Editorial and craft coaching from a bestselling, longlist-nominated novelist, Namrata Patel
Why work with me?
A few questions all writers ask when they are at the beginning, middle, or end:
Is this a story or just vibes?
Do I have a plot? Is it too much plot?
The sentences are pretty, but does the story move forward?
Is this the right POV?
Am I stuck or am I just procrastinating?
I’ve spent my career doing two things at once, writing and teaching. Book coaching is where these two passions intersect. My goal is to help authors excavate their story’s potential so that you can turn your ideas into drafts.
I'm Namrata Patel — bestselling author of five novels, including The Candid Life of Meena Dave (longlisted for The Center for Fiction's Best First Novel Prize) and my latest, The Truth about Isha (November 2026). My books explore themes of identity and belonging. I am passionate about the way we create meaning through our stories and what it means to show cultural context to a broad audience of readers.
I coach a range of writers from those who have a story but no idea of where to start to seasoned authors who are on their third, fifth, or even tenth novel. The range is wide. If you have a manuscript, a deadline, or just want to understand how to write a cohesive piece of fiction or personal essay, I’m happy to help.
I especially love to work with those writing commercial or upmarket fiction that feature family dynamics, have emotionally driven plots, and unforgettable characters.
Who works with me?
What does it look like to work with me?
I am not for everyone. My goal is to ensure that you have a story that achieves your goal, whether it is to get an agent or publish a well-received novel. I provide honest, structural feedback for those who are ready to do the work.
Ways we can work together:
Hour-by-Hour Sessions
For writers who are not sure where to start:
60-minute coaching calls to talk through your story, including where you may feel stuck. Covers story structure, plotting, gaps, and progression.
The First 50
For writers who are looking for a polished and well-crafted opening. This includes:
Structural feedback on your first 50 pages including voice, character depth, stakes, forward progression, and marketability.
One 60-minute coaching call to talk through craft and next steps
Written next steps.
Ready to Get Started?
Tell me a little about your story or manuscript and where you're stuck. I read every application myself.
Small Group Craft Sessions
For writers who are looking to develop their craft
Monthly, small-group, online workshops on various craft topics including theme, narrative paradigm and making meaning, immersive world building, character arcs, etc.
The Manuscript Overhaul
For writers who are ready to commit to a three-month intensive revision
A full read of your manuscript
An editorial letter covering structure, character, pacing, and voice
Three one-on-one coaching calls to work through the revision plan
Email support between sessions for questions as they come up
FAQ
Do I need to be traditionally published or have an agent already? No. I work with writers at different stages. What matters is that you're serious about storytelling.
What genres do you coach? I write in the commercial and upmarket fiction space which is where I am strongest as it allows me to go deep into character-driven, family- and identity-focused stories. If your project is a strong fit, I'll say so on our discovery call.
How do we get started? Fill out the short application below. I'll follow up to schedule a discovery call before we begin.
What if I'm not sure which package is right for me? Let’s chat on a discovery call and figure it out together.