It all started for me with a frantic message on Facebook from Gail saying “I haven’t heard from you!” For some reason we never did manage to understand none of her messages or emails had ever got through to me. We never found out where the messages actually went, luckily Gail is not the sort of person to give up without exhausting every avenue.
Within the first couple of minutes of our discovery call I was hooked on the book she wanted to write. This would be a book with a mission to help parents, that would ultimately change children’s lives. The idea of it lingered long after our initial chat, and when Gail booked her first set of sessions I was thrilled.
Even though Gail had published before through a small press we started by looking at what would be the right way for Gail to publish moving forward, and developing a strong writing process. I like to make sure that my writers have a strong start, because this enables them to write not just this book, but all the books to come.
From writing habits we worked through self edits, my edit, Beta readers, and finally a professional editor. Before researching cover design, luckily Gail’s previous books had a good basic design that we didn’t have to tweak too much to create something up to date - a professional book cover design should never be underestimated. Because people absolutely do judge a book by its cover.
One of the great joys of our working relationship for me was helping to drive book marketing, which we started about six months before release. Working on how, and when to use social media, content ideas, a new mailing list and helping Gail find opportunities to appear on podcasts and in magazines. Watching her viewing figures and engagement climb has been really rewarding .
Gail always took an interest in the process, what we were doing and why, and although sometimes I had to reassured her that her questions were better answered down the line. No matter what was going on Gail would be ready to crack on.
Having had two authors publish a book they were passionate about recently, I can say that it is easier to keep going in the tricky times if you really believe that your book will make a difference to the world. As all have my mentees have heard me say at one point or another ‘writing isn’t hard like being down a coal mine, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy’.
We always promised that once the book was finished we would meet to celebrate, and two weeks after the ebooks release (we couldn’t wait the extra week for the paperback) we met for cake fest in Gail’s lovely garden studio where she works. It was like getting together with a dear friend, and hearing more of the stories behind the book and the children she has worked with over the years was hilarious and fascinating.
As you can probably tell I really loved working on Gail’s project with her, and feel proud to have helped her on her way. So you have heard what I have to say about it, here is what Gail had to say.
“I started writing a book over a year ago and wasn't making progress very quickly. I met Eden Gruger during an online course we both attended during the pandemic. I had no idea what a writing mentor did but knew I needed someone to make me accountable and who might give me a little encouragement. I knew what I wanted to write, but I also avoided writing unless I was 'in the mood' - which meant the book might never get written!
I was impressed from the very start with Eden. She was obviously efficient and knowledgeable. She assured me that she wasn't going to 'interfere' with my writing process, but would suggest putting in some structure. I decided when I would write, would block it out in the diary and, as if by magic, I would write - because I knew Eden would ask for a progress report next time I saw her! I booked blocks of sessions - five at a time - even though there was the option to pay as you go.
I enjoyed each session with Eden and found them good value for money. She was suitably direct when needed and empathetic and sympathetic when called for. She clearly understands the journey of an author, and during my moments of challenge, she would be very reassuring explaining that it is 'perfectly normal' and giving assurance about the 'next step'. It would not have occurred to me to engage Beta readers - people who read and give feedback on the manuscript - before it goes to professional editing, .
Eden referred me to an excellent editor and designer who obviously wanted us to produce the best book possible. Once the editing process was complete, Eden guided me to putting my book on the platforms for international distribution.
The process of writing my latest book was so much more enjoyable because it felt as though Eden was on the journey with me to get the book done. She helped with marketing, online promotion and distribution. I have absolutely no hesitation whatsoever recommending Eden Gruger to anyone who is wanting to write and publish a book”.