You have a message inside you, but you’re not sure how to put it into words. Or maybe you’ve written some ideas, but you’re not sure how to put it all together.
I help aspiring and beginning Christian writers transform their ideas into words to share with others.
Whether you’re thinking of writing a blog, or maybe a book, or you’re not yet sure what direction to take, coaching can help you move forward and gain confidence to share what’s on your heart.
Who I Help
If you are an aspiring or beginning Christian writer, or if you don’t consider yourself a writer, but you have a message in your heart that you want to share in words, I am here to help.
I work primarily with Christian nonfiction, such as devotions, Christian inspiration, Bible studies, testimonies, Christian life, guidance, teaching, encouragement, how-to, etc. I also work with other types of non-fiction by Christian writers, for example, life stories, memoirs, leadership, business, mentoring, training, self-care, etc.
I focus on helping aspiring writers who will be self-publishing in blogs, books, e-books, and other types of writing.
While I am also trained in fiction writing and traditional publishing, and I can help you get started in that direction, I recommend beginning fiction writers and writers who want to pursue traditional publishing look for a coach who specializes in those areas. You’ll want someone who stays current with those areas of the writing craft and publishing industry.
I do not work with children’s writing, as that requires its own specialties.
If you are not sure of your direction, we can start out with a coaching call and explore your possibilities.
How I Can Help You
I work with aspiring and beginning Christian writers through one-on-one coaching calls that help you gather your ideas together, find the best ways to express your thoughts in writing, gain confidence, remove obstacles, explore your writing options, find your writing voice, understand your audience, help you take your next steps, start writing, and support you as you develop your writing project.
I coach through a combination of phone or Zoom calls, writing prompts/assignments, accountability check-ins, feedback on writing, and email Q&A, depending on what will help you the most. Coaching calls are tailored to your individual needs and can include prayer, guidance, feedback, brainstorming, answers to questions, helping you overcome obstacles, writing prompts, and helpful suggestions.
As you consider coaching, think about what would help you move your project forward:
- Guidance
- Brainstorming
- Feedback
- Writing Prompts
- Accountability
- Planning
- Organizing
- Problem-Solving
- Confidence-Building
- Resources
Your needs can change as your project moves along, so your coaching sessions will adapt to what you need.
Why Work with Me?
For more than 20 years, I’ve coached Christian writers on writing blogs, books, testimonies, articles, e-books, devotions, Bible studies, lessons, web pages, and other types of Christian writing. In addition to my experience as a writing coach, workshop creator and leader, writing group leader, and online magazine editor, I’ve been trained as a writer and editor via Writers Retreat Workshop, intensives by Jerry Jenkins and Morningstar, and courses by Writer’s Digest, AWAI, and Donald Maass.
I’ve authored, ghostwritten (“as told to”), or edited 46 books. My prayer ministry internship, church staff experience, and MDiv have also played a part in my development as a Christian writing coach. I also bring my prayers, ability to listen, and gift of encouragement into my coaching sessions.
How to Get Started with Coaching
Coaching begins with a one-hour coaching session by phone or Zoom. Together, you and I will consider where you are as a writer and what you need to move forward. You can then decide if you want to schedule additional sessions on a regular or one-time basis.
To get started, please fill out the form below and include the following information:
- Your name and email, so I can respond directly.
- Type of project you are working on.
- Kind of support you need: guidance, brainstorming, feedback, writing prompts, accountability, planning, organizing, problem-solving, confidence-building, resources, or something else (please specify).
- Project stage or current challenges: Where are you in the process of writing and what obstacles are you facing?
- How long have you been writing?
- Timeline for your project, if you have a schedule in mind.
- Any additional questions or concerns, anything else you’d like me to know before we connect.
After I receive your message, I’ll review your goals and respond with next steps, so we can focus on what will help you most.
Extra Resources
In addition to coaching, I offer book editing and proofreading for writers who have completed a book manuscript. You can learn about my book editing services here.
More articles on Christian writing are available at my Christian Writer’s Studio page.
More articles on book writing tips are available at my website: JanetEditor.com (this page opens in a new website).
You can also subscribe to From Words to Book (opens in LinkedIn), my monthly LinkedIn newsletter with tips on book writing.
To see the books I have authored, please visit my Books by Janet Eriksson page. Some of those books are written especially for Christian writers.
Which Service Fits You?
Not sure whether coaching or editing is the right fit for your project? Check the items below to see which support would help you most:
I have a manuscript but am unsure if sections need expansion. –> Developmental Editing
I would like feedback on style and clarity. –> Line Editing
I need help moving my project forward. –> Coaching
I need my manuscript checked for grammar and punctuation. –> Proofreading
Testimonials
“I have known Janet in many capacities over the past 18 years. First of all, she is BRILLIANT! I have worked with her in many different capacities and she always exceeds what is asked or expected of her. Not only has she edited and published all of my books but she has been transcribing for me for the past 12 years. She is gifted at bringing a publication to the table and assisting others in navigating all of the obstacles in doing so. I can’t say enough about what an asset she has been to myself and Transformations Ministries. If you know you have a book/blog, etc. inside of you — she’s your girl! She will cheerlead you right into publication and you’ll enjoy every minute of it. Professional but relatable!”
