Writers need a vision of their career, their books, and their lives. What do they want to accomplish as writers? What do they want their legacy to be? What is it about writing that makes it their choice of an art form? And more practical: How can they best present their work to agents or editors?

As a book coach, Anna Olswanger helps writers think about how they can accomplish their goals. She helps them make professional decisions and, most of all, encourages them to write from their individual experience, and not from a need to chase the market. Talented writers need to write manuscripts that no one else can write. What is it about a writer that is unique, that makes her or him the only author capable of writing a particular book?

A book coach can work with writers to define their goals. The coach is not their editor or agent, although the book coach might talk to them about their agent and editor, and give advice how to interact with them.

If you are interested in exploring the possibility of working with Anna as your book coach or of having her evaluate your manuscript, please email her for more information and describe where you are with your manuscripts or books.

Please note that if Anna works with you as a coach, or if she evaluates your manuscript, she cannot subsequently take you on as client of the literary agency where she works. Although Anna is not a member of the Association of Authors Representatives, she operates in accordance with the AAR Canon of Ethics, which prohibits AAR members from charging clients or potential clients for reading and evaluating literary works.

Anna taught writing at the Center for Education and Training at Johns Hopkins University for thirteen years, and at Stony Brook University Hospital for five years. She is the author of Shlemiel Crooks, a Sydney Taylor Honor Book and PJ Library Book. She has been a literary agent for six years.