Author mentorship & book coaching
Free your mind, find your voice
I specialise in working with non-fiction writers, memoirists, poets, essayists and creatively-inclined academics. This includes people who are transitioning away from an overly intellectual approach, academics who want to break free of the constraints and rigidity of striving to be clever, debut writers working on their first manuscripts, people who identify as somehow marginalised including writers of colour with a lineage connection to the spiritually-rooted work they wish to put out into the world, and social/environmental scientists seeking to communicate more effectively with a lay audience.
About you:
Maybe you are at the start of figuring out how to approach birthing your book project.
Perhaps you are working on a book proposal and need some help with drafting and structuring it in such a way that will reflect your vision and your voice.
You might have a fully formed manuscript that needs a curious and critical perspective as you take it to completion, ahead of publishing or pitching an agent.
Maybe you have an idea and a sense of where to go but need some guidance and encouragement to get there.
You might be at the very start of your writing journey and looking for advice on how to keep yourself going.
Or you might need someone to help you make sense of all the ideas in your mind to lend some focus and coherence so that you can translate them into a manuscript.
My mentoring style:
From expert advice and friendly-critical feedback, to reading suggestions and support with getting your words on to the page, I will guide you through the whole process and practice in such a way that helps you make it your own, meet your goals, overcome your blocks, and enjoy the journey.
I love working with writers who hunger for the satisfaction that comes from untangling themselves from the weeds of doubt, resistance, and limiting narratives. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than supporting people to reach what in Buddhism is described as “the other shore” – that place of accomplished contentment, happy exhaustion and ultimate relief that comes from traversing the ebbs and flows of the writing process to get where we want to go. The path is not always smooth. Challenges are inevitable. We get through together.
Writers leave me feeling empowered, re-energised, and reaffirmed in their commitment to see their work through. By unifying passion and craft, they regain their creative momentum, strengthen their voice, refine their writing style, elevate their vision, and realise their aspirations with a greater sense of joy and satisfaction.
How it works:
I work on the basis of one-to-one exchange, which means I expect you to be equally invested in the process. This allows for the very real possibility that you’ll encounter hesitation and resistance – the best of us do. I will help you through that, so long as you commit to showing up throughout our time together – this means coming as you are, however you are, whatever that looks like – being real is key to the creative process.
My work is infused and underpinned by a Dharmic lens and my commitment to showing up in my capacity as a spiritual caregiver (I am midway through my own journey and training in Buddhist chaplaincy service). This means that as well as giving you my editorial and developmental guidance, I am there alongside you through the whole messy, glorious, confusing and illuminating process that being a human writer involves. I will help you release whatever emotional and mental obstacles come up, in your writing as well as your life (because the one invariably influences the other, and that’s a good thing).
What you’ll get:
The needs of every person and project are unique. How we work, the regularity with which we meet, and the frequency of face-to-face and online interaction will be tailored to your needs. This will likely involve:
An introductory call to talk through your project, your aspirations/goals/deadlines, and the challenges/obstacles you’re facing
Weekly or fortnightly one-hour check-ins via video call thereafter
Structured feedback on your work (which you’ll submit in advance of our online calls)
Manuscript reviews
Reading suggestions
Writing sprints
Assistance with drafting your work
Conversations/’interviews’ that will help you to develop your narrative
Tailored writing prompts and guidance
Guided reflection practices for nervous system regulation where helpful
Email support throughout to help you maintain your momentum, nurture your practice and fulfil your writing goals
Copy writing support and proofreading
Investment:
Working over a set period of time gives you the benefit of sustained support - I’ll be available for you throughout the process. The package you opt for will depend on where you are in your writing journey/manuscript development, how much support you need, your timeline, any deadlines you’re working to, budget, etc. As a guide, the following options work well as standard frameworks, with the option to extend as required:
o 4 weeks: £2,000
o 6 weeks: £3,000
o 3 months: £5,500
o 6 months: £10,500
Price and payment in GB pounds, excluding any transfer/transaction fees (to be covered by you as standard). Payment plans are available. USD pricing available for global clients on request. Corporations and agencies - please contact me directly for package and pricing requests.
Work with me:
Complete this short form with your inquiry and we can arrange to talk.
Testimonials
“Working with Aliya was instrumental in completing my book. I turned to her when I was stuck and had self-doubt. She made me feel heard, empowered me, and was thorough in her advice, notes, and process. Aliya brought her expertise and mindfulness in such a beautiful way to get my rough draft into a complete manuscript! It wouldn’t have happened without her attention to detail, understanding of the bigger picture, and care.”
“The first novel in my series had lived in my head for years and after meeting Aliya in the spring of 2020, having connected around social justice initiatives in South Asian communities, she helped me believe that my stories were worth sharing with the world and helped me actually complete and publish my first novel that same year, something I never believed would happen in my lifetime! Her commitment to me as a writer has been significant in so many ways, and although my series is complete, I rely on her mentorship to this day. Aliya has always made time for my projects and her commitment to quality elevated my storytelling. Aliya is caring, compassionate, and not conflict avoidant – I need an editor who is willing to share their honest thoughts and offer solid criticism on what I’ve written, not one who merely scans for grammar and spelling errors. She genuinely cares about the writers she works with and her dedication to me has been integral to the success of The Chai House series. Thank you, Aliya, for helping me finish my novel and share my stories with the world!”
“Collaborating with Aliya was truly a gift. She accompanied me in polishing my first poetry manuscript with highly professional editorial feedback on structure, rhythm, voice and wording alongside ongoing encouragement, empathy and kindness for my writing process. She reminded me to stand tall behind my words and be bold in my reclamation. Her insightful knowledge and experience in the literary and publishing fields have been invaluable as I navigate how best to get my work out into the world.”
“Highly, highly recommend Aliya! I’m a first time author, writing a book on the Buddha Dharma. Aliya’s insight and feedback, along with encouragement has allowed me to step into my power and write fearlessly. Aliya is as compassionate as she is relentless.”
“Working with Aliya was an absolute pleasure. When I first approached her with my fictional series, she helped me to refine how I was wording my prose and improved my confidence with writing. Her encouragement to write the story helped me finish the first book and since then I have written two more. I recommend Aliya to anyone longing to use writing as their medium of expression.”