— Kerri Johnson, Founder, Coordinator & Spiritual Director, Transformations, Inc. (aka Kerri Johnson Ministries); Author of Are You Feeling Stuck?, Symphony of Heart & Mind, Intense Fellowship, and I Feel Everything!
*****
“I had the privilege of working closely with Janet for two years. She was in charge of a writing lab for teenagers who were participating in a Christian residential facility program. Many of these students were several grade levels behind academically; many were considered very reluctant learners. Daily she encouraged, taught, and worked with small groups of students.
“The work the students were able to produce under her leadership was exceptional! Students made a school devotional, worked on writing their testimony, wrote pieces of non-fiction, and created entries for a school magazine. I saw their writing, their confidence, and their productivity dramatically increase over time. The skills she taught the students greatly helped them progress both academically and emotionally. She was deeply missed by students and staff alike when she was called to other fields.”
— Mary-Lee Reynolds, Former Language Arts Teacher, Eagle Ranch School
*****
“Friends: Going down memory lane is sometimes a good thing to do. I have always loved writing but I never seemed to get anywhere with the process. I wasn’t really secure about what I was trying to do.
“In my late fifties I felt the need to start writing again but I didn’t want to just spin my wheels, so to say. I was participating on a writer’s site and saw an advertisement Janet Eriksson had regarding a writing class she was teaching. I finally decided to contact her and see what was involved. For me, it was one of the best things I have ever done.
“Janet is a very personable and fun spirited person, she enjoys life. She is very knowledgeable about her craft of writing and editing. She coached me through my first two e-books and built a confidence in myself that I had never experienced before.
“I was able to see her work firsthand when she held a writer’s conference in our town. I was impressed by her thoroughness and efficiency throughout the event. Her integrity was above reproach. When she does a job for you, you can be assured you will get your money’s worth.
“She had an online magazine, Reflections that I was privileged to have several articles published in. Her seeing my potential as a writer and her willingness to invest her time to help me reach my goal has been so fulfilling.
“Not only is she very talented at her crafts with writing and editing, she is an awesome friend. She will always give you her best because everything she does, she does as unto the Lord.”
— Janie King, Writer
*****
“Once upon a time, I was an insecure writer who had written a drama with aliens and didn’t know how to improve or refine it for mass consumption. Then God sent me Janet. Not only was Janet very insightful in her editing, she was also very encouraging, and my confidence and writing has grown because of our partnership. I can’t wait to work with her again!”
— Katherine Ascalon, Author of The Red Days
*****
“Working with Janet is a dream come true; extremely knowledgeable and experienced, a wonderful writer with much care and compassion for the work as well as the client. So very easy to work with and always open to suggestions. Would love to work with her again.”
*****
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Janet for over 10 years. During that time, I have enjoyed reading many of her writings, including books, testimonies, and blogs. Each year that we travel to Guatemala on mission trips, Janet writes for our blog site. Not only is her writing enjoyable, it is also heartfelt. With her intellect she brings a great historical view. But what is most enjoyable for me is that Janet puts her heart and soul into her writing. When you read the blogs it’s as if you were there yourself. She allows you to picture it and to feel it. She has been given a talent and is able to use it in many ways! I enjoyed being on the end to receive the blessings.”
— Mary Fowler, Co-Leader, Guatemala Mission Team
*****
“Janet is the best editor and more. Through my years of serving as a university professor, wrestling official and coach, as well as mayor, city councilman, and county commissioner, I also wrote 1,600+ articles, published my own syndicated columns, created a collection of motivational slogans, and wrote scripts for my radio broadcasts.
“Janet helped me turn all of these writings into four published books. I handed her all my notebooks that contained several hundred articles and scripts written by typewriter. She typed them into the computer, organized them by topic and presentation, edited them, keyed in the final proofs, and took these manuscripts through the process of being published as four paperback books on Amazon. Now I can share these motivational books with a new generation of athletes and leaders.”
— Dr. John Raber, Author of 200+ Mind/Body Explosions, Unwrap the Sticky Wrapper, Sweet Honey ‘Er Sour Vinegar and 800+ Marvelous Motivational Quotes
*****
“Our company has hired Janet on a few projects now, the most recent being our LVT cleaning for our website page & blog post. Our site was indexed within a week of adding her writing and we received a call for a job days later. We continue to grow as a company because we chose Janet, an incredibly gifted freelance writer. We plan to continue utilizing her writing for all of our needs. Thank you Janet!!!”
— Kelly Galiszewski, DrySteam
Adventures with God 