ARE YOU AN ASPIRING AUTHOR LOOKING FOR HELP TO ACHIEVE YOUR WRITING DREAM?

Hi, I'm Mercedes!

And I’ve been exactly where you are right now…

Just a few years ago, I was a writer who dreamt of having my books published. I’d slogged away for years writing, editing, submitting, getting rejection after rejection, re-writing, submitting… you get the picture!

In 2021, all of my hard work paid off and my dreams came true when I was offered a two-book deal with major publisher, HarperCollins Australia. I have had two books published: White Noise (2022) and Black Lies (2023). I’m currently working on books three and four.

Going through this process made me realise how much easier it would have been if I’d had someone to help guide and support me through it; someone who had already been on the publishing journey and could really understand.

The publishing pathway is different for everyone – there’s no sure-fire path to follow to get your book published. While this is encouraging, it can also be confusing.

And that’s where I step in. I combine knowledge and expertise of the journey from aspiring author to published author, with support and encouragement.

I founded The Writer Cheerleader to provide high quality, personalised coaching services that cover everything related to being a writer pursuing publication. I believe that every person is capable of achieving great things – and this will look different to everyone. For one person, attaining a publishing contract with a major publisher is the goal, while for another it might be writing and self-publishing their memoir or family history. My mission is to help writers realise their potential and help to guide them on their exciting journey.

What I provide:

  • Advice, support and encouragement from a traditionally published author who understands and has ‘been there’

  • Accountability – I will coach and support you to achieve your goals, whether it’s writing a whole manuscript amongst life’s challenges, finding agents to pitch to, or best preparing you to approach publishers (including the dreaded synopsis, pitch and cover letter)

  • Expertise – I have had two books published with one of Australia’s ‘big five’ publishers, have been long-listed for a national award, have toured Australia, and have received consistently high reviews on Goodreads and from book reviewers and critics

  • A choice of one-on-one or group sessions. Group sessions are a minimum of two people, maximum of four, and are perfect for those who want to build themselves a writing community of like-minded people

  • Online sessions, so you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home (we all know that most writers are introverts!)

I can help you with a wide range of questions you might have, including:

  • How do I write a whole book? How do I fit it in amongst my life, and stay motivated?

  • How do I self-edit my manuscript?

  • Should I pay for editing/a manuscript assessment? If so, how do I make sure it’s someone reputable?

  • How do I get my manuscript in front of a publisher?

  • How do I make sure that when I get the opportunity to submit to a publisher, that I’ve done everything I can to put my best foot forward?

  • What can I expect once I’ve got a publishing contract?

  • And many, many more!

I love helping writers achieve their dreams and being a ‘cheerleader’, while keeping them accountable so they can accomplish the goals needed to succeed. I want to share my knowledge, understanding and passion for the wonderful – but often hard to penetrate – world of writing. I believe being a writer should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

When investing in your dream, you should give yourself the best chance of success. Get in touch today and see how I can help you excel.

Finer Details

  • The Writer Cheerleader provides an online-only service (via Zoom or Teams) and is therefore available to anyone in Australia

  • Each session runs for 1 hour

  • One-on-one sessions are $99 per person and group sessions are $49 per person  

  • Currently, my availability is 7-9pm Monday-Friday and 1-4pm Saturday-Sunday

  • Group sessions (2-4 participants) run 8-9pm every Thursday

  • The other participants in the group sessions will be random (unless you book into the same session as a friend). This is a great chance to meet new people on the same journey as you, and expand your support network/community