“Can’t see the forest for the trees.”
Sometimes that’s what it feels like when you’re in the process of writing. You know there are specific steps you need to think about to create an engaging story, but you have no idea what they are. You’ve been writing for weeks or months or even years and feel you’re getting nowhere. You end up with hundreds of pages you’re unable to shape into a meaningful story. Now you’re lost on a path that prevents you from completing your book, and you don’t know where to turn.
Or maybe you do understand the many complex steps in the writing process. Where should you start? How much time and energy should you devote to each phase? Just thinking about getting through all of those tasks to reach publication exhausts you. You’re afraid you’ll never get your book published, so why start writing? And once you’ve allowed that anxiety to take up space in your brain, the fear becomes self-fulfilling.
Perhaps you’ve got an important message to share or a gift for storytelling that drives you every day, but you’re afraid your work isn’t good enough for anyone else to see. You believe there’s no way someone with your [fill in your self-perceived disadvantage] could ever hope to write a book, much less get it published. So you’re hiding your heart’s desire of being a writer so you can avoid embarrassment or ridicule. But in doing so, you’re depriving readers of your wisdom or creative blessing.
Maybe you’ve finished your manuscript, but know you’re not a star at grammar and punctuation. You aren’t even sure what level of editing you need. Who do you turn to for help? Yes, you have friends and relatives who studied English, but you want to present your best possible book, one that’s polished and professional in every aspect. You know it must fit the expectations of the genre you’re writing, be attractive to the readers you’re targeting, and more than anything, your words must sing. Who do you call?
Let me ask you this. Right here, today. Where do you want to be in your writing journey? Traveling alone with none or only some of the tools and resources essential to your success? Or moving forward with someone willing to share the knowledge and encouragement that will guide you through a series of processes to build your shining idea into a publication-ready manuscript?
You’re in luck, because my superpower is the ability to see and identify the individual trees at the same time I see the entire forest. You can’t get from your starting point to anywhere without a map. Let me help you blaze your trail from idea to signing party. You determine how much or how little help you need, and I’ll be there to provide it.
So who is Suzanne Gochenouer, AKA the Transformational Editor?
I coauthored four best-selling books in the Gratitude Book Project, 365 Days of Angel Prayers, 365 Días de Oraciones a los Angeles, and wrote the story for The Zombie Guide to English Grammar (all available on Amazon). My articles and stories have appeared online and in print. In addition, I’m working on two novels while hoarding pages of ideas for my next writing adventures.
A U.S. Air Force veteran, I also spent twenty years with a large aerospace company working on classified government contracts. As a systems engineer I wrote and/or edited more than 200 manuals and many project/program proposals. I’ve also managed hardware and software teams for multi-million dollar projects.
I worked as an independent contractor with the enhanced-novel publisher Noble Beast in the role of Book Producer. That experience prompted me to add publishing to my skill set when I formatted, edited, and published a book of poetry and art for a client.
Through 2014-2015, in answer to many requests, I worked with my local library on a pilot program, presenting a yearlong series of interactive workshops providing local writers with the tools and knowledge to take their books from idea to publication. I’m currently creating an online course from these workshops.
A member of The Professional Writers’ Alliance, I spend my time writing articles and novels, editing and coaching writers, and reading approximately 400 books each year.
Certified as a life coach, a ghostwriter, and a Reiki master, I use logic and intuition to help clients define and realize their highest writing goals.
Are you ready to make your writing dream a reality? Contact me at Suzanne@TransformationalEditor.com for writing, coaching, and editing services for your manuscript.
