Finally finish the book. With two publishing pros in your corner.
A 3-month coaching program with Dave and Joanne Dashiell. Unlimited calls, daily accountability, and professional editing, all included. For writers who feel the pull to write but haven't been able to get it on the page.
Book a free coaching callThe free call is a 30-minute introduction to Finish Your Book Coaching: a real coaching session with both of us, so you know exactly what working together feels like.
You've had this book in you for a while. Maybe you have too many ideas and can't pick one. Maybe you have forty pages and haven't opened the file since spring. Maybe you still feel strange calling yourself a writer.
None of that means you can't do it. It usually means you've been doing it alone.
What's included
Unlimited Zoom calls with us
You get our calendar link to use freely. Meet with us when you need it, focus on writing when you don't.
Private WhatsApp
To keep you accountable to your personal goals so you actually write.
Professional editing
Free editorial services from an industry pro who has been at it for over 6 years and 377 projects for 7 traditional publishers. All included. Up to 5,000 words a month.
Monthly group calls
All coaching clients are invited to share and be inspired by each other. A space to share your art when you're ready with other writers who get it.
What you walk away with
- A clear direction for your book, and one project you're actually committed to
- A writing habit that holds up when life gets busy
- Up to 15,000 words professionally edited by someone who edits for publishers
- An honest read on where your work stands and what it needs next
- A small community of writers who know what you're working on
Who we are
We've spent years inside publishing, not just writing about it.
Dave has edited since 2020: line editing, proofreading, or copy editing on 377 projects for 7 traditional publishers. He's also a contributing author to the anthology Ever Ancient, Ever New, published by TAN Books. He knows what a manuscript needs before it's ready, because he's the person publishers hire to get it there.
Joanne has a Master of Social Work and a background in helping people through change. She's the one who'll notice when you've gone quiet, ask what's really in the way, and help you build a routine you can keep.
Together we started Awake Writers for people who feel the pull to write and can't get it written. We believe writing is how a lot of us become who we are, and that nobody should have to figure it out alone.
This is for you if
- You feel called to write but keep stalling
- You have too many ideas, or one idea you can't get moving
- You want feedback from someone who actually works in publishing
- You're ready to give your writing real time for the next 3 months
This probably isn't for you if
- You want someone to write the book for you
- You're looking for a guaranteed book deal
- You aren't ready to set aside regular time to write
for 3 months
$2,700 when you pay in full at sign-up (save 10%)
or 3 monthly payments of $1,000
This is our founding price. It goes up once our first 20 spots fill. We work with 20 writers at a time, so every writer gets real attention. Enrollment is rolling: start whenever a spot is open, and re-enroll after 3 months if you want to keep going.
Book a free coaching callAlready had your call? Enroll here.
How it works
- Book a free coaching call. A 30-minute introduction to the program with both of us. It's a real coaching session, so you'll get a taste of what working together feels like and leave with a clear next step for your book.
- Decide together. If it's a good fit, we'll send your enrollment link. No pressure either way.
- Start right away. You get our calendar link and the WhatsApp group the same day.
Questions
What happens on the free coaching call?
It's a 30-minute introduction to Finish Your Book Coaching. We'll talk about your book and where you're stuck, coach you through one next step, and show you how the calls, WhatsApp check-ins, editing, and group calls would work for you. If it feels like a fit, we'll send your enrollment link.
Do I need a finished draft?
No. Some writers come in with a full manuscript, some with a page of notes. We meet you where you are.
Which genres do you work with?
Any. Fiction, memoir, nonfiction, poetry. We want to hear stories of all kinds.
Is the calendar really unlimited?
Yes. Book any open time on our calendar, as often as you need it.
How does the editing work?
Send Dave up to 5,000 words a month for a line edit or proofread. One submission at a time, back to you within 10 business days.
When does it start?
Whenever you join. Enrollment is ongoing, so your 3 months start the day you enroll.
What if all 20 spots are taken?
Book a free coaching call anyway. We'll add you to the waitlist, and you'll be first in line when a spot opens.
What happens after 3 months?
You can re-enroll and keep going, or take what you've built and run with it.
How is this different from other book coaching?
We specialize in removing all blocks to writing, getting clarity, and giving direction. Most coaches help you write. We do that too, but we also work in publishing, so we'll tell you how editors and publishers will actually see your work.
Still have questions? Email us at hello@davedashiell.com.
It's about more than motivation.
You need direction, someone checking in, and a professional set of eyes on your pages. That's what we're here for.
P.S. If you've read this far, the book is probably still on your mind. Book a call. Worst case, you leave with a clearer next step than you had this morning.