Enchant Your Readers
Planning, Drafting, and Self-Editing for Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors
Through this book coaching program, you will gain the confidence that you are telling strong, compelling stories that resonate with and inspire readers while adding invaluable knowledge and skills to your writing repertoire for use throughout your author career.
You want to enchant your readers, but...
Like most writers, you get stuck and lost in the weeds of your project. It feels like it’s taking a lot longer than it should. You just want to get your story out there and have it inspire someone.
Or maybe you know your story is missing something, but you’re not sure what. Do you worry if you’re deleting the best parts of your story? Or that you’re not seeing major plot holes?
What if you have a great idea but haven't actually gotten it on the page yet? You don't want it to go the way of all your other ideas that never saw the ink of a printer...
On the other hand, you don't want it to spiral into a never-ending beast either. This is the idea you believe has the best chance, so this time you need to do it justice. You want to know where it's going.
But where do you even start revising after you have your draft? What does it need in order to be ready to submit to key players in the industry, such as agents and acquiring editors? How do you know if readers will devour your pages or lose interest? Will they comprehend your story as you intend?
These questions and their answers are what this course + coaching program can help you understand or overcome.
You want to enchant your readers, but...
Like most writers, you get stuck and lost in the weeds of your project. It feels like it’s taking a lot longer than it should. You just want to get your story out there and have it inspire someone.
Or maybe you know your story is missing something, but you’re not sure what. Do you worry if you’re deleting the best parts of your story? Or that you’re not seeing major plot holes?
What if you have a great idea but haven't actually gotten it on the page yet? You don't want it to go the way of all your other ideas that never saw the ink of a printer...
On the other hand, you don't want it to spiral into a never-ending beast either. This is the idea you believe has the best chance, so this time you need to do it justice. You want to know where it's going.
But where do you even start revising after you have your draft? What does it need in order to be ready to submit to key players in the industry, such as agents and acquiring editors? How do you know if readers will devour your pages or lose interest? Will they comprehend your story as you intend?
These questions and their answers are what this course + coaching program can help you understand or overcome.
Sometimes you wonder if you should continue working on this story at all...
One study measured brain connectivity growth in relation to type of thinking—higher thinking. Those who exercised higher thinking made greater brain gains, rather like muscles that are exercised.
This "exercise" used the same skills of meaning-making that are required in engaging with and thinking about any story—fiction or nonfiction. We already know that one of the things readers subconsciously desire in stories is the meaning they derive from it.
In other words, the work you do on your story and the engagement with it by your future readers are already ways of exercising a level of higher thinking. And that’s what’s important for this brain connection growth that can help lead people to greater satisfaction and outcomes in life.
So when I tell you someone needs your story… I mean it!
You didn't really need me to convince you that working on your story is good for you, though...
You already know you need this story. You can't help but want to get it from your head to the page. What you're exploring with it is important. It's a part of you.
That part of you is driven to make this novel more than a fantasy. And as a bonus, you would really like to reach at least someone who would enjoy your story. Maybe even be inspired by it.
Yet it's not going as well as you would like. It's hard to connect with readers on the page the way you feel this story so deeply in your imagination.
Maybe you've even taken the courses, bought the critiques, and yet something's not clicking. It SHOULD work, yet your story isn't where you'd like it.
You’re the kind of passionate creative who will benefit from knowing the “whys” behind craft advice, and when and how to implement such advice in your story.
And that's exactly what we do in Enchant Your Readers
- Find community with other writers to support you along the way while you get your questions answered and level up your craft.
- Keep readers reading by knowing what matters most to them.
- Understand what more you can do to plan or edit your own work and gain the tools you need to be an even more successful writer.
- Set up your story to become the best it can be, knowing whether it is worth continuing for submission or publication.
- Refine your work, seeing what it needs in order for it to really resonate with readers.
- Write more efficiently with a tried-and-true process for getting out of your own way, moving your story forward, and writing more books.
- Be proud of your book and feel confident in your writing.
- And know exactly what to say when someone asks you what your story is about.
Writing novels is a skill. Skills can be learned.
And that's exactly what we do in Enchant Your Readers
- Find community with other writers to support you along the way while you get your questions answered and level up your craft.
- Know what matters most to readers and keep them reading.
- Understand what more you can do to plan or edit your own work and gain the tools you need to be an even more successful writer.
- Set up your story to become the best it can be, knowing whether it is worth continuing for submission or publication.
- Refine your work, seeing what it needs in order for it to really resonate with readers.
- Learn a tried-and-true process for getting out of your own way, moving your story forward, and writing books more efficiently in the future.
- Be proud of your book and feel confident in your writing.
