Writing Coaching from a Published Romance Author
I’m a published romance author and writing coach who knows exactly how messy the journey from blank page to book deal can be. Let’s get your manuscript out of your head and into the world.
My publishing journey was anything but quick. It was a marathon of drafts, edits, and rejections before I landed a 5-book deal with Penguin Random House. If you're feeling like you'll never make it, remember that every rejection is just a redirection. I've been there, and I can help you navigate the path forward.
Want to make your characters and plot more compelling? I use a simple fiction writing hack called the 'Rule of Three'. This is just one of the many practical strategies I share with my coaching clients to help them strengthen their manuscripts and tell more powerful stories.
I got my first rejection from my dream publisher at age 12. I kept trying, and now at 29, I have a 5-book deal with that same publisher, Penguin Random House. Persistence is key in this industry, and I coach my writers to build the resilience needed to achieve their publishing goals.
As a writing coach, I help authors improve their craft, polish their manuscripts, and build a rejection-proof mindset. I offer services like this 10-page critique to give you actionable feedback on your opening chapters, helping you put your best foot forward with agents and publishers.
Being a published author isn't always sunshine and book deals. There's a lot of anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of not being "enough". A huge part of my coaching is providing mindset support to help you handle the emotional rollercoaster of being a writer, because I know it's about more than just the words on the page.
Being part of the literary community is one of the best parts of being an author. Here I am speaking on a panel at the Kolkata Literary Meet. I help my coaching clients find their own writing communities and navigate the professional world of publishing, from networking to attending events.
Hi, I'm Swati! I'm a desi, queer romance and YA author from Bangalore. I'm also a chaotic bi disaster who survives on matcha, cats, and Taylor Swift. My coaching style is just as personal and relatable as my writing. If you think we'd vibe, let's work together on your book.
About Featured
Finishing a draft is only half the battle, and I'm here to help you with the rest. Whether you are stuck in the messy middle of a manuscript, struggling to sharpen your hook, or feeling overwhelmed by the querying process, I offer the practical, real-world advice I wish I had when I was racking up hundreds of rejections. We focus on tightening your plot, smoothing out character arcs, and building a sustainable mindset so you don't burn out before your book hits the shelves.
My Journey to Your Bookshelf
I didn't start as a success story. My journey to a 5-book deal with Penguin Random House involved years of self-doubt and over 400 rejection letters. I know exactly what it feels like to have a story you love but no idea how to sell it to an agent. That is why my coaching isn't about rigid, academic rules; it is about actionable, honest feedback.
How I Help You Write
I offer a few different ways to work together, depending on where you are in your writing process:
- Manuscript Critiques: If you have those first 35 pages ready, I will dig in with line edits and developmental feedback to ensure your opening hook is actually hooking agents.
- 1:1 Strategy Calls: We can jump on a Zoom call to untangle specific plot holes, discuss your querying strategy, or talk through the mental blocks that keep you from typing 'The End'.
- Monthly Mentorship: For those who need consistent accountability, I offer a high-touch retainer with regular check-ins, page reviews, and direct text support.
- Self-Editing School: Prefer to learn on your own schedule? My 7-module video course covers the 5 core concepts of fiction, from worldbuilding to dialogue, so you can polish your draft without a professional editor.
Writing is a lonely job, but it does not have to be a confusing one. Whether you are writing desi romance, YA, or any other fiction genre, I am here to help you bridge the gap between 'I have an idea' and 'I am a published author'. Let’s get to work.
Swati Hegde
I'm Swati, a 29-year-old romance author from Bangalore who survives on matcha and cat cuddles. I've been through the rejection wringer and come out the other side with a five-book deal, so I know how it feels to have a messy manuscript that just needs the right eyes on it.
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