Kupala

Book coaching for second-time authors

Writing your second book is not about doing what worked last time. It's about noticing what's possible now. 

Frederic Willocq. Damme, Belgium. 

You're not the same writer you were when you wrote Book One. Now you're more attuned to your audience, your critics, and the needs of the marketplace. You're carrying more expectations, both external and internal. 

It's common to respond to this heightened pressure by playing it safe with Book Two, limiting yourself to the themes and techniques that worked in Book One.

 

The trouble is, this approach almost gaurantees a Sophomore Slump. The creative process does not like formulas. When we stop pushing our artistic edges, our work begins to feel flat, and our readers notice. Book Two is asking more of you than Book One. It's demanding risk and expansion. 

You already know what creative growth feels like. You lived it when writing Book One. Now it’s time to return to that space of experimentation and uncertainty.

To play with form.

To refine your voice.

To say what’s hardest to name.

To focus so fully on artistic growth that all the doubts and expectations naturally recede. 

This is how you write a Breakthrough Book Two. 

Hi, I'm Natalya Savka, the Book Two coach.

 

I will not let you write a Sophomore Slump.

🗸 Certified book coach.

🗸 Master's in creative nonfiction writing.

🗸 Award-winning magazine feature writer.

🗸 Trusted ghostwriter.

 

I work with writers—of knowledge-share nonfiction, memoir, and literary fiction—who’ve already proven they can write a great book and are ready to go bigger with their next project. I'll help you go from "Can I really do this again?" to "What happens when I go even deeper?" 

 

My style of book coaching takes both of us to our creative edges, where we break old patterns, surprise ourselves and each other, and simply feel alive together as artists.  

 

What you can expect from me:

  • I will help you do your most ambitious work yet. 
  • That means I will challenge you to grow as a writer. I will really challenge you. 
  • I will always be kind—but I won’t let you stay comfortable for long.
  • This will be fun!

Book coaching is developmental editing—and much more.

My style of book coaching includes everything you’d expect from a skilled developmental editor: thoughtful feedback on structure, pacing, and voice. I help shape your book into a compelling, cohesive whole.

 

But book coaching with me is also much more than that: 

Book coaching is an iterative, ongoing relationship that can begin at any point in your writing process. You don’t need a full draft. A spark of an idea for Book Two is enough. 

We work iteratively, exchanging pages regularly. I offer both written feedback and one-on-one video calls. These calls are not just a recap of my notes. They’re true coaching conversations. I listen closely to the book you want to write (never the one I assume you should), and together we discover your next steps.

We create a space of creative exchange and deep thinking. Think mid-century Café de Flore, with, say, James Baldwin and Simone de Beauvoir puttering next to us. A place to push boundaries and feel less alone in the process. 

I also bring structure and accountability, with clear deadlines and consistent check-ins. I make sure you do the work. 

And when things get hard—emotionally, creatively—I stay with you. I believe those difficult moments are often the most fruitful. Struggle can be a sign you’re pushing your creative edge and growing as a writer, especially in the leap from Book One to Book Two.

I always hold the bigger picture, considering your full author career. I read your first book before we even begin, and I stay attentive to where your work might go next. I view our coaching relationship as part of your lifelong practice of cultivating strength and meaning within the creative process.

Book coaching is for all stages of the writing process.

Yes, even if you haven't written a word of Book Two yet. Or are you on draft FinalFINAL23.docx? Then you'll begin with the manuscript revision.  

The No-Slump Blueprint Challenge

If you're stuck mid-project or at the starting block, I'll help you map Book Two's message and regain momentum. Includes three rounds of written feedback, video calls, assignments, and deadlines. 

The 720° Manuscript Revision

If you already have a draft, I’ll help you shape it to better reflect your voice, your vision, and your growth since Book One. I'll also read your Book One! Option to revise and get a second round of feedback for no additional charge. 

It all starts with a free 30-minute discovery call.

This call is more than a meet-and-greet. You'll walk away with a clearer sense of where you and Book Two are headed.