- And know exactly what to say when someone asks you what your story is about.
Writing novels is a skill. Skills can be learned.
Through the Enchant Your Readers program, you will gain the confidence that you are telling strong, compelling stories that resonate with and inspire readers while adding invaluable knowledge and skills to your writing repertoire for use throughout your author career.
In the inky Bookwyrm conservatory, we believe in...
...incredible support. I'm right there in the weeds of your words smudging ink with you! In Enchant Your Readers, you'll get continuous guidance, accountability, and writing development in this castle/fortress/safe-haven for your stories.
Truth
Whether you’re currently on the planning track… drafting track… revision track… (or somewhere in between!), you’ll find the truth behind your story and what you’re trying to share with readers.
Creativity
Explore your creativity and hone your planning, writing, and revision process through supportive coaching and data about what works best for you.
Kindness
But nothing will be shared without a foundation in kindness. I want you to succeed. That means no question is stupid and no topic is beneath our examination in that pursuit of your writing success.
Integrity
Your book dragon strives to do right by her authors in transparency and honesty so you can make the best, informed decisions for your project based in that integrity.
Knowledge
However, I won’t leave you adrift in a sea of too much information. I’ll provide you with the step-by-step process you’ve been seeking to level up your craft and industry knowledge while helping you tailor it for your individual needs.
Determination
With our combined determination, drive, and community support to see your story through, you’ll have what it takes to make it to “the end.”
Loyalty
In me, you’ll have gained a loyal cheerleader (cheer-dragon?) for life. I’ll keep bearing you up so that your creativity will always have a champion.
Transformation
Mostly, I am so excited to see you break through your barriers and transform your writing life again and again through all we can do together. That’s my absolute favorite part of this endeavor.
In the year and a half up to this point, I have worked on things like character backstory and deep outlining but always more in an intuitive yet very unorganized approach. Let me tell you, putting structure to the process helped me IMMENSELY. There were a lot of things about my character's story that just weren't totally fitting....like maybe I could have told the story that way and it still would have been enjoyable for people to read, but it was not as satisfying as I thought it deserved. I was able to really hone in on the whys beneath my character's story, and that caused some things to change. I am so thankful Gina had me do these exercises because they are serious game changers."
Support in Enchant Your Readers Looks Like...
Private community (off social media) for questions, feedback, support, and page reviews
Two live sessions per month with individualized coaching, feedback, editing, and Q&A
Small group size for encouraging a close-knit community and tailored instruction
You can do it. And having a book dragon at your back will help.
Your book is yours alone. But you don't have to write it without support.
You have an epic idea or even an opening for your sci-fi or fantasy novel. Maybe you have a partial or rough draft.
But you got stuck (or maybe you haven’t actually managed to start writing it yet…).
You know you should be able to see it through to the ending. You’re a good writer. You know a good story when you read one.
Yet it’s hard to find the time, or, when you do, it’s hard to know where to go next when it comes to your own story idea.
Amazing scenes and gut-punching moments are all in your mind in flashes and pieces. Why won’t they just fuse together properly? How is it so hard to just get the book written?
Nothing is wrong with you. Writing a great story is simply hard. You (and I included) make all these excuses or think you need to wait until you’re “good enough” to write the story you really want to write.
Sometimes there’s a valid reason for waiting, but most of the time it’s just an excuse. Your real fear might be the vulnerability of putting your hard work out there, not feeling like a real writer (imposter syndrome), or a fear of failing.
Writing a novel is an iterative process.
But that doesn't mean going in an endless circle. Rather, the process layers upward in a continuing spiral, building on everything that came before. That's why we use a framework based on the 3 Keys to Reader Enchantment for clearer direction to take the most effective steps forward. How do they work? In a symbiotic relationship through each stage of the process to a publishable book:
Writing a novel is an iterative process.
But that doesn't mean going in an endless circle. Rather, the process layers upward in a continuing spiral, building on everything that came before. That's why we use a framework based on the 3 Keys to Reader Enchantment for clearer direction to take the most effective steps forward. How do they work? In a symbiotic relationship through each stage of the process to a publishable book:
“I had read several books and taken a couple of canned online courses on various aspects of writing. Live interaction with a writing coach clarified much of what I had learned previously with “real world" application of these principals. Similar to how an internship focuses prior book/classroom learning.”
Rodger Rak
Adult Sci-Fi Author
What it's like when you join
Enchant Your Readers
Planning, Drafting, and Self-Editing for Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors
“I signed up for Enchant Your Readers after listening to Gina's session at a ProWritingAid fantasy conference. Her message struck a chord with me because I was at a point where I had a completed first draft that I knew needed work in terms of making my protagonist more relatable to readers and delivering an impactful theme. However, I had no idea how to address these issues. Beyond editing/revising for grammar and basic flow, I was at a loss for how to conduct a meaningful revision.
