Book Development & Coaching

As an independent book editor/writing coach, I offer book consulting and editing services at all stages: developmental and creative editing, line editing, and copy editing. My team can also assist you with book design and publishing, as well as other digital and print services. I will be at your side throughout, offering commentary and suggestions as you need them, not just red ink.

If you need coaching on the writing process itself—maybe an accountability coach?— I can help you with that as well.

As an independent book editor/writing coach, I offer book consulting and editing services at all stages: developmental and creative editing, line editing, and copy editing. My team can also assist you with book design and publishing, as well as other digital and print services. I will be at your side throughout, offering commentary and suggestions as you need them, not just red ink.

If you need coaching on the writing process itself—maybe an accountability coach?— I can help you with that as well.

SERVICES

The following are ways that I can help you. Ultimately, I serve your process. I listen, I learn, and I create in a way that represents you, your story, and your voice.

Book Coaching

I can help you shape the idea, and put flesh on your creative bones. I’ll be someone who’ll ask, “What if. . . ?” in a helpful way, and work with other professionals to see the process to a successful close.

Book Editing

If you have writing in some stage of development—a novel, memoir, self-help book, screenplay, or even a long essay, I can help you make it into a finished product.

Web Content

Your Web copy must be strategic. Your readers know what they need. You’ve got a few seconds to show them you can provide that product or service. You need compact, clear, and powerful copy that makes an immediate impression, including your core promise and unique service.

Blog Content

Blogs vary in purpose but generally present a more conversational voice to your reader.

You need to be clear, consistent, distinct, and firmly connected to your brand. I create content that sounds like you. That saves you precious time to do the thousand other things that call for your attention.

Mktg Collateral

In addition to your website and your blog, from time to time you may produce other kinds of writing. Brochures, newsletters, flyers, CVs, cover letters, and job applications all need to be written or edited clearly and concisely in language that coordinates consistently with you and your brand.

 

SERVICES

The following are ways that I can help you. Ultimately, I serve your process. I listen, I learn, and I create in a way that represents you, your story, and your voice.

Book Coaching

I can help you shape the idea, and put flesh on your creative bones. I’ll be someone who’ll ask, “What if. . . ?” in a helpful way, and work with other professionals to see the process to a successful close.

Book Editing

If you have writing in some stage of development—a novel, memoir, self-help book, screenplay, or even a long essay, I can help you make it into a finished product.

Web Content

Your Web copy must be strategic. Your readers know what they need. You’ve got a few seconds to show them you can provide that product or service. You need compact, clear, and powerful copy that makes an immediate impression, including your core promise and unique service.

Blog Content

Blogs vary in purpose but generally present a more conversational voice to your reader.

You need to be clear, consistent, distinct, and firmly connected to your brand. I create content that sounds like you. That saves you precious time to do the thousand other things that call for your attention.

Mktg Collateral

In addition to your website and your blog, from time to time you may produce other kinds of writing. Brochures, newsletters, flyers, CVs, cover letters, and job applications all need to be written or edited clearly and concisely in language that coordinates consistently with you and your brand.

 

This Webinar is about helping participants create and sustain a healthy writing practice.

  • We’ll talk about what practices and attitudes often work and what will work for you.

  • We’ll use free writing during the sessions for some of that exploration.

  • We’ll have choices for more focused writing on a variety of fun topics.

  • We’ll push further into developing writing starts into longer pieces.

  • We’ll create a community of writers.

This Webinar is about helping participants create and sustain a healthy writing practice.

  • We’ll talk about what practices and attitudes often work and what will work for you.

  • We’ll use free writing during the sessions for some of that exploration.

  • We’ll have choices for more focused writing on a variety of fun topics.

  • We’ll push further into developing writing starts into longer pieces.

  • We’ll create a community of writers.

This Webinar, like WYW 1.0, is about helping participants create and sustain a healthy writing practice.

  • We’ll revisit, identify and preserve gifts from the pandemic.
  • We’ll use free writing during the session for some of that exploration.
  • We’ll have choices for more focused writing on a variety of fun topics.
  • We’ll push further into developing writing starts into longer pieces.

This Webinar, like WYW 1.0, is about helping participants create and sustain a healthy writing practice.

  • We’ll revisit, identify and preserve gifts from the pandemic.
  • We’ll use free writing during the session for some of that exploration.
  • We’ll have choices for more focused writing on a variety of fun topics.
  • We’ll push further into developing writing starts into longer pieces.

REVIEWS

You won’t have to take my word for it – read what my clients say about the time we spent honing their messages. 

His style is 100% collaborative

“Jim and I clicked immediately. Jim, I appreciate how you let me know what was working (as well as what wasn’t) with the original manuscript and offered suggestions for improvement with kindness and encouragement. Working with you has made me a better writer.”

