Want to work with me but not sure where to start?
Whether you need help shaping your story, strengthening your structure, or navigating the publishing side of things, I’ve got you covered.
As a book coach, developmental editor, creative writing teacher, and publishing strategist, I meet writers where they are and help them take the next step: one that actually fits you.
If there’s something I don’t personally offer, no stress.
I’m part of an incredible network of editors, designers, marketers, and other creative pros I know and trust. I’ll point you toward the right people to keep your project moving forward.
Take a look at my flagship services below, and if you’re not sure which one fits, let’s talk it through. We’ll find the best way for me to support you and your story.
Book Coaching
As a book coach, I combine editorial skill with emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial structure. My job isn’t just to tell you what to fix. I’m here to help you learn how to think about your own work, build a writing practice that fits your real life, and carry a project all the way to completion, because writing a book is a long-term commitment.
As a Book Coach, I offer three intertwined layers of support:
Editorial
Craft and structural guidance
I help you shape your story from the inside out: analyzing arcs, character motivation, pacing, and theme. Together, we look at what serves the book’s promise and what might confuse or dilute it. Instead of a one-time edit, I offer ongoing feedback as you write or revise, helping the book evolve in real time so it grows stronger with every draft.
Emotional
Mindset and motivational support
Writing is deeply personal and often lonely. Doubt, shame, and perfectionism can silence even the most talented writers. My role is to help you navigate that emotional terrain: to manage fear, quiet your inner critic, and reconnect to why your story matters. Many of my clients tell me coaching is the first time they’ve felt 100 percent supported as a writer, and that I provide a safe space to share pages without fear of judgment.
Entrepreneurial
Professional and strategic guidance
A book is both an art form and a product. I help you think about your audience, understand market fit, and align your book with your larger goals. Whether you plan to query agents, pitch publishers, or self-publish, I guide you in preparing proposals, query letters, and launch plans so your book meets professional standards and reaches the readers it’s meant for.
I hold the vision of your finished book while helping you find your voice, strengthen your skills, and believe in your ability to succeed. My goal is that by the time we finish working together, you not only have a stronger manuscript, but also know how to sustain your creative process for the long haul.
Publishing Strategist
Once your book is written and polished, the next challenge is bringing it into the world. As a publishing strategist, I help you move from manuscript to market—without the overwhelm of figuring it out alone.
There are two ways we can work together:
Done-for-You Publishing Support
If you’re ready to publish and want it handled start to finish, I can take care of the process for you. I’ll manage the setup and distribution of your ebook and paperback or hardback across major publishing platforms. This includes profile and account creation, metadata, category selection, pricing guidance, and ensuring your book files are ready for smooth upload and professional presentation. My goal is to take the stress out of publishing so you can focus on celebrating your book’s release.
Step-by-Step Publishing Guidance
If you’d rather learn the process yourself, I’ll teach you exactly how to publish your book with confidence so you can do it again for future projects. Through live coaching sessions, I walk you through every step of setup, formatting, and release strategy, helping you understand what each choice means for your author career. You’ll finish with both a published book and the skills to navigate the publishing landscape independently next time.
Whether I’m doing it for you or teaching you how, my approach is the same: clear, supportive, and grounded in real-world publishing experience. Together, we’ll make sure your book not only gets published, but reaches the readers it was meant for.
What Kinds of Books I’ve Helped Bring to Life
I’ve worked with writers across a wide range of genres:
- FICTION (including romance novels, short stories, poetry collections, etc.)
- NONFICTION (from memoirs to songbooks).
Every project is unique, and I tailor my support to fit your creative goals.
If you don’t see your genre listed here, please reach out.
I’m always happy to talk through your project. If I’m not the right fit, I’ll connect you with someone who is.
Creative Writing Teacher
As a creative writing teacher, I love helping writers develop not only their stories but also their confidence, discipline, and creative identity. I’ve taught classes, workshops, and given talks for writing communities and organizations such as Beth Barany’s School, Escape the Plot Forest Summit, California Writers Club, and the Center for Community Arts, among many others.
Whether I’m teaching online or in person, my goal is the same: to make the craft of writing feel accessible, exciting, and deeply personal. I teach writers how to connect plot and emotion, how to shape meaningful arcs, and how to understand the mechanics of storytelling without losing their voice or joy in the process.
If you’re a writer…
My classes and workshops are designed to help you grow as both an artist and a storyteller. I teach across genres, focusing on practical, hands-on strategies that help you strengthen your story structure, deepen your characters, and refine your prose. You’ll leave each session with tools you can apply immediately whether you’re revising a first draft or polishing a finished manuscript.
To see what’s coming next, visit my Workshops page for current offerings and upcoming classes.
If you’re an organizer or collaborator…
I love partnering with writing groups, schools, conferences, and creative organizations to deliver engaging, high-value learning experiences. I teach craft and professional development sessions that balance clarity with inspiration, always focused on giving writers actionable skills they can take home and use.
If you’d like to invite me to teach or speak for your community, please reach out via email galarussauthor @ gmail.com
I’m happy to tailor sessions to your group’s needs and experience level.
Some Topics I Teach and Speak On
I’ve developed a wide range of workshops and presentations, including:
- Write Your Novel (10-week course)
- Idea-to-Story Alchemy
- Scene Structure and Revision Strategies
- What Kind of Editor You Need and How to Find Them
- What Are Filter Words and How to Avoid Them
- Self-Publishing Fundamentals
- Romancing the Subplot
- Romantic Tropes and Character Wounds
- Conflict and Trope Design
- How to Write External and Internal Emotions for Your Genre
- Find Book Comps Like a Pro
- Author Journey Guide
My workshops blend craft, process, and creative mindset, giving writers a clear path to growth, whether they’re learning how to plot a story, deepen emotion on the page, or refine their prose for publication.
Developmental Editor
If you’re looking for thoughtful, story-level feedback that helps you understand how to strengthen your book from the inside out, developmental editing might be the next right step. As a developmental editor, I focus on the big-picture elements that bring a story to life—structure, character arcs, emotional stakes, pacing, and the clarity of your narrative vision.
My approach is detailed but compassionate. I’m here to help you see what’s working, what’s not, and what your story is truly trying to become. I edit with the heart of a coach and the eye of a storyteller, balancing honest critique with clear, actionable guidance.
I offer two levels of editorial support:
Manuscript Critique
If you’re looking for an overview of what is and isn't working in your story, this is the lower cost option that will provide you a detailed editorial letter with story-level feedback and recommendations. It’s ideal if you want a professional assessment of where your book stands before a major revision or submission.
NO in-line comments in the manuscript. I read and provide feedback once.
Full Developmental Edit
You’ll receive a comprehensive editorial letter outlining story structure, character development, pacing, point of view, theme, and reader engagement, along with inline comments throughout your manuscript. This is a deep dive into how your story works And how to make it stronger.
I will read and provide feedback twice.
I primarily work with romance, women’s fiction, literary and book club fiction, memoir, and select speculative fiction (fantasy and sci-fi).
I don’t take on horror, suspense, thriller, or mystery projects.
Because developmental editing requires deep focus and partnership, I take on a very limited number of new-to-me editorial clients each year, giving priority to writers I already work with through coaching or teaching.
To book me as a developmental editor, your manuscript needs to be complete.
If you are still working on your manuscript and need help, please check out my book coaching services.