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The Whole Book

A Six-Week Course

Make Your Book a Reality with Lots of Support

A book floating in the air

Make the vision you have for you book a reality

Get the help and know-how of an editor to outline your complete book project. You’ll finish the course well on your way to making your book real.

     

    Writer in library writing
    Writer working outside on workbook
    Writer reading books on the floor

    The Whole Book is For You if…

    • You have published some writing in journals, a chapbook or a book and are ready to work on a book-length project.
    • Need support  to move forward with your book and writing career.
    • Want help from an experienced editor with concrete assignments and feedback each step of the course.
    • Want to join a warm community of writers all working toward their book publication.

    HELLO, I'M RACHEL!

    Author and Literary Magazine Editor

    I spend my days supporting luminous writers like you to write, publish, and shine.

    I’m here to help you hone and move forward in your writing, build a sustainable and joyful creative writing practice, and write your most luminous work.

    I’ve worked with hundreds of brilliant writers of memoir, lyric essays, fiction, poetry, and hybrid projects, and I’ve seen what’s possible when we’re brave enough to shine the light of our words into the world and to let go of limiting beliefs about our voices and what we are here to say.

     

    Rachel Thompson, slightly smiling with medium, reddish-brown hair, looking up out a window.

    Whole Book Course Details

     

    Course Outline

    During the Whole Book Course, writers take their book-length projects from draft/idea to concrete plan.

    In this group coaching course, you will get feedback on sample chapters/a full poetry manuscript/complete book outline (or reverse-outline) from me, Rachel, while working alongside a group of dedicated writers.

    We start with tools and resources for outlining a book, then connect each week for feedback on your progress and to discuss your challenges and solutions.

    The course includes two individual mentorship calls, three group coaching calls, and weekly messages and check-ins with me on your assignments.

    Rachel Thompson holds a green notebook and looks down, while wearing large eyeglasses.
    • Book outlining resources, and instruction
    • Weekly craft assignments
    • Concrete, actionable feedback on your book project
    • Two one-on-one mentoring meetings with Rachel
    • Three group coaching calls to connect with other writers working on their whole book, too
    A sketched heart.

    what writers say about the Course

    In this video, hear from three writers who took the Whole Book course.
    I start by describing why I created the course, then talk to alums about their experience in the Whole Book course, then answer questions from writers about the course.

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    here is what writers in our community have said about the Whole Book course…

    You’ve managed to have really awesome talented writers gravitate towards your programs. There’s such magic that happens, all the different perspectives, too, were super helpful. I’m really, really incredibly thankful for the Whole Book and I feel super grateful to everyone in the group.

    Sherine Elbanhawy

    I never would have considered writing a book without the support of Rachel and this program.

    Lina Lau

    In the Whole Book course I went from being frightened of my giant octopus of a manuscript to viewing it as an exciting project that I could finish and be proud of.

    Miche Genest

    I am so grateful for your platform and the community that you have created because it allows for a running dialogue, where ideas are shared and discussed. Sharing insights with other writers who are engaged in similar pursuits has energized and strengthened my writing practice.

    Wendy Atwell

    Pricing Info

    You will be able to choose from the sliding scale option that fits your circumstances. (There is no assessment required.)


    Sliding-Scale Pricing

    I offer sliding scale pricing options to provide more access for writers who need this and reconciliation pricing for BIPOC and/or Trans Writers.

    Support Tier 1 $695 or $175/mo x4
    For recently unemployed writers or writers experiencing reduced income and who do not have access to generational or personal wealth.

    Support Tier 2 $595 or $150/mo x4
    For writers who are experiencing financial insecurity and who also do not have access to personal or generational wealth and/or savings.

    BIPOC +/ Trans Reconciliation Price Details

    This pricing is offered ONLY to Indigenous, Black and other writers of colour and transgender writers because systemic racism and transphobia create financial disadvantages for these communities.
    $495 or $125/mo x4

    Apply Below

    Next Group Session Starts in Spring 2025

    There is no need to be intimidated by the application. I am not looking for writers with an already-ready book, just writers who are serious and ready to work on a book-length project. Once your application has been received, I will reach out to you to let you know if you’ve been accepted to a private course session. We will then pick a start date and create your six-week course schedule.

    You can limit this to recent publications (last five years) if this list is long.
    What recent breakthroughs, new projects, or upcoming opportunities are you most excited about? How do these align with your long-term writing goals?
    Let me know about your general schedule for our course session. Note that I am available Sun–Wednesday up until early afternoon in North American time zones. (During business hours in European time zones.)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I apply?

    Apply using the form that appears on this page during the application period. (Or join the waiting list when registration is not open.)

    Is there a specific point in the book process that this is best for?

    The program is best suited for writers who have started a book project. That said, you can benefit at any stage and we adapt to your specific needs (we’ll do that in our one-on-one meetings, if needed). I’ve seen the program work for writers who only have a book idea and for writers working on their fourth draft of a manuscript. 

    What is involved in the course?

    Here is a course outline:

    1. Week 1-2: Introduction, weekly craft writing assignments, and your first one-on-one conference with me.
    2. Week 3: First outline submission deadline One-on-one meeting to review your outline.
    3. Week 4-5: Weekly craft assignments.
    4. Week 6: Submit your revised outline. Final one-on-one conference to review your outline, and plans for the next stage of your writing. Final craft assignment.

    Participants must set aside one hour each week to post assignments and ask questions.

    When Does the Course Start and Finish?

    The course runs for six weeks. Once you have been accepted, we will pick a course start and end date.

    When Will We Meet?

    You will book times that work for you in my calendar. Note that generally I can meet Sunday to Wednesday, early in the day in North America (up until 2 p.m. Eastern).

    What is the expected time commitment?

    The expected time commitment is 2-3 hours per week to complete the craft lessons and work on your book outline.

    What kind of feeback will I get on my writing?

    You will get detailed, knowledgeable feedback on your book project and weekly assignments to help you dig deeper into book. I provide concrete feedback on each assignment and notes the encourage you each step of teh way.

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