Hey there! Let me guess: you have a wonderful idea for a story, but you wonder if you’re the one to write it. Or maybe you’ve written the story, but have found all kinds of barriers preventing you from sharing it with the world. Or maybe you’re standing at the edge of a rabbit hole of research, feeling anxious about diving in . . .

How did I know? Well, I’ve been there too! And even now, though I’ve published everything from science blogs to coloring books, from twisted fairy tales and holiday recipes to mystery novels (rapid-released, no less!), I still get stuck sometimes.

If you are stuck right now, I’m here to help. First of all, take a deep breath. In the words of Douglas Adams, don’t panic! We can (and will) sort this out.

Now. I offer research assistance and author coaching. What help would suit you best?

Diving Deep: Research Assistance

I have a BA in History, an MSc in Archaeology, years of museum education experience, plus several academic papers and nonfiction blogs under my belt. Believe me when I say I love research and learning! Good research is a skill, and it isn’t always taught in schools. I’ll put what I know to use to dive in deep and create a report, or simply give you an introduction and a nudge in the right direction.

This is for you if:

  • you’re writing a story with a historical setting
  • you want to branch into fantasy or folklore, but feel intimidated
  • you’re using a specific niche or academic topic in your plot
  • you simply aren’t sure what is a good source, and where to find one

I’ve got you covered. And while I can research anything, my specialties include:

  • history, especially the history of science
  • world folklore
  • mythical creatures
  • geology
  • botany
  • occult and secret societies

That’s just what I have on my shelf. I’m always happy to research something new!

With this service, I aim to meet you where you are. First, we’ll discuss your topic and needs, as well as any project parameters (budget, deadline, etc). Once we’re both happy, I’ll get to work. I’ll bill you hourly for my time researching both online and in printed resources, and at the end of the project, I’ll deliver either a written report (for those who just want concise research) or an overview of what I’ve found and suggestions for further research (for those who want to see how it’s done). Depending on the project, pricing can range from $25/hour to $45/hour.

Sound helpful? Email me with further questions, or to get the ball rolling!

Rising High: Author Coaching & Publishing Assistance

From anthologies to series to spinoffs and more, I have tested the waters of indie publishing myself. It’s not an easy journey, and nothing I do can guarantee your success (or even mine!). That said, I believe firmly that the world needs more creative lights. If your light is feeling dim, I’ll help fan the flame!

This is for you if:

  • you have a story idea but need motivation to begin (or keep going)
  • you’ve written a book and want to know how to present it
  • you’re looking into WIDE indie publishing (I see you, KDP authors! Come on in, the water’s fine)

What’s “wide” publishing? It means your book is available everywhere. It doesn’t mean that every bookstore will buy your book, mind you, but they’ll at least have the option to do so. “Wide” is in contrast to “KDP” (Kindle Direct Publishing), which is Amazon’s exclusive service–they’ll publish your book, but only on their store and on their terms.

You already can tell I’m a fan of wide publishing, but I do deal with Amazon also. (They are a major player in the game, after all!) Here are some of my other strengths as an indie author:

  • finding your niche–a.k.a. identifying genres, blending genres, and honoring your voice
  • balancing mental health and self-care with author business
  • creating covers, website images, and social media posts with Canva
  • dealing with Ingram Spark, Draft2Digital, and Amazon (book publishers/distributors)
  • prioritizing marketing methods (including ARC management, giveaways, reviews, awards, and more)

Basically, I’ve bumbled my way through the entire process, from dreamy draft to second edition, nearly ten times now. I’ve made mistakes and I’m eager for you to learn from them! 😉

With this service, I want to help you overcome whatever obstacle you currently face. We’ll touch base about where you are in the process and what your goals are first. If we’re a good fit, then we’ll move forward with a scheduled coaching session (face to face or on video call). I’ll listen to you and talk you through my advice. Afterward, I’ll write up a summary with any relevant “how-to”s or tips and deliver that to you. Depending on the project, pricing can range from $75 to $120 for preparation, coaching session, and finished deliverables.

Just what you need? Great! Email me with questions or a proposal, and we’ll get started.

Looking for more info? Check out my “About Me” page for more on who I am, or check out the blog here. And of course, if you have any lingering questions, feel free to reach out at info (at) ellehartford.com.