Real Clients. Real Hope.
Every writer’s journey is unique, but the challenges are universal. From the doubt that creeps in on the very first page to the nail-biting wait after hitting “send” on a query letter, we all face moments of uncertainty. In this series, we’re pulling back the curtain on those moments to share the stories of writers just like you. Discover how they overcame their biggest hurdles, embraced the process, and ultimately found success.
These are not just success stories; they are inspiring narratives of passion, hard work, and the power of a plan.

The Client: Viola
Viola came to me relatively recently with a complete draft that was close to perfect.
Only she didn’t know it.
The Challenge
In her own words…
“I had been working on this project in short bursts for many years. When I finally finished it, I wasn’t certain that it even made sense as a cohesive story…Since this was my first large-scale project, I was anxious about sharing it with anyone, but knew I needed an honest opinion.”
The Solution
She needed another reader. Someone thrilled she had written a book and compassionate enough to tell her what was working and not without being critical. A cheerleader.
I call them ALPHA READERS. See below for the difference between ALPHA and BETA readers and when you should consult an EDITOR.
The solution was, in this case, to hand it over.
When she was ready, Viola trusted me with her manuscript.
This is what she said:
“Linsey took me seriously, even though I had no prior experience writing a novel. She was a thorough reader and had a lot of wonderful suggestions, which she clearly notated and discussed with me. If there was anything I had a question about, she took the time to clarify and was always eager to discuss options. She seemed genuinely interested in my project.”
Reader Details:
- ALPHAS: DO THIS FIRST. These are your cheerleaders. They are so excited that you have written a book and they cannot wait to read it. They cannot wait to tell you how awesome you are and how amazing it is that you have done this unbelievable thing. It’s very important that these people are constructive and not critical.
- BETAS: When you can handle a little more constructive criticism, hand your book baby over to betas. Let them rip it apart and tell you all the things that are not working so that you can fix them. Don’t worry you will know which things are BS and which things are true North. When you don’t know the difference anymore, it’s time to hand it to an editor.
- EDITORS: When you don’t know what to do anymore, it’s time to hand it to a more experienced reader. Beta readers can tell you all day long what you should and shouldn’t do, but there’s a limit to how much you should listen to them. After you’ve been through 2 or 3 rounds of beta readers, you should be ready for an editor if not before. There is such a thing as perfecting it to death.
The Results
I’ll let her tell you:
“I believe that my book now tells the story I wanted to tell…I am confident enough in the results that I have begun querying agents and publishers.”
Conclusion
Viola’s story is for:
- Someone who is afraid to start or to finish.
- Someone who has a draft (or pieces of a draft) and no clear plan of action.
- Someone with a draft they can’t let go.
- Someone who is afraid their idea is not good enough or somehow wrong.
- Someone who “got started late.”
What’s Happening Now?
The “Finish your WIP” Accelerator. 🚀
Want to finish your WIP this year?
Get the webinar here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/780785/166470190093043095/share
CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS
TDG is LIVE: https://a.co/d/9YJ3ztr
Project Zero: 0. RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT October-Noveber 2025
ASD Draft 1: Starting again in April 2026
HAPPENING THIS MONTH
Every Tuesday: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6 EST
Next on the Radar: Author’s Roundtable. TBA
In Other News
Don’t forget, if you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.
Start or Finish today. I can help.








