To find out if we’re a good fit to work together, my process starts with:

• A complimentary, no-obligation 30-minute consultation via video or phone. I will ask you questions about your book, such as your goals and target audience.
• A review of your manuscript. Your manuscript can be in any shape: It can be a final draft you’ve polished or a rough draft with incomplete chapters. You don’t have to wait until your manuscript is final to start working with me. In fact, you’ll likely find it helpful to start working with me long before you polish your draft so you can get guidance moving forward, which can speed up your writing process.

If you and I agree we’re a good fit, then you’ll get the following services from me:

• An overarching “big picture” review. I’ll give you a report sharing my feedback and critique about the book’s organization, clarity of its message and if it meets its intended goals. If needed, I’ll suggest an outline for the best way to organize your book. Plus, I’ll provide feedback and recommendations on flow, pacing, style, tone and other key factors that make a successful book.
• Chapter-by-chapter feedback. You’ll get recommendations for organizing and delivering the information in each chapter of your book.
• Title feedback. I’ll give you guidance on the book’s title, subtitle, chapter titles and subheads within your chapters.
• Image recommendations. You’ll get suggestions for illustrations or other types of images to include that would work best to deliver your book’s message.
• Sidebar suggestions. I’ll give you ideas for infographics, “pop-ups” or other types of call-outs that would highlight your book’s contents.
• Helpful notes. You’ll find my comments within your manuscript to help guide you to your next draft.
• Line editing. This includes turning technical or industry jargon into reader-friendly text and ensuring your reader understands complex concepts.
• Recommendations for extra information to include in your book. A couple of examples are a discussion guide for reading groups and interactive journal pages.
• Answers to questions. If you have questions about your manuscript, the publishing process, writing or other related issues, I’ll be happy to answer them.

I have more than 15 years of experience in book publishing

This encompasses traditional, self and independent publishing. I’ve been published all three ways myself. So, whether your manuscript is represented by a major traditional publishing house, you’re working with an independent press or you’re publishing on your own, I have the background and know-how to guide you.

I’ve spent more than 25 years as a health and personal finance journalist

I’ve conceived, researched and written more than 10,000 articles for major consumer publications, including First for Women, Marie Claire, New York Daily News, Self and Woman’s World. For more than a decade, I’ve been a reporter for Woman’s World’s Health News department and have written a weekly personal finance column in the same publication. You can find some of my work at WomansWorld.com.

This means I’ve researched and reported on thousands of health and personal finance topics, so I have the breadth of knowledge that allows me to understand your book’s message and goals. I’ve likely reported on your unique field or specialty dozens of times.

Even more important, I have the proven ability to translate your book’s subject and technical jargon into reader-friendly text. I’ve spent over 25 years doing this for consumer magazines and in my own books. And it’s an important skill. It ensures that your audience can understand, appreciate and use the information that you’re sharing with them.

Another benefit of my long experience: As a journalist, I’ve had thousands of health and personal finance books cross my desk. And I’ve interviewed thousands of health and personal finance experts over the years. As a result, I know what consumers want to read. Plus, I know what captures the attention of the media. My background as a member of the media means you’ll get an insider’s view into how your book may be received by TV, print, radio and Internet reporters. I’ll give you feedback that helps you make it stand out even more without changing your book’s important message.

I stay current on the latest trends in book publishing

I’m a member of several editor and publishing trade organizations. These include The Author’s Guild, Editorial Freelancers Association, Independent Book Publishers Association and Nonfiction Authors Association. These memberships give me the ability to keep up with shifts in traditional, independent, hybrid and self publishing as well as updates in editing, marketing, technology and reader interests.

I’m a successful health and personal finance author myself

Like you, I’m an author of nonfiction books. My first book, 28 Days:  What Your Cycle Reveals About Your Moods, Health and Potential, was published in 2005 by a traditional publisher, Adams Media, which is now an imprint of Simon & Schuster. Also like you, my book has its own important message. 28 Days is a women’s health book where I introduced the world to “cycle-syncing”—living your life in sync with the ups and downs of fluctuating hormones in your menstrual cycle. At the time my book was published, this concept was groundbreaking. Now my cycle-syncing method is followed by millions worldwide and I’m considered a leading hormone health and behavior expert.

In 2019, when I wanted to release a fully revised and updated version of 28 Days, I switched to self-publishing. That’s because I wanted to keep all the rights to my work and have more control over my book, including its title, cover image and content. Fortunately, by this time advancements in self-publishing made it possible to create eBooks and print books without a traditional publisher. As I was writing the new 28 Days, traditional publishers and literary agents who’d discovered I was about to release a revised edition of the book reached out to me unsolicited to represent it. But, I turned them down. It was a gamble, but my switch to self-publishing paid off. My new book was even more popular than the original version and I was much happier with the outcome. The new edition of 28 Days went on to win the 2019 National Indie Excellence Award gold medal in the women’s health category.

The next year, I set up my own independent publishing company, Hormonology Press, to publish more menstrual cycle-related books, including three period tracking journals.

I set up a second independent publishing company, Happiness Upgrade Press, to publish other health and personal finance books.

In 2020, when the pandemic caused widespread job losses and career shifts, I released my first personal finance book, DIY Résumé and Cover Letter Kit, through my Happiness Upgrade Press imprint. This book reached the number one spot in the résumé category on Amazon on its release day and has continually been an Amazon best seller since its publication.

In 2022, I released a second book through this press, the eponymous book, The Happiness Upgrade: One Small Step Up to a Happier Life. This self-help/health book was recently named a winning finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards in the psychology/mental health category.