Manuscript Assessment & Book Coaching
manuscript assessment &
book coaching
Get expert feedback on your business book or memoir, and a clear roadmap to publication.
If you’ve written a draft and want to make sure it’s commercially viable, reader-ready, and aligned with publishing expectations, this in-depth manuscript assessment is for you.
I’ll read your manuscript twice, prepare a detailed editorial report, and schedule 2 x 1-hour coaching sessions with you to discuss the report and map out your next steps.
The report will cover:
- Structure and flow – Is the content logically sequenced? Does the narrative or argument build effectively?
- Voice and tone – Does the writing sound like you? Is it consistent, compelling, and authentic?
- Clarity and readability – Are your ideas clearly expressed? Are there sections that need tightening or expanding?
- Audience alignment – Is the book pitched at the right level for your ideal reader?
- Big picture feedback – What’s working, what’s not, and what could be done to elevate it to a publishable standard?
- Storytelling – Does the book follow a compelling arc? I’ll show you how to apply the 5-step Hero’s Journey framework to enhance emotional impact. You’ll also receive my exclusive 3-part video training on storytelling, which can be repurposed for your keynotes, emails, and marketing.
- Publishing pathways – Should you go traditional, hybrid, or self-publish? I’ll provide clear advice on which route suits your goals best—plus guidance on royalties, marketing, and distribution.
- Strategic opportunities – Based on your content and goals, I’ll suggest partnerships, speaking gigs, media angles, and other promotional opportunities you may not have considered.
This is not a copyedit or proofread. It's a strategic deep dive designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward.
Fee:
The fee for this program is $0.25 per word + GST (Minimum word count is 40,000 = $10,000 + GST).
Please let me know if this is of interest and we can have a further discussion.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
ABOUT BERNADETTE
"She is extraordinary! I hired Bernadette as my ghostwriter - co-writer on this project in the end - because she’s just so diligent and extraordinary in what she does. She was the ultimate team partner in making this project come to life, that I’d struggled with for a number of years. I wish the publisher, who initially signed me up, had connected us from the start because it would have been a dream process - like it was for the 12 months we worked together."
Radek Sali, Former CEO swisse Vitamins
"Firstly, we would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Bernadette Schwerdt, our ghost-writer, for all her help in making this book possible. Thank you for sitting with us for hundreds of hours, for helping us sift through the 200,000+ words we’ve written over the years, and for guiding us through the writing and publishing process that enabled us to find our voice, shape the narrative, and craft the stories that make up this book."
Gabby Leibovich, Founder catch.com
"I wish I'd done it earlier! If you're thinking about working with Bernadette, I'd absolutely say it's a no brainer. I can't recommend her enough. Do it and do it now."
Kobi Simmat, How to Build a Business Others Want to Buy
"I am immensely grateful for her expertise and commitment. Working with Bernadette was an absolute game-changer for me. I couldn't have navigated the process alone—it felt like a daunting task to bring my ideas to life in the form of a book.; she helped bridge the gap between my ideas and transforming them into a tangible manuscript. Committing to that process was truly transformative—and it's been an incredible journey."
Amy Miocevich, Author of 'The Very Good Marketing Guide'