The format, structure and content of the Enchant Your Readers program were worth more than their weight in gold in helping me figure out the missing links in my storytelling process. After my very illuminating and encouraging time on the program and with Gina, I feel empowered to translate the story in my heart to the page.”
Remi O
Middle-Grade Fantasy Author
Every Word Magician Needs a Dragon.
Which Inky Bookwyrm Will You Start With at Your Back?
Conjure Your Story Plan
Dreamer Dragon
Call the story you really want to tell out of the depths of your creativity and set it into action. Customize your very own Story Grimoire—your manual to plan out a spellbinding story capable of enchanting readers. It will be so much easier to cast a story spell by following the steps in your grimoire!
Draft Your Story Spell
Word Wyvern
Use your Story Grimoire to make some word magic. Draft with accountability, project management, and feedback along the way. Improve your craft with time-tested exercises, coaching calls, and a Word Wyvern to defend and hone your ideas.
Cast the Magic of Revision
Dedicated Drake
Infuse your story’s spell with the magic of revision. If you’ve sunk a bit too deep in the pages of your story, a Dedicated Drake will give you a lift—and a dragon’s-eye view with which to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your story spell before you cast it on readers.
Book Coaching Shows You How Story Works on Readers
Having someone to work closely with you on your novel can make everything finally click. Coaching is beneficial for authors who want to learn more about how story works (and its effect on readers, which is my specialty!), gain clarity on priorities and project plans, or level up their craft. And this program will give you a writing sanctuary in which you can safely test out ideas and workshop your story. Plus, I take the cognitive science approach by keeping in mind how story affects readers to make sure novels are doing what they need to at the right times to most highly impact readers.
- Guidance through the process
- Strong, foundational strategies and tools to use throughout your author career
- Individualized support for areas of planning, writing, mechanics, or story craft
- An ongoing relationship and creative soundboard
- Confidence and validation to keep going
- Monthly pricing
- Resources and exercises along the way as they relate to your project
- Two calls per month for coaching, troubleshooting, and to get clear on next steps
- Brainstorming sessions for breakthrough solutions
- Progress reviews so you know what's working
- Access to powerhouse workbooks and templates (see below!)
Access the Story Grimoire
Planning Workbook
Creativity Guidance
Take your story from mere idea to full-fledged plan with craft guidance based in brain science.
Scaffolded steps
Write directions for your story enchantment from your story's center of power as everything falls into place.
Convenient format
Directly download the workbook as a Word doc for ease of use — made for writers!
outlining magic
You'll have an overview outline of your story just by following the Grimoire.
Sarah Danielle
Young-Adult Fantasy Author
“Before working with Gina, I felt that I had no idea what I was doing or where I was going with my novel. I had vague ideas but no clue how to structure it into a proper story. After being coached, I actually have an outline! I have never had an outline before! I feel that this story will be stronger for it. I have a greater understanding of story structure and the need for an overarching theme to guide my characters through their story. What I most enjoyed were our coaching sessions! So many times, I would be at a loss for what to do, but when we talked through it on the Zoom calls, bricks just fell into place. Gina is fun, easy to work worth, and knowledgeable. She challenged me in areas I didn't realize I needed to be challenged in, and I appreciated her worldview and perspective."
Access the Story Decoder
Revision Workbook
Dragon's-eye View
Get a lift if you’ve sunk a bit too deep in the pages of your story to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your enchantment before you cast it on readers.
Self-EdIt process
Apply to your draft the insights from brain science on how story affects readers. With the step-by-step process, you'll feel confident that your story will make an impact.
Convenient format
Directly download the workbook as a Word doc for ease of use — made for writers!
Revision magic
You'll learn a tried-and-true method for revision from your story's center of power.
“I'm working on an off-world sci-fi epic, and I found that my biggest problem was getting the reader to engage with the characters. Now I'm doing edits solely to address this problem, and it's really refreshing! After doing a deep dive with Gina and her modules, I realized the importance of making a former secondary character's voice heard — I drastically changed the narrative of my book to reflect the POVs of two characters. Gina is excellent at getting you and your story where it needs to go. I'm still reeling from that one sesh when I FINALLY realized my character's true internal conflict and how it shapes the story.”
Sarah
Adult Sci-Fi Author
Access the Scene Spellbook
Outlining Template
Flexible Beat Sheet
See your story structure laid out in a beat sheet overview for clear analysis. Synthesized from universal story structures, it's flexible enough to work with any story type.