– Shawn Langwell, Author, 

Ten Seconds of Boldness

I highly recommend!

“James has that rare ability to not only be an outstanding writer and editor, but also able to share, teach and inspire others to find their own voice in their writing. His thoughtful, nurturing approach to his students — whether teens or adults — and his rich knowledge of language make him an excellent coach/mentor for anyone who needs guidance and encouragement in his or her writing, whether it’s crafting a college essay or a book manuscript. He’s also a fantastic copy editor. ”

– Vicki Larson, Lifestyles editor/writer, Marin Independent Journal

I am very grateful

“I so enjoyed working with you! Immediately, your approach was not like other editors I interviewed. They told me what they would do, step by step, without enthusiasm, making the work seem tedious. You expressed excitement about the possibility of working with me. Then, during your process, you asked questions, made suggestions, and offered options. That was exactly what I was looking for. Altogether, it felt like a team approach—a collaboration.”

– Jan Wallen, Author, Raise Your Fees Without Losing Clients

Mine was not an easy book to edit

“It’s a memoir after all, and I was emotionally invested in the contents of every page. What to leave in, what to leave out, how to structure the material, and how to best aim my natural enthusiasm—an excitement that showed itself in my run-on sentences, were all issues I had to deal with. Jim Baldwin’s sharp but gentle eye helped immensely. With great respect for my work, he digested it thoroughly before offering suggestions. Then, with delicate precision, he began pointing things out that helped me better organize the material and cut away just enough to bring the narrative into focus.”

– Lawrence Furman, Author, How Dying Saved My Life: The Memoir of a Slightly Mad Mystic

He asked great questions to help clarify my story

“As a first-time author, I must say that being guided by Jim Baldwin was one of the best decisions I made. He provided positive feedback, encouraging me that my story was meaningful. Without changing any thought, feeling or intention of mine, he helped me convey my point clearly and with impact. Working with Jim, I learned the impact sentence structure had on content and how fewer words were often more powerful and direct. He was calm, caring, and worked collaboratively with other members of my team. I am eager to work with him on future books.”

– Karen Kaplan, Author, On the Yellow Brick Road

REVIEWS

You won’t have to take my word for it – read what my clients say about the time we spent honing their messages. 

His style is 100% collaborative

“Jim and I clicked immediately. Jim, I appreciate how you let me know what was working (as well as what wasn’t) with the original manuscript and offered suggestions for improvement with kindness and encouragement. Working with you has made me a better writer.”

– Shawn Langwell, Author, 

Ten Seconds of Boldness

I highly recommend!

“James has that rare ability to not only be an outstanding writer and editor, but also able to share, teach and inspire others to find their own voice in their writing. His thoughtful, nurturing approach to his students — whether teens or adults — and his rich knowledge of language make him an excellent coach/mentor for anyone who needs guidance and encouragement in his or her writing, whether it’s crafting a college essay or a book manuscript. He’s also a fantastic copy editor. ”

– Vicki Larson, Lifestyles editor/writer, Marin Independent Journal

I am very grateful

“I so enjoyed working with you! Immediately, your approach was not like other editors I interviewed. They told me what they would do, step by step, without enthusiasm, making the work seem tedious. You expressed excitement about the possibility of working with me. Then, during your process, you asked questions, made suggestions, and offered options. That was exactly what I was looking for. Altogether, it felt like a team approach—a collaboration.”

– Jan Wallen, Author, Raise Your Fees Without Losing Clients

Mine was not an easy book to edit

“It’s a memoir after all, and I was emotionally invested in the contents of every page. What to leave in, what to leave out, how to structure the material, and how to best aim my natural enthusiasm—an excitement that showed itself in my run-on sentences, were all issues I had to deal with. Jim Baldwin’s sharp but gentle eye helped immensely. With great respect for my work, he digested it thoroughly before offering suggestions. Then, with delicate precision, he began pointing things out that helped me better organize the material and cut away just enough to bring the narrative into focus.”

– Lawrence Furman, Author, How Dying Saved My Life: The Memoir of a Slightly Mad Mystic

He asked great questions to help clarify my story

“As a first-time author, I must say that being guided by Jim Baldwin was one of the best decisions I made. He provided positive feedback, encouraging me that my story was meaningful. Without changing any thought, feeling or intention of mine, he helped me convey my point clearly and with impact. Working with Jim, I learned the impact sentence structure had on content and how fewer words were often more powerful and direct. He was calm, caring, and worked collaboratively with other members of my team. I am eager to work with him on future books.”

– Karen Kaplan, Author, On the Yellow Brick Road

Our Work

What’s the big idea?

What’s the big idea?

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