.

How fast you move will depend on how far along the path you are already, and how much time and effort you choose to put in.

PRAISE

Catriona helped shepherd a transformation within me, to let go of a book project I’d been working on and to embark on a more raw and personal project. 

I believe that Catriona was the only coach who could elicit this dramatic pivot and is the one I trust to make it the book of my dreams.

JANE HARDJONO

Embodiment coach

janehardjono.com

PRACTICALITIES

1

YOUR WORKBOOK & SCHEDULE

This mini-program starts with a 2-part workbook to go through in your own time. You'll receive this when you sign up. The questions and exercises provided will help you to brainstorm about your book's point and purpose in specific and guided ways. The more time and thought you put into your answers to the questions provided, the better.

2

SUBMITTING YOUR WORK

Once you've done the preparatory work for Part 1, you'll send your working document to me. I will provide editorial notes and feedback. You'll then proceed into Part 2. 

3

COACHING CALL

We'll use your 90 min coaching call to look at your written responses in more detail, do some creative brainstorming, explore the scope and marketability of your idea, and address any questions you might have.

4

FOLLOW-UP CALL

Your 30 min follow-up call is for checking in that you're on fire about your point and purpose, and to address any further questions. 

INVESTMENT

$500 USD

 

This offer includes:

* Story Spine workbook

* 2 x submission deadlines

* 2 x rounds of editorial notes

* 1 x 90 min coaching call

* 1 x 30 min follow-up call

*Must be completed within 45 days from date of purchase.

PAYMENT: 

I'll send you an invoice in advance for an upfront online payment. While prices are set in USD, payment is possible in €, AUD or GBP on request.

Would you like to make a booking? 

Please click the button below. 

You can expect to hear from me within 1-2 business days.

I encourage you to read my Do We Fit page before reaching out.


YOUR STORY SPINE

FAQ

WHAT COMMUNICATION TOOLS DO YOU USE?

For edits and written feedback, we'll use Microsoft Word's 'track changes' function, so it's important you are familiar with this.

For the coaching call, we will use Google Meet. This requires no special subscription or download at your end.

DO YOU OFFER REFUNDS?

This service is non-refundable. If for unexpected reasons you can't use this full service within 45 days from the time of purchase, please contact me in advance of your expiry date to discuss this.

can i be assured of confidentiality?

All communication and materials are treated as confidential, unless your permission to share with others is explicitly granted. This is stated in my terms of service.
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