About That Book…
Maybe you’ve been thinking about writing your book for years.
Maybe you’ve started and stopped.
Maybe you have 200 pages, but aren’t sure what the book actually wants to become.
Or maybe you know exactly what you want to say, but can’t quite find the structure, momentum, or support to bring it into the world.
That’s where I come in.
I help writers discover the heart of what they’re here to say, shape that message into a book, and stay with them through the messily exhilarating process of bringing it to life.
My work combines deep listening, book development, Human Design, intuition, accountability, editing—along with a very practical understanding of how books actually get written.
The goal isn’t simply to finish a manuscript (although that’s important!)
It’s to create a beautiful book that sounds and feels like you.
MAP
How many nights now has the stream told you:
“This is the way to deal with obstacles.”
–Dale Pendell
We then create a clear picture of what your project will look and feel like when it’s done. Writing a book is a lot like entering and moving through the wilderness. In the Book Mapping phase, we hold your big mission in mind as we make your very own customized map and calendar, so your way is clear when you begin to work.
Every great journey has its unexpected obstacles. And resistance is real! Your map includes an action plan customized to your writing style and habits, and the level of accountability and support you need, so that you’re prepared and can sustainably keep moving forward.
CREATE
“A word after a word after a word is power.”
—Margaret Atwood
When it’s time to bring your book into the world, I offer regular support, editing and feedback as you go, as well as group “Office Hours” every week to focus on your writing and ask questions. I believe in “by whatever means necessary,” and weave elements of Human Design, Reiki, intuition and good old-fashioned writing tips and editing into the mix as we go.
Your book is your legacy. It is so powerful and important… for you as well as your reader. We tend its creation so that it’s as beautiful as the original idea that sparked it, and that you are transformed in the process.
Thinking of writing a non-fiction book, but haven’t started writing yet? Start here…
BOOK MAPPING
Either in-person or on Zoom, we spend a portion of a day together exploring the wisdom you’ve gathered, understanding the message and ideas you are here to express, and creating the right “container” or structure for your words. Together, we map out exactly what it will take to move from your brilliant idea to a completed book—and what you need to more deeply embody your role as an author. Note: The Book Mapping Session is part of the 6-month Book Completion program—and is also available separately.
It includes:
- Pre-reading of up to 50 pages of your work.
- In-person locations near Boston, MA and Portland, OR. Zoom option available.
- Clarity on what you’re really here to say; your book/project’s unique style, voice, purpose and mission; and what the “container” for your book looks and feels like.
- Insights into your Human Design and Gene Keys and how they support your writing life.
- Guided free-writing sessions to embody your role as an author.
- Book Map and custom Writing Action Plan so you can dive in and keep the momentum going.
BOOK COMPLETION
Lots of people dream of becoming an author. But knowing you want to write a book and actually moving a book from idea to finished manuscript are two very different things.
The middle is where most people get stuck. And that’s where I come in.
You don’t have to disappear into a cave and write your book alone. With Book Completion, you’ll have regular support, feedback, accountability, and a place to bring the messy middle.
Book Completion includes the following elements, which we may tweak to fit your work and accountability style and the amount of time you’re able to commit:
- Book Mapping session
- Two Zoom sessions/month to brainstorm, plan, discuss pages and work through stuck places, narrative structure, storytelling, etc.
- Voxer support between sessions.
- Six-month minimum commitment
- Light review of up to 20 pages before each session.
Curious? Let’s chat. Book a complimentary Clarity Call here.
* * *
Have you already completed a draft of your non-fiction manuscript?
EDITING & MANUSCRIPT REVIEW
If you’ve finished your manuscript, have gathered feedback from a few early readers, and feel you’ve taken the revision as far as you can on your own, this is where developmental editing, a manuscript critique, and line editing come in.
Developmental (or substantive) editing ensures the book’s promises and the reader’s expectations are met; the introduction is powerful and engaging as possible; your concepts and ideas are clearly presented; and the book is readable and engaging. The overarching goal is to preserve and clarify your author’s voice and clear the way so that it reaches your reader without static.
Think of the nonfiction manuscript review as Developmental Editing “Lite.” You’ll get helpful insights on the structure, content and quality of your writing, along with strategies to improve the manuscript and your own writing.
Line editing focuses on content, style, and language use—the way you use language to communicate your ideas and experience to the reader. Is your language clear, fluid, and pleasurable to read? Does it convey sensory and emotional details? Have you chosen words that have a specific meaning, or are you generalizing and using clichés?
Curious? Let’s chat. Book a complimentary Clarity Call here.
* * *
THE AUTHOR’S GOLDEN THREAD
A deeply personal map to the heart of the book you’re here to write. Every author has a thread running through their life and work—a particular way of seeing, knowing, questioning, and making meaning. The Author’s Golden Thread (a 20-page report) is the deeper through-line that makes your book unmistakably yours.
Using Human Design, Gene Keys, your lived experience, and my intuitive understanding of writers and their work, we’ll uncover the ideas, experiences, questions, gifts, and perspectives that want to come together in your book.
The result is a personalized Golden Thread “map” you can return to whenever you lose your way.
And then I think the components could be gorgeous:
Your Golden Thread includes:
💫 Your Golden Thread
The essential thread running through your work and the particular lens through which you see the world.
💫 Your Author Soul Statement
A short, powerful statement you can return to when you lose faith in the book—or yourself.
💫 Your Creative Compass
How your natural way of thinking, creating, and communicating can inform the way you write.
💫 Your Reader
Who is most likely to be changed, delighted, challenged, or comforted by what you have to say.
💫 Your Friction Points
The places you’re most likely to doubt, censor, overthink, or abandon your own voice—and how to recognize them.
💫 Your Next Steps
A few grounded ways to bring all of this insight into you back into your actual writing.
See a sample Golden Thread here.
Click here to order. 20-page report: $250
CLASSES, RETREATS & WORKSHOPS
I offer a variety of in-person and Zoom classes, retreats and workshops: The Embodied Writer (with my colleague Cate McQuaid), Soul Writing workshops, Book Mapping at the Beach retreats, Find Your Golden Thread with Human Design—and more. Each Wednesday from 1-3 pm EST, I offer a free, online Co-Writing Session, because it’s so good and inspiring to write with others. Drop your email in the box below to stay in touch.
NEXT UP!
Find Your Golden Thread: Rewilding the Soul of Your Story
THIRD ACT QUEST 2026, April 12-15, Santa Fe
Find all the details and registration info here:
https://www.thirdactquest.com/quest-2026-santa-fe
SUBSTACK
Follow The Golden Thread on Substack for stories about soul and writing and how it all connects.
Madeleine holds space for the miraculous. In all of our conversations, some huge epiphany emerges that catalyzes everything for me. She has this artistic skill of holding and reflecting. I come with all the creative chaos into this space. And she reflects this, reflects that, reflects this. All of a sudden, I’m like, “Oh, this is what’s happening…” This process creates a container that has energetic and structural integrity I couldn’t see before. Creating it is one of Madeleine’s superpowers.
—Anne Rose Hart, author, transformational leader
annerosehart.com