Scene checks
Map your scenes using the DAC method. Check that each scene not only fulfills its purpose and makes progress but also links to your story's center of power for maximum impact on readers.
Convenient format
Directly download the template as a spreadsheet for structural clarity and ease of use. Simply fill in the blanks.
Guiding Prompts
Understand story structure anew with built-in tips and definitions to help you see how your story fits universal expectations.
“I am working on an early middle grade fantasy/adventure episodic series. I came into this class thinking my book just needed a little tweaking here and there and ended up making significant improvements such as adding a villain I didn't have, redoing the beginning a couple of times, and reorganizing my order of events. I also have come up with more writing project ideas during this class. It really helps to keep writing in the front of my brain, keeps creative juices flowing."
Childrens Author
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "group coaching" mean? What is it?
As a writer, you probably aren’t very familiar with the term “group coaching.” However, you likely know more about it than you think. Think of it like a workshop. Or, have you ever been part of a writing group before? Even if the answer is ”no,” you probably understand the basics: you meet regularly with a group of other writers to read and offer feedback to one another on your works in progress. Great. And a workshop is very similar, although this term sometimes refers to a hands-on course.
Now pair all of the above (writing group/workshop/hands-on course) with an expert in the industry (that’s me!) who can provide tailored instruction and coaching around the issues you run into while trying to get your manuscript ready for submission or publication. You’ll get ongoing support and accountability not only from the group of writers at the same stage, navigating the weeds with you but also from an editor/book coach who can help you sort through the feedback to get to the powerful core of the story you want to tell—and stay true to your purpose.
The difference between group coaching and several writers forming a group to improve their craft is that writers led by a coach will benefit from an expert who knows what makes a story compelling and how you can implement that craft knowledge in your own manuscript. A book coach is knowledgeable about the category and genre conventions that agents and publishers look for as well as the market expectations for self-publishing authors (with resources to point you to!). So really, you can think of this group as a “masterclass” on planning, drafting, and self-editing.
As a freelance editor, former in-house editor, and college writing and literature instructor, I have gained extensive knowledge in the publishing industry—both traditional and independent. Plus, I channel my teaching experience into guiding writers through a process creating and honing their manuscripts for a strong story that enchants their readers.
What if I don't have a draft yet? Can I still join?
Yes! I'm excited to announce that I've recently added dedicated story planning and drafting tracks to what was originally the self-editing masterclass to form the full Enchant Your Readers program. What started as bonuses for founding members has evolved into a symbiotic relationship in which everyone benefits. We've noticed that even those intent on the self-editing track go back to certain planning stages and resources at a few points along the writing journey.
Everyone has equal access to the planning workbook and materials, the drafting log and materials, and the self-editing workbook and materials. Even if you don't have a draft, you are welcome to work through the self-editing modules in something like an audit of that part of the course, or, of course, you are welcome to stick around through both the planning and revision stages of your story for continued support from both the professional side and from your peers.
How many writers are in a group?
The group has capacity for no more than twelve writers to maintain a close-knit community.
What’s the time commitment?
We’re all busy, and schedules never completely align. Therefore, I have devised a way to provide the most valuable experience with live support while allowing the group to be as asynchronous as possible so you can fit it into your individual schedule. My intent is not to create any extraneous busy work but only to guide you to take action through the most essential steps to a stronger manuscript and provide a focused, hands-on way for you to use your new skills.
Live sessions (via Zoom) occur twice a month for one to two hours, depending on the number of participants. One takes place the third Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. CST and the other during the first Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. CST to accommodate different schedules and time zones. These sessions are recorded in case you can’t make every call live. In addition, questions may be submitted ahead of the calls. For more in-depth questions, it's helpful if we can talk live. But for looking at pages, providing feedback/edits, etc., you’ll be able to submit them through our community forum at any time—even if you can't make the next call.
Plan a few additional hours each week to work on planning, drafting, or revisions. Take action steps, and go through any provided content, such as workbooks and pre-recorded video lessons, when it best fits into your schedule. Let whatever writing time you carved out to get to a draft or partial draft you already have (it's also fine if you have none!) inform how much time you might now want to spend on the program each week. You’ll be able to work through everything at your own pace. But you’ll still have accountability and tools to keep you on track according to your own goals.
Are there assignments?
You’ll receive workbooks and other tools and videos to guide you through the planning, drafting, and self-editing processes, including evaluating your own work with specific action steps. Plan a few hours each week to maintain forward progress so you can bring any questions to the next call. However, I know every writer works at his or her own pace. So as you progress through the content, questions on any part of the process will be welcomed at every call.
