Transforming academic work into public books
Robin Hershkowitz, Ph.D.
As a book coach, I specialize in working with authors who have an academic background and are looking to break free from the constraints of academic writing. Whether you’re interested in self-publishing or exploring topics outside of your discipline, I can help you craft a compelling book that resonates with a wider audience.
Mountain Top, France
How is a book coach different from an editor? An editor is a valuable part of the writing process but interacts with a drafted or finished manuscript. A book coach focuses on the whole author’s experience, including planning, clarifying, and support while writing a proposal or manuscript.
My coaching includes:
Planning and Strategy: I’ll help you clarify your ideas, evaluate your manuscript in progress, or develop a proposal and pitch plan to ensure that your book meets your goals and resonates with your audience.
Confidence: As an expert in your field, you have valuable knowledge to share. I’ll work with you to translate that knowledge into writing that engages a popular audience, building your confidence as a writer and subject expert.
Problem-solving: Writing can be a challenging process, but I’m here to help you overcome any barriers you encounter along the way. Whether it’s content-related, mindset-related, or environmental, I’ll work with you to untangle any problems and help you stay on track.
Accountability: Setting goals and developing a writing strategy is key to the success of any book project. I’ll help you stay accountable, providing research support as needed and checking in on your progress to ensure that you stay on track.
Communication: As your trusted advisor, I’ll be available to listen, review, celebrate, and help you through any roadblocks you encounter during the writing process. With my support, you’ll be able to stay motivated and focused, bringing your book to life in the most effective way possible.
Ready to get started?
Testimonials
“Robin has been extremely helpful in coaching me through my first academic monograph. With her help, I was able to get past major hurdles related to time management, organization, and the scope of my project. Robin is very supportive, positive, realistic, and helps writers set reasonable parameters on their work, as well as ensuring that self-care is being attended to. I highly recommend her services to anyone looking to reshape their relationship to their writing.”
– Kathleen, Visiting Assistant Professor in Media and Gemder Studies
“I am so glad that I worked with Robin to develop my nonfiction book proposal! Robin helped me create a timeline to work through each step of developing my book proposal and to set deadlines to hold me accountable for completing each step. Our conversations and her written feedback helped me to work though challenges and hone my ideas. Robin’s understanding of both writing for an audience within academia and writing for a general audience was particularly helpful as we workshopped my proposal to speak to the audience I had in mind.”
-Jo, Assistant Professor of Sport Management
“I’ve been a client for over a year and Robin has helped me edit my manuscript, develop my book proposal, and find a publisher. Robin guided me through breaking down complex ideas into manageable parts throughout the revision process and supported me as I worked to define and develop my core argument. Robin’s feedback was always timely, constructive, and actionable; she helped me feel excited about each stage of the project instead of overwhelmed. With Robin’s help I was able to reach my end goal–securing a book contract. I would highly,: recommend Robin to any writer embarking on a big project.”
-Emily, Assistant Professor of Digital Humanities
Robin Hershkowitz, Ph.D. 