Author Coaching & Publishing Support
Every great book begins with a spark of an idea—but getting from that spark to a finished work can be overwhelming. As your coach, I partner with you through each step of the creative process, from idea generation and outlining to exploring publishing paths. I walk alongside you as you navigate the ups and downs of writing, helping you stay motivated, organized, and confident as you bring your message to life. With experience across multiple pathways to publication, I offer insight and advice on how to set yourself up for success.
Don’t Just Take My Word For It
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"He over-delivered! There is no possible way, aside from Joe's experience and hands-on management of the publishing of my books, that I'd have the slimmest chances for success. I feel grateful and extremely fortunate that Joe Graves chose to elevate my book publishing to the next level."
Gary Beckley -
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"Joe was incredibly patient and responsive in working with me on my book. The entire process was beyond my expectations. His artwork for the cover was amazing; the feedback from several friends was, "I love the cover!"
Steve Basford
How I Can Help
Breaking Through Writer's Block — I help you identify what's blocking you and find a way back into the work, whether that means rethinking your process, expectations, or approach to the page.
Building Writing Habits That Stick — The secret to writing a book is to consistently write. I help you develop a sustainable writing practice built around how you actually work, not someone else's formula.
Honest, Professional Feedback — Sometimes you need someone who isn't a friend, a family member, or an algorithm to tell you what's working and what isn't. I offer clear, constructive feedback that respects your voice while sharpening your craft.
Navigating Publishing Pathways — Traditional, hybrid, self-publishing—each path has real trade-offs. I help you understand your options and choose the one that fits your goals, your book, and your timeline.
Crafting Proposals & Query Letters — Your book deserves a pitch as strong as the writing itself. I help you draft proposals and query letters that clearly communicate your project's value to agents, publishers, or readers.
Clarifying Your Purpose — Every book needs a "why" underneath the "what." I help you clarify the purpose driving your work, so that clarity can guide every decision from first draft to final page.
Sharpening Your Pitch — Whether you're in an elevator, a query letter, or a conference pitch session, I'll help you distill your book into language that grabs attention and holds it.
Building Your Author Platform — An audience doesn't happen by accident. I help you build a following of real readers before, during, and after your launch—people who are actually invested in your work.
Social Media Marketing — Not every platform is right for every author. I help you figure out where your readers actually are and how to show up there in a way that feels authentic, not exhausting.
Securing Endorsements — A strong blurb can open doors. I help you identify the right people to approach and craft outreach that gets a yes.
Finding Reviewers & Readers — Reviews drive discoverability, but finding readers who'll actually leave them takes strategy. I help you build a pipeline of engaged readers ready to talk about your book.
Leveraging ARCs — Advance reader copies are one of your most underused launch tools. I help you build an ARC strategy that creates buzz and reviews before your book ever hits shelves.
Self-Publishing Support
Cover Design — $300.
A cover that makes people stop scrolling and pick up your book. You'll get a consultation to talk about vision, 2–3 concepts to choose from, two rounds of revisions, and final files ready for publication. You can check out my portfolio here.
Paperback & eBook Formatting — $350.
Clean, professional formatting for print and digital — interior layout, chapter styling, front and back matter, all delivered publication-ready so your book looks like it came from a real publishing house. Because it did.
Publishing Consultation — $60/hour.
One-on-one guidance through the parts that trip people up: choosing platforms, setting up accounts, ISBNs, metadata that actually helps readers find your book, troubleshooting, and a final quality check before you hit publish. Available by Zoom or in person in the Columbus, Ohio area.
Why Work With Me
You keep everything. Full ownership of your manuscript, your rights, your publishing accounts, and your royalties. This isn't a publishing deal. It’s a chance for me to support your publishing journey. I'm here to make the process clear and manageable, wherever you are in the process.