To keep content organized and in one place, we’re using my course platform connected to my website (www.inkybookwyrm.com) for all materials, videos, calls, and questions. You’ll be able to log in and access everything you need each week for a smooth experience on desktop or mobile (through the Zenler app).
Will my book still need professional editing?
The short answer is yes. Even editors need editors! If you pursue traditional publishing, your manuscript will be further edited in-house. If you self-publish, you will need to invest in the appropriate edits for your manuscript. However, even traditionally publishing authors often invest in developmental edits to get their work through agent or editor slush piles.
The advantage of investing in this program and learning a solid process for writing and self-editing is that you will be able to submit your manuscript to agents or invest in further edits knowing your story is truly ready—as well as all of your next stories! Technically, while any manuscript can be edited at any stage, most authors will waste money on professional edits (Yes, I said it! And I stand by it since it’s an intensive service and higher investment—rightfully so.) before they’ve taken it as far as they can on their own first, given that they have a solid grounding in story craft.
Early edits aren’t a bad investment in your craft, and you’ll still learn a lot. But you’re going to be paying for more rounds of edits than if you made sure your foundations were as strong as you could make them first. Think of it this way (some tough-love truth coming up…): In one round of edits, an editor is like an English teacher who from her marginal feedback can help you take your essay assignment grade from a C to a B with a revision. But it’s not likely that she can help you take it from a C to an A. Writing and publishing is a layered process. Self-editing is a necessary part of that process once you have a draft, and I can show you how to make the most progress with it.
Hand over to an editor the best draft you can. Your editor will be able to help you take it much closer to submission- or publication-ready in fewer rounds. Plus, with the knowledge, process, and tools you’ll have from this program, you’ll be set up to self-edit each of your subsequent books moving forward—this isn’t a one-off project investment like a single-round manuscript edit with minimal live support; it’s an investment to level up your whole author career. I promise I’m not just saying that! I know it’s true based on the results I’ve gotten with dozens of private clients through their work in this program.
So what is the investment for this program?
The intended outcome with private coaching clients is the confidence that they are telling strong, compelling stories that resonate with and inspire readers as well as becoming more efficient at writing and revising their next books. In the group course + coaching format, I can offer the same outcome at a fraction of the investment for my private coaching. And—bonus—you’ll actually get more out of the group and take more action with the added perspectives, support, and experiences of other writers. Psychology says so! But you’ll still benefit from individualized coaching within the group as well.
With a group structure as described here, I am able to offer this group to you at payments of $300 USD per month for a three-month minimum. In this way, I will have the necessary time to deliver the core content and instruction while allowing you to move at your own pace with ongoing coaching.
If you’re ready to join, we’ll secure your spot with the first payment. I’ll deliver your workbook in order to begin immediately so you can get a head start before our first live session.
Let’s craft the stories you dream of!
The calls were a great learning opportunity, and I discovered so many ideas by just talking them out together. Coaching was the best thing I have ever done for myself as a writer."
Brandy Erb
Middle-Grade Fantasy Author
Gina Kammer
Get reptilian (professional) eyes on your work!
Member EFA, former Capstone editor with 10+ years of experience in fiction and story craft
Specialist in science fiction and fantasy and their subgenres, ages children's to adult
Book dragon/coach, author, and former college writing/lit/
journalism instructor
Alex Payne
Adult Sci-Fi Author
Courses Included in Enchant Your Readers
Meet Your Inky Bookwyrm
GINA KAMMER — BOOK COACH, DRAGON
Sci-fi author JMF Fisher wrote, “In our communications, you were professional, timely, and constructive. Your online presence, website, and blog were quirky and unique — it allowed your personality to shine through rather than a simple business. It shows that you have the love of the word.”
And oh how I do love it! I grew up in Narnia and Middle-earth, writing and illustrating/painting and playing pretend the whole time. Theater and cosplay are still my happy places.
I studied medieval lit and the brain science of creativity and the effects of story to dive in deeper, earning my master's degree in English literature. Over the course of a decade, I taught college writing, journalism, and lit at various colleges and edited a newspaper. Then I edited in-house for a children's publisher for a number of years until I had my daughter and decided to make my dream job more than a fantasy.
WHat You Get
When you join Enchant Your Readers, you get high-touch support that goes beyond the typical membership.
Mentorship
Receive the instruction you need to set up your firm foundation in craft to write a marketable book while enhancing your creativity.
Coaching
Pull through the tough spots with direct, live coaching. Those aha! moments and breakthroughs will be so worth it!
Editing
Using the 3 Keys to Reader Enchantment, you'll learn self-editing and see a pro in action—on your own work!
Community
You're not alone! And that's too important not to experience. Form connections and critique partners for even more support.