Fiction Writing Coaching & Self-Editing Courses
Finished your first draft and don't know what to do next? Whether you need a self-paced DIY course or 1:1 guidance to polish your manuscript, I'm here to help you get your story ready for publishers.
Feeling stuck on your first draft? My Self-Editing School is an online course designed to give you the confidence to pitch your manuscript to agents and publishers. I teach you the core concepts of fiction writing so you can turn your draft into a polished, submission-ready novel.
Learn how to self-edit your manuscript from a Penguin Random House author. My Self-Editing School course is a self-paced program with over 20 video lessons and 6 worksheets, giving you lifetime access to the tools you need to go from first draft to final draft.
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.
Self-editing doesn't have to be complicated or overwhelming. My online course, Self-Editing School, is designed for authors who can't afford a developmental editor but still want to get their manuscript into top shape before querying agents.
Finishing your first draft is a huge accomplishment, but it's only the first step. If you want to get published, you need to revise, edit, and polish your manuscript. I offer 1:1 coaching and editing services to help you get your book ready for the publishing world.
Editing can be the easiest and most enjoyable part of the writing process. I created my Self-Editing School online course to teach you the five core concepts of fiction writing that will help you revise your first draft into a final draft in just a few months.
Here's your sign to let me help you go from first draft to final draft in 2025. My Self-Editing School is an online course with over 20 lessons and 7 video modules covering plot, pacing, character arcs, and more, giving you the tools to DIY your developmental edits.
I often team up with other industry professionals to offer resources for writers, like this productivity masterclass. My goal is to provide holistic support that covers both the craft of writing and the habits needed for a sustainable author career.
A look at a giveaway I ran for a free 10-page manuscript critique and a spot in a productivity workshop. I believe in making writing resources accessible and helping aspiring authors build the career of their dreams.
About My Coaching & Courses
You have written 'The End' on your manuscript, but now the real work starts. I know how overwhelming it is to stare at a messy draft and wonder how to turn it into something agents will actually read. I help you identify plot holes, tighten your pacing, and refine your character arcs so you can move from 'writer' to 'published author' with confidence. We focus on the craft, not just the theory, so you can build a sustainable writing career.
From First Draft to Final Draft
Writing the book is only half the battle. If you are stuck in the loop of rewriting the same scene fifty times or you are terrified of the query inbox, I have been there. I turned my own messy process into a 5-book deal with Penguin Random House, and I want to help you do the same.
How We Can Work Together
- Self-Editing School: If you prefer the DIY approach, this is my signature self-paced course. I break down the 5 core concepts of fiction writing, giving you lifetime access to 20+ lessons and worksheets. You can learn to edit your own manuscript without needing a full-time professional editor looking over your shoulder.
- 1:1 Strategy & Mindset: Sometimes you don't need a line edit; you need a strategy call. In these sessions, we focus on your specific roadblocks, whether that is a plot hole that won't close, query letter trouble, or the burnout that comes with writing. We work through it on Zoom so you can get back to writing.
- Manuscript Critiques: For those wanting a deep dive into their opening chapters, I provide developmental feedback on your first 35 pages. We look at your hook, your voice, and your pacing to make sure your first few pages actually sell your book.
- Author Mentorship: This is my high-touch, long-term support for writers who are serious about their career. We meet twice a month, and you get direct access to me for troubleshooting and accountability as we get your book ready for agents.
Why My Approach is Different
I do not believe in 'one-size-fits-all' advice. I specialize in Romance and YA, so if you are writing a desi rom-com or a queer YA story, I speak your language. My coaching is about helping you keep your unique voice while making your book technically sound. We work hard, we get real about the industry, and we make sure your manuscript is the best version of itself.
Swati Hegde
I am Swati, a Bangalore-based author who spent years collecting rejections before I landed my 5-book deal. I don't believe in gatekeeping, so I'm here to help you figure out the messy, beautiful, and sometimes frustrating process of finishing a book and getting it out into the world.
Need help with a specific part of your writing process?
Search for specific coaching services or writing advice.
More from Fiction Writing Coaching by Swati Hegde