Book Coaching for Writers Stuck at
Page One or Page Ninety-One

Structured support to help you start, or finish, the book you always wanted to write

My Approach

I work best with people at two points in the book writing process:
When they’re struggling to start, and when they’re struggling to finish.

—> Starting requires clarity and commitment.
—> Finishing requires responsibility and follow-through.

Both benefit from structure, focus and someone who helps you maintain the momentum.

30-Minute Consultation

Testimonials

“Working with Marcus was essential to helping me finish my first book. He was an attentive and encouraging editor who helped me navigate my own insecurities while also pushing to get the best out of me in productive ways.”

Laurent Fintoni
(Author of Bedroom Beats & B-Sides:
Instrumental Hip Hop & Electronic Music at the Turn of the Century)
"Marcus supported me throughout my journey while writing my first ever book, not only did he provide a wealth of insight and knowledge about the industry, he offered support through a time that felt tricky to navigate as a first time author. Marcus was reassuring, knowledgeable and a joy to work with. Before working with him I felt totally lost and unsure of the direction of the book, however he helped me make sense of it all and put my mind at ease when I was struggling. I would highly recommend Marcus to anyone who is looking for support throughout their journey as a writer, he's not only talented - but a truly lovely and genuine person to work with.

Daisy Morris
(Founder of The Selfhood)
“Marcus’s expertise as a writer and editor were invaluable to completing my first book project Fade To Grey. His knowledge of history and dance music were a perfect combination to frame the ’80s UK Black music scene into its proper context and to get the book ready to be published.”

Adrian Loving
(Professor, music scholar, DJ and Author of Fade to Grey)
“Marcus’s adroit editorial expertise and encouraging guidance was delivered just at the right time as I was writing my first book. Without his regular check-ins and calm, insightful suggestions I would not be where I am now, with one book under my belt. Cannot thank him enough.”

Anny Shaw
(Senior Arts Journalist and Author of Resist!)

Who This Works For Best

This coaching suits people who have something to say, but need help getting it out of their
head and onto the page - then seeing it through to the end.

You might be:

Sitting on a strong idea but don’t know how to begin
Close to finishing a draft that’s lost momentum
Short on time, focus or structure, but serious about completion

Whether you’re starting from scratch or close to the end, the aim is the same:
To get your book moving forward with clarity, focus and intent.

Get Started or Get Finished

Book coaching typically moves through three broad stages, tailored to the project and the writer.

1. Clarifying the Core
We define what the book is really about, who it’s for and why it needs to exist. This creates a clear direction and prevents unnecessary detours later on.

2. Structuring the Work
Chapters, narrative flow and overall shape are mapped out so the writing has a North Star. Structure reduces overthinking and makes progress easier to sustain.

3. Momentum and Completion
Through regular check-ins, feedback and accountability, the focus shifts to follow-through, keeping the work moving until a complete draft exists.

Support can include editorial guidance, developmental editing and, where appropriate, collaborative or ghostwritten input, agreed clearly at the outset.

Why Structure and Accountability Matter

Most people don’t struggle with ideas. They struggle with clarity, consistency and follow-through.
Sadly, a big idea is where many people with book aspirations start and finish…

A lack of drive, structure and accountability, often combined with overwhelm, means many great ideas end up in the
book graveyard before they even had a chance to woo a prospective publisher.

Structure removes unnecessary decisions. Accountability keeps the work moving when motivation dips.
Guidance helps you glide past overwhelm and see the book clearly when you’re too close to it.

Together, these create the ideal conditions for steady progress, not bursts of enthusiasm
followed by long pauses, overwhelm or self-doubt.

Put these all together and you’re left with a book that actually gets started and finished.

Get That Book Done

Selected Books & Projects

"Around The World in 80" Series

Author & Project Manager
Two books researched and written in full, with responsibility for sourcing all photography and shaping the book from concept to publication.
Community Is Your Currency

Book Coaching & Structural Guidance
Supported author, Daisy Morris, through the later stages of the book process, providing coaching and editorial guidance to get it done.
Fade To Grey

Coaching & Editorial Support
Provided coaching and editorial guidance to support the completion of the first book by US scholar and music historian, Adrian Loving.
Bedroom Beats & B-Sides

Coaching, Editing & Structural Guidance
Worked closely with the author to shape the book’s structure, refine the narrative flow and direct the manuscript to completion.
Sportsbanger

Interviews & Writing
Conducted and wrote all interviews for this major Thames & Hudson publication, documenting the infamous cultural disruptor.
Junior Tomlin: Flyer & Cover Art

Author
Wrote the full book text, with the exception of the foreword, documenting Junior Tomlin’s visual legacy and cultural impact.