Most authors jump straight to the writing. That's the moment the book starts failing.
Writing a book takes a lot of time, energy, and investment. And getting it wrong costs you everything you were trying to say.
Knowing where to start, is how you start.
I do not believe for one second that your story isn't worthy or 'big' enough to be a book. It is. Full stop. What's holding you back isn't your story. It's knowing how to start.
Before you write a single word, your book needs space to breathe, to develop, to grow. It needs time to settle into the story beneath the story, the core of what you're really trying to say, so that when your readers find it, they feel that connection in every page.
Our Book Development package is an eight-week private, one-to-one experience. Eight weeks to build the foundation your book needs to connect deeply, sell long after launch, and reach the readers it was written for.
By the end, you will know exactly what you are writing, who you are writing it for, and how it will flow.
You will be ready to write.
Now imagine...
You've opened your inbox or your DMs and someone is raving about your book and the impact it has had on their life. You've been invited to host an upcoming book club meeting. Someone in your industry wants you to speak to their audience. You've been asked to be a guest on a podcast to talk about your story. You see your book sitting in pride of place at your relative's home. You hold your book in your hands for the first time and are overwhelmed with pride for what you've accomplished. You did it. You did the thing you'd been thinking about, dreaming about doing, for years. And you love it.
This is for you if...
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You have a book idea but do not know where to begin.
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You are unsure whether your idea is substantial enough for a full-length book.
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You have started writing before, then lost momentum because the process felt too big or unclear.
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You are ready to give your book what it needs to make sure it reaches the people you're writing for.
Over eight weeks, we will build the foundation your book needs to last.
Together, we'll go deep into what you want to write about, get to the core of your story, find your voice, and begin to build the connection to your future readers.
We will get clear on your future reader, so you understand who you are writing to and why your book will connect with them and matter to them.
We will shape the content, flow, and chapter structure, making sure your book is cohesive and compelling, rather than simply a collection of thoughts or stories.
At the end, we'll work together to create an outline that captures the flow of your story and keeps readers engaged, so you're not staring at a blank page wondering where to start writing.
"You see me, and because of that, I feel safe to be seen."
- Krista Sherry
Led by an experienced publishing professional
Your book development is personally led by Michelle Ireland, Founder and Publishing Director of Willowcourt White.
What makes these eight weeks different isn't just the process. It's the environment Michelle creates, one where you feel safe enough to find your voice, get to the true core of what you want to write, and connect deeply with your story and the readers it was written for.
"You see me, and because of that, I feel safe to be seen." - Krista Sherry
Michelle will help you make the important decisions with greater confidence, challenge and strengthen your thinking where needed, and give your book the clear, purposeful foundation it deserves.
And to back it all up, Michelle brings decades of entrepreneurship, a corporate background in marketing, and years of publishing expertise, so your book is guided by someone who understands not just the craft, but the world it is being published into.
What the experience looks like...
Weeks 1 and 2: Your real story begins to surface
This is where your real story begins to surface. What you thought you were going to write often starts to shift into something deeper, the core of what you actually want to say.
We begin with a 45-minute conversation, just the two of us. You share your idea, your story, how long it's been sitting with you. From there you receive a customised concept document built specifically around you and your book, and I review and give you thoughtful personalised feedback as your idea starts to take shape.
Weeks 3 and 4: Clarity, confidence, and momentum
We now have a very clear understanding of what you're going to be writing about and have the confidence and inspiration to really start exploring it.
We will meet again to work through your completed concept and uncover what needs more attention. You will return to our shared document with fresh insight and inspiration, supported between sessions on WhatsApp as ideas continue to surface.
Weeks 5 and 6: Your book starts to come alive
We start putting together the outline and bringing together the various stories and topics so that it flows, your reader will be engaged, and your writing is telling the story that you want the book to tell.
We will explore chapters, topics, flow, pacing, and the journey you want to take your reader on. You will then begin building your outline, starting simply and adding detail as the structure becomes clear.
Weeks 7 and 8: Ready, prepared, and excited to write
The structure is laid out. The outline is full. You know your reader, you know your flow, and you know exactly where you're going.
We will meet for a final working call to review everything that you've created, answer questions, and make sure the outline is capturing the essence of what you're going to write. You will submit your finished outline for final feedback and practical notes to guide you confidently into the writing process.
Your Book Development experience includes...
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Three private 45-minute video calls with Michelle, Founder and Publishing Director
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Direct WhatsApp support between sessions, so you are never left stuck or working it out alone.
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Customised concept and planning documents tailored to you, your book, and your objectives.
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Detailed feedback on your ideas, concept, structure, and outline.
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A clear, refined outline to guide your writing from the very first page.
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The confidence that comes from knowing your book has been carefully considered, properly structured, and built with your reader in mind.
By the end of our 8 weeks together you will have...
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A clear, confident concept for your book, including exactly what you are writing about and why it matters to you and your reader.
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Clarity on the person you are writing for, so you can create a book that truly connects with them.
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A purposeful structure that gives your book the depth and flow to connect with readers long after publication.
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A clearly defined outline that will guide your writing and help you maintain momentum and clarity.
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The confidence to sit down and write, knowing your book has a real, intentionally created foundation beneath it.
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Most importantly, you will be ready to write.
Your Investment
Should you choose to continue into a full publishing package with Willowcourt White, your book development investment is credited towards the cost of that package.
This means you can begin with the foundation your book needs now, with the option to continue into a full publishing partnership when you're ready.