Actually Write the Novel.

A 1:1 coaching program to help you plan, start and actually finish writing that novel you’ve been dreaming about.

Most writers struggle going from ideation to completion.

When you lack motivation and you can’t find the time…

  • You continue to write the first chapter over and over again, feeling like you’re making no progress and quitting a million times over.

  • Your half-written manuscript sits in the bottom of your sock drawer for
    the rest of time.

  • You feel unfulfilled at never having written the novel you know you had in you.

Does this sound familiar?

  • You’re sick of rereading and never writing anything new

  • You know there’s a simpler way to get words on the page

  • Your writing sessions are sporadic

  • You feel lost in the story

  • You’re tired of feeling like you’re not good enough

  • You’re staying up at night worrying about this unfulfilled dream

A woman sitting at a wooden desk with a stack of books, a laptop, a green desk lamp, a white cup holding pens, and a window with a view of green trees outside.

Hi, I’m Annika.

I coach writers and aspiring authors on how to plan, start and finish their manuscripts so they can get published.

I know first hand that writing a novel, and fitting the practice into your life, is HARD.

I studied two creative writing degrees and multiple writing courses and while I knew I could write, I still had no idea how to write the beast that is the novel.

I worked as bookseller for years, engaging with the ground level of the book market, and then I went on to work for Australia’s largest independent publisher.

It took me a while, but I finally cracked the code. I found my way through a plan and structure that felt so simple, I’d wished someone laid it out for me years ago.

Now, I’m on a mission to help people stuck in the novel-writing trenches, so you can finish that dang manuscript and become a published author.

Young woman sitting on the sidewalk in front of a graffiti mural, holding a laptop and smiling at the camera. She is wearing sunglasses, a black and white striped shirt over an orange top, light blue jeans, and black shoes.

Are you ready to stop dreaming and take action?

Reach Out

Book a Free Discovery Call. We’ll chat through any of your concerns and personal obstacles.

Questionnaire

I’ll flick you a list of questions to better understand what stage of writing you’re at and what your goals are.

Let’s Work

We’ll get stuck in! We’ll overcome those roadblocks and see your novel through to completion. You’ll be one step closer to becoming a published author.

Woman with glasses, holding a white coffee mug, sitting outdoors with a notebook and laptop on the table, wearing a striped blazer and orange top.
A woman with glasses and shoulder-length hair sits in front of bookshelves filled with colorful books, holding a book on her lap, smiling at the camera.

Here’s everything you get over 9 months of coaching…

The 'No Time' Buster

A personalised writing schedule built for your lifestyle and goals

Mapping the Plot

Each writing session mapped out for you

The Dos and Don'ts

Ongoing feedback on sections of your writing, up to 25,000 words

Press Publish

Support to help you prepare for publishing, like querying literary agents.

BONUS: Character Profiling Kit

A quick-fire system to help you get to know your characters on a deeper level

Brainstorming Blasts

5 x 1:1 Brainstorming Sessions discussing your storyline, character development, tone, etc.

Knocking on Your Door

Fortnightly accountability sessions and ongoing digital check-ins

Finito Report

A structural edit service upon completion of your first draft

BONUS: The How-to-Self-Edit Bundle

A guide to help you tidy things up

Just so you know… I only take on five new coaching clients each month, and the two bonuses are only available to the first three who sign up.

If you don’t make a change, that manuscript will find its way to the back of your sock drawer. Guaranteed.

The most popular option

The most flexible option

Investing in yourself can be scary

But there is so much to be gained from it:

  • You will be able to turn up to your writing sessions with confidence

  • You won’t burn out from writing every day, because your schedule will be designed to fit into your lifestyle

  • In 6 months you could have a completed first draft!

  • You will learn lessons as you write, potentially avoiding multiple edits down the track

  • You will have ongoing support from someone focused on you and your story

  • You could become a published author (pretty hard to do without a written book, huh?)

Not ready for 9 months of coaching but still need some clarity and direction?

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing glasses, a black sleeveless top, and plaid pants, is reaching for a book on a white bookshelf filled with colorful books and surrounded by green houseplants.

The Get-Going Bundle

1 x 60 minute coaching session

A personalised writing schedule & plan

A follow up call in 30 days

One time investment of $450 + GST

This bundle will do exactly what it says: it’s going to help you get going.

Here’s what others have had to say…

Annika is extremely professional, friendly, so knowledgeable, and she genuinely cares about what I'm writing. Her enthusiasm is so contagious, and our sessions leave my mind buzzing for days...After reading so many books about 'how to write a novel' and doing so many courses and workshops, I feel like the value of Annika's sessions are probably incomparable so far. If you want a road map, brainstorm a few ideas, get honest feedback, or a motivation boost, she's your person!

Nadia Heisler, coaching client

Annika is such a joy to work with. My first coaching session was at the end of September 2024, and now as October comes to a close, I have now been able to write 17,000 words after only managing 5,000 words the month prior. She helped me form a solid writing routine, supported me through self-doubt and brainstormed ideas with me. I would highly recommend Polished Prose to anyone currently working on their novel. Finishing my first novel no longer seems like a dream, but a reality!!

Lauren Goodwin, coaching client

Annika always knows what questions to ask to get the best out of me for my book. I always come away from a session feeling clearer about the direction of my story and what I need to achieve and understanding my story and characters more. The one on one sessions make things really personal and I get a chance to discuss the intricacies of my story and Annika listens to everything I have to say so she can best understand my struggles and/or the gaps I need to fill. If you're on the fence about doing something like this but are stuck with what's next for you, I highly recommend! It has been one of the best decisions for my book!

Brianna Gough, coaching client

If you make this investment, you’ll be able to say: I wrote a book.

So, what are you waiting for?