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

Hello, author! I'm Natalya Savka, the Book Two Coach.

I can help you go from "Can I really do this again?" to "What happens when I go even deeper with Book Two?" 

  • Certified book coach.

  • Master's in creative nonfiction writing.

  • Award-winning magazine feature writer.

  • Trusted ghostwriter.

 

My style of book coaching is not for beginners. In every session, I take both of us to our creative edges—because artistic growth is the antidote to the Sophomore Slump.

You know the Slump. 

In the tone of your harshest editor, agent, or reviewer, the Slump critiques every line of Book Two before it even hits the page. The Slump whispers, Play it safe. Stick to what worked in the last book. 

 

The Slump should not be listened to.

Because when you hold back, your writing loses urgency, voice, and surprise—the very things that made your first book resonate. Readers can feel that. You can feel that. When the Slump says go smaller, that's your cue to go bigger.

 

I'm here to keep watch for the Slump.

I'll notice when you slip into old or limiting patterns with Book Two, and guide you back toward creative risk and expansion every time. 

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 always be kind—but I won’t let you stay comfortable for long.

  • This will be fun!  We'll break old patterns, surprise ourselves and each other, and simply feel alive together as artists. 

Book coaching is developmental editing—and much more.

Book coaching delivers everything you’d expect from a skilled developmental editor, including thoughtful feedback on structure, pacing, voice, and impact. 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 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. Imagine 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.

When I Can Help

  • You’re feeling the weight of your first book’s success (or its silence).

  • You have too many ideas for Book Two and can’t pick one.

  • Or not enough ideas. You’re convinced you’ve already said everything worth saying.

  • Your editor is asking for your next pitch or sample chapters, and you've got nothing.

  • Or you already have a Book Two draft (partial or full) and something's not right.

  • You sense there's something deeper you haven't put on the page yet.

  • You just want to enter the nighttime forest with me. 

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 - $975

Whether you're stuck on page 1 or 100 of Book Two, this two-month challenge will move you out of Sophomore-Slump territory. With three rounds of personalized feedback, strategy-packed calls, and a deep dive into your evolving writer identity, you'll walk away ready (and excited!) to write Book Two.

Or try the mini Blueprint Challenge for $175!

The 720° Manuscript Review - $2,450

It's 720° because I do a full-circle review of both your Book Two draft and your first book. Then I help shape your draft to better reflect your voice, vision, and growth since Book One. And I don’t just suggest changes. With my second round of feedback, I stay with you as you begin putting those revisions into motion.

Or try the mini Manuscript Review for $350!

"Keep your eyes on your process" Ongoing Coaching - starting at $725/month

This service is exclusively for writers who've completed the Blueprint Challenge or Manuscript Review. I provide consistent, high-touch support to push your creative limits and make sure you actually finish this book. Includes written feedback, private video calls, and customized assignments. 

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.