Platform Sparkle ✨
1-1 Coaching Course with Rachel Thompson
Build an online presence that feels like you!
Gain confidence, know-how, motivation, and skills to market yourself as a writer!
Together, we’ll clarify your visual identity, set up a simple website, and shape a sustainable approach to social media.
Building a platform before you publish a book is an unfortunate prerequisite for writers
To Attract an audience you need to stand out, But...
- Many writers I work with feel awkward about visibility.
- Some are introverts, some are overwhelmed by the tools, and most are unsure how to talk about their work without feeling self-conscious. The online world can feel noisy, confusing, and unsafe.
- If any of that resonates, you’re not alone.
After Taking Platform Sparkle…
Writers who’ve gone through Platform Sparkle often tell me that the process becomes lighter and more focused.
You may find that:
- your online presence begins to feel easier to maintain
- your website reflects your goals and personality
- marketing yourself feels less awkward (and sometimes even enjoyable!)
- you gain clarity about your audience and how to reach them
- No pressure or perfection required, just steady, supported steps.
Hi, I'm rachel Thompson
I’m Rachel, and I help writers shape an online presence that feels true to their work.
I am an author, editor, and former website designer with over a decade of experience here to help you write, publish, and shine.
What writers say after going through this process:
This is a great course for getting past tech phobia and understanding the principles behind website branding for creatives. Rachel is a knowledgable, generous, and endlessly patient guide who understands the need to mesh image and voice with functionality.
The whole process has made me feel really empowered. I created a beautiful website that perfectly aligns with my goals as a writer. I feel like I now see myself as a serious writer, and I’m ready to start submitting my manuscript.
The course helped me frame my vision of myself and my mission as a writer, which has increased my confidence when I communicate with editors, potential publishers and readers.
I’ve learned about marketing myself, which is something that I’d never considered from a strategic standpoint. I created a website that I think is a perfect reflection of me as a writer. The course was also very introspective and philosophical. Who am I really, at the core, as a writer, person?
Platform Sparkle Showcase
Congratulations to Debra, Justin, and Heidi, who recently completed the Platform Sparkle course! They did amazing work, digging into their writing brand and creating beautiful marketing to reach their unique readers. Beautiful work, everyone!
“I could have hired someone to create a website, but I feel this one is really mine, that it represents me, as I went through the process of creating it. And Rachel was there every step of the way, stepping in when necessary and prodding me to take over when it was time.”
Four things we’ll focus on together:
Clarity
I help you find a path that is true to you and that will help you reach your goals for your writing.
pleasure
When your platform begins to feel like an honest reflection of who you are, the process can become surprisingly enjoyable.
Connection
I will support you to build a platform that will help you connect with your readers.
Motivation
Feel clear about what to do next and supported in taking that step, with the tools and encouragement you need to continue.
🌟 Included with your 1-1 Coaching course
Weekly Support
The course includes weekly check-ins with me, and three one-on-one video calls to go over your brand, complete your website, and focus your platform-building efforts.
concierge website setup
I help with your website setup and then teach you how to make updates—so you can to concentrate on your vision and plan to make it sparkle.
Join Me 1-1 for Platform Sparkle
This course is designed to give you individualized support, thoughtful feedback, and hands-on help with both the technical and reflective parts of platform-building. The pricing reflects the time, expertise, and care that go into the eight-week process, including one-on-one meetings, website support, and weekly check-ins.
The course includes:
- six lessons focusing on one core element of your platform
- workbooks with questions and next steps
- weekly check-ins
- three individual calls
- support in creating or refreshing your WordPress site
- guidance in developing a sustainable social media approach
Pricing Info
You will be able to choose from the sliding scale option that fits your circumstances. (There is no assessment required.)
Platform Sparkle
Total costOr pay in five monthly installments of $150.
Sliding-Scale Pricing
I offer sliding scale pricing options to provide more access for writers who need this.
Support Tier 1 (10% price reduction)
For recently unemployed writers or writers experiencing reduced income and who do not have access to generational or personal wealth.
Support Tier 2 (15% price reduction)
For writers who are experiencing financial insecurity and who also do not have access to personal or generational wealth and/or savings.
ACCESS (20% price reduction)
Exclusively for writers on disability assistance or who are part of BIPOC and/or trans communities. If you are able, please choose another pricing level.
Apply Below
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There is no need to be intimidated by the application. You do not need to have any specific skills or be at a specific stage in order to work with me. Once you submit your application, I’ll be in touch to make sure the timing and format are a good fit. Then we’ll choose a start date and map out your eight-week plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the course start and end?
The course starts when you’re ready. Once your application has been accepted, we will create a start time. We will work together on the course for eight weeks, though we may plan a break during your session as well.
Should I take this course if I have never published?
You don’t need to have a lot of publication credits to benefit from building a platform for your writing, but if you haven’t published anything yet, I suggest waiting a bit. (My Lit Mag Love course teaches writers to publish and shine.)
What if I don't know how to design a website?
I am here to help you every step of the way and will provide highly-detailed steps and support for you to make your website, plus guidance and feedback as we work on each of the design components. I have taught total newbies to do this and I know you can do it, too!
What if I already have a website?
If you already have a website that you’d like to improve and make more true-to-you, then you are still welcome to join the courses. If you’re using WordPress, you will benefit from the visual page builder tool that is included in the course. If you’re on another platform, you will still benefit from the thoughtful custom font, colour, and brand foundations work we do in the course.
How often do we Connect/Meet?
We will be in touch every week via voice and text messaging. During the course we have three 45-minute one-on-one calls. Between the meetings you will send me your assignments for my feedback and support.
How much time will this course take?
The course assignments will range from requiring 2-4 hours per week. Though, it really is up to you how much you want to put in the eight-week course. You can work at your own pace, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be left to your own devices. We will have specific deadlines for each assignment.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes! You can choose to make installment payments rather than pay the full amount at one time. You can see all of the details in the pricing information section above. If you need to pay over a longer period with smaller installments, please mention this in your application.
Do you offer a sliding-scale pricing option?
Yes! All of my courses now have sliding-scale pricing. You can see all of the details in the pricing information section above.
Am I ready to take this course?
You have reached the bottom of this page, so I think you might have answered your own question! So long as you’re ready to do the work and start showing up, I can help you build a platform that will sparkle.