Want to work with me but not sure where to start?
Book Coaching
As a book coach, I COMBINE editorial skill with emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial structure.
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.
“I came to Gala because I could feel something missing in my manuscript.
I thought the emotion wasn’t fully connecting in my story, and I knew she had given workshops on emotion.
Our work expanded beyond emotion into structure, character and story arcs.
Gala helped me strengthen the entire story's foundation.
Because of her guidance, my manuscript already feels cleaner and clearer and she's left me with the tools to replicate this on my own.
I’m walking away not just with a better story for my readers, but with greater confidence and a deeper understanding of how to write a story that resonates.”
Amy K.,
Romance Author
I meet writers where they are and help them take the next step
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 can create a custom workshop for your audience. These are workshops I have delivered
- 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
- 15 Essential Self-Editing Tips (Line Edits)
- 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
- Female Gaze for Writing Attraction
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.
"... really helped me … inspired me with my story … fixing it by understanding character better and adding some more impactful scenes."
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.
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.