Every writer deserves a coach who gets it in their corner.
I know firsthand how frustrating it is to feel like your book is almost there but not quite.
I’ve been on both sides-as a writer wrestling with my own stories and as a coach helping others shape theirs. I know the doubt that creeps in when you’ve revised so much you don’t even know if it’s good anymore. And I know how powerful it is to have someone in your corner who not only sees the potential in your work but helps you bring your story to life.
It’s not that you’re not a good writer. You’re just too close to the story to see what’s missing.
As your book coach, I’m here to help guide you every step of the way to making your story the best it can be—without losing what makes it yours.
I’ve been where you are…
I know what it’s like to pour your heart into a story, only to realize it’s not working and not knowing why.
I’ve been writing since I was 10 years old and began writing the first novel in my fantasy series at age 15. The story wouldn’t let me go, so over the years I kept writing books two, three, and four. But in the back of my mind, I always knew book one still needed a ton of help. The heart of a good story was there… I just had no idea how to make it better. Nothing I tried to do to fix it over the years seemed to make a difference.
​I feared my story would never be good enough to share with readers, but I was so tired of pulling out my hair trying to fix it…
Then, I discovered book coaching.
For the first time, I had someone who helped me see what I couldn’t – why my story wasn’t working and how to improve it. Suddenly, everything clicked into place.
Under the coach’s guidance, big changes were made – while the heart of my story remained the same.
And now, not only do I have a completed book, but one that’s better than I ever could’ve hoped to write.
Here’s what you should know about me:
I’m not just an editor-I’m a coach.
You don’t need someone to point out flaws and dictate what your story should be. You need someone who asks the right questions, problem-solves collaboratively, and gives you the tools to fix it on your own terms.
I work with you to strengthen your story, while you stay in full creative control.
Many writers fear feedback will strip away their voice, but my coaching guides you to make smart, meaningful changes that align with your vision – without erasing what makes your story yours.
Working together will make you a stronger, more skilled writer – for life.
Writing is an art, but it’s also a skill, and my approach ensures you develop both. My goal is to make sure that by the time we’re done working together, you’ve developed stronger storytelling instincts and a deeper understanding of craft that makes you a better storyteller for every book to come.
I’m an Author Accelerator certified book coach.
My expertise comes not just from years of experience working with writers like you, helping them get unstuck
and refine their stories, but from high-level book coaching training and certification.
To learn more about book coaches and Author Accelerator's book coaching program, visit Bookcoaches.com. If you are interested in becoming a book coach yourself, you can access the Advanced Book Coach Training Course here.
Elli brings both compassion and constructive criticism to my novel. She has-and continues to be-instrumental in helping me bridge older and newer chapters. Her facility with recalling minute details and thinking broadly at the same time has helped shape my book as I prepare to publish. An investment in working with Elli would be, for any writer-but especially those who need to world-build-just that: an investment. No money or time spent could be considered a waste with Elli’s steady hand at the helm. In addition to her ability to see the forest and the trees, Elli comes to her work with enthusiasm, integrity, and motivation-for herself but most importantly, for the writer
Margaret McNellis
Historical Fiction Author
Who I'm For
I work with writers of adult, new adult, and young adult fiction. If you’re writing in fantasy, horror, suspense, paranormal, thriller, or mystery, we’ll likely be a great match. I'm also open to erotica, as long as your story fits within my scope.
I’m passionate about helping you create the best version of your book, and while I can’t promise publication or success (because, let’s face it, that depends on timing and luck), I can guarantee that I’ll help you shape a strong, polished manuscript.
Who I'm Not For
I do not work with non-fiction, memoir, children’s books, or middle grade fiction (although that could change in the future). I’m also not a fit for historical fiction, most science fiction, Christian fiction, sports-related stories, or graphic novels and mangas.
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While I offer emotional support, please note that I’m not a trained therapist. Writing can bring up deep emotions, especially if the story hits close to home. If I feel your emotional needs go beyond my expertise, I’ll encourage you to seek professional support.
Now, let’s get personal…
Here are some fun facts about me, so you can get a feel for who you’d be working with!
My love for stories is in my genes; my mom is a writer, and my grandfather was a poet.
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Growing up I was always reading to my little sister, who knew I was a writer and gave me the idea for my first finished novel when I was only 15 years old.
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I have a deep love for fantasy, horror, and psychological thrillers, with Pet Sematary being the first King novel I read at 10 years old. After finishing Carrie, I was hooked. Flash forward and now my daughter’s following my footsteps—she was just eight years old when I introduced her to her first King book.
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I’m originally from Germany, but I moved to the US and married at age 23
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I am a mom to two kids. After they were born, I stopped writing for several years, but I always stayed immersed in stories—creating worlds, maps, and stories for role-playing board and video games like Age of Wonders and Descent to play with my husband.
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I love board games that take hours to play, dungeon crawlers, and role-playing video games, because of their immersive worlds and compelling characters and stories.
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I'm skilled in crochet and a fan of tackling ridiculously large puzzles—maybe that’s why I love helping writers fit all the pieces of their stories together.
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I’ve always had a love of language. When I was 15, I asked my mom to get me the English Oxford Dictionary for a birthday gift, with the full intention of reading it front to back (I never did haha). Now, I’m learning French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Japanese and even music through Duolingo!
