What’s holding you back from starting, revising, or finishing your historical novel?
You’ve read all the books. You’ve attended the webinars and the workshops. You’ve gone to the writing conferences. Maybe you even have a critique group. But somehow all that isn’t getting you where you want to be with your novel.
It’s time to take the next step, and work with a seasoned professional.
Together we can go a long way!
Go from spinning your wheels on an idea—
to making a solid start.
The Blueprint Program
This program is the right place for just about everyone to tackle the challenge of writing a novel—whether you’re in the planning, drafting, or revising stage.
It’s a limited-time commitment—4 deadlines over about eight weeks—as we work through the ingenious exercises in the Blueprint workbook designed to make sure all the fundamentals of your story are in place.
You’ll see your project from a different perspective, gaining a high-level view that can unlock your creativity and help you push past whatever’s keeping you stuck. Conceived by super-coach Jennie Nash, the Blueprint Program is planning for the planning-averse.
$1,600
“Susanne’s Blueprint program has been invaluable to bringing my story concept to life. Each deadline challenged me to think about the ‘bigger picture’ when writing my first drafts. Susanne’s programs are great resources for writers of any level, and I can’t wait to continue working with her on this and future projects.”
Go from feeling alone and floundering—
to having expert guidance and making progress.
Ongoing Monthly Coaching
Ongoing coaching puts a cheerleader, editor, and taskmaster—a whole team—in your corner as you get those words on the page. I normally like to work with writers on the Blueprint before we move into monthly coaching, so I know the fundamental thinking is in place, but I make an exception for writers I know are polished professionals who already understand story. Our initial call will determine if ongoing coaching is the right step for you.
I’ve worked with absolute beginners, multi-published novelists, and MFAs. It doesn’t matter how much you know already, there’s a benefit in having that accountability and ongoing feedback, knowing you have to meet those two deadlines a month where you send me up to 25 pages for a close, careful review.
Make no mistake, though: there’s no quick way to write a novel—especially not historical fiction, which involves continuing research. I have clients I’ve been working with for more than a year who are very close to getting either a first draft or a revision done. It’s been a delight the whole way.
$1,000 per month
“I’ve published a number of works of historical fiction, but each time I begin to write the next novel, it’s like beginning all over again. The wisest thing I’ve ever done was to recruit Susanne Dunlap to be my book coach. She helped me to see what my book was about, and where it could begin … and end. In short, she helped me to see the path forward, and will help to keep me on that path. Susanne is a wonderfully intuitive editor, and she well understands both the writing and publishing process. I highly recommend her!”
Go from thinking: “I’ll never get this done!”
to: “I did it—and I’m proud of what I’ve written.”
Revision Package
Getting to the finish line with a manuscript takes courage and perseverence. I’m proud to have helped several clients reach the milestone of a first draft.
And that first draft is a huge accomplishment, no question about it. But it’s also the start of another phase of work, which can feel daunting. My revision package can help you see what to do next—and how to get to that manuscript you’re truly proud of.
This package includes a developmental edit of your complete manuscript, an editorial letter stating what’s working and what needs some help, and three months of ongoing coaching as you plan and implement your revision or rewrite.
$5,500
“I had already researched the time period, gotten my facts in order, and drafted an entire middle grade historical novel. But as a first-time writer, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Susanne’s experience in the publishing industry and her own success as a writer of multiple historical novels made her a perfect match for my niche. She helped me to tighten the story, create better scenes, and yet never lose my own voice. She is truthful, but kind, and has guided me chapter by chapter to create a more engaging story.”
Go from not having the time and space to make progress—
to an intensive day of work that sets you up for success!
One-Day Virtual Intensive
While ongoing coaching is the most effective way to proceed, it doesn’t fit in everyone’s schedule. This intensive is for writers who just need to turn off the distractions and doubts for a day, roll up their sleeves, and lay the groundwork for their writing practice.
Your one-day virtual intensive takes place over Zoom from 9am–4pm and includes a written review of the Blueprint Workbook (sent a month ahead for you to complete)—as well as a plan for structuring our day together.
The intensive also includes a half-hour check-in call a month later to see how you’re doing.
$3,500
“Susanne Dunlap is a warm, encouraging book coach who emphasizes what is good and special in your work, and then works with you to bring the story into its best and most marketable form. Because she herself is not only an editor but a multi-published and well regarded novelist, she understands what it is like to create something, take it apart, and form it again until it lands on a publisher’s list of acquired books and eventually on the perfect reader’s nightstand.”