“Quite a book. Quite a subject. Quite an author.” —Neil Cavuto, Fox News. Elizabeth MacDonald asked that I revise chapters for submission to potential publishers and help prepare an effective proposal. With the assistance of literary agent Karen Gantz, she obtained a contract with Franciscan Media. Her book was published to great acclaim and countless 5-star reviews.
Book Coaching Projects
Book Coaching Client Barb Dehn Gives Menopause a Sexy Facelift: Hot, Cool Guide
“Joyce, This book is only possible because of your superb coaching and guidance.” – Barb Dehn. I doubt there is another writer who can match Barb Dehn’s magical wand on this challenging topic. I was proud to be part of her journey. Vitality, zest, and, yes, a sexy outlook on life are within every woman’s reach. Fear and tears no more.
Transforming Life Experiences into a Saleable Memoir. The Power of Memories.
Helping our client convert hundreds of pages of text, countless speeches and riveting videos into an inspirational memoir was just the first step. The challenge: to revise his epic into a magnetic, highly salable work. “Dr. Starr added her unique and special touch to every chapter. She helped me more than anyone else on this ongoing odyssey, adventure. With all of the help, advice and editing, she has been an absolute Godsend. Since I have never engaged in an adventure like this before I really had no idea what to expect.” – Mike Turpen, former Attorney General of Colorado.
Dog Talking: The Author is a Labrador Retriever with Life Lessons to Share
“Dr. Starr revised, restructured and transformed my manuscript into a beautiful children’s book. When all seemed right, she strove for an even higher level. She treated my book as a work of art, from the title, cover photo, choice of fonts to the presentation of interior pages. She urged me to take photographs and then spent countless hours preparing them for the book. Publication of Tales From a Tail Wagging Dog by Ethel Frances is a testimony to her energy and commitment.” – Marcia Miller
Old Flames: A Novel by Arthur Samuels
“When I first presented my manuscript to Dr. Joyce Starr, it was a diamond in the rough. Over a six-month period Dr. Starr worked tirelessly to make Old Flames into the book I always believed it could be. Joyce went the extra mile for me when I could no longer see the forest through the trees. She literally put her heart and soul into helping me maintain and amplify the voice of my novel’s protagonist. she never lost sight of the need to maintain the artistic integrity of an original manuscript.” – Arthur Samuels
Selling a Photo Book to Publishers – Words Matter.
Cathy Greenblat’s uplifting Alzheimer’s photos were being exhibited throughout the US and Europe to great acclaim. She hoped to publish a companion book with a leading publisher. Photography books, however, are a hard sell, as they’re generally more expensive to produce and difficult to market.