Book Coach & Editor
Transform your manuscript into a finished book
Expert guidance and holistic support to help you finish your book with clarity, confidence and joy.
How can I help?
Every book, writing journey, and author's dreams are unique. That's why my approach is completely tailored to you—whether you need developmental editing, line editing, or ongoing book coaching support.
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We'll begin with a conversation about where you are in your writing process and explore how I can best support your goals for this book and your author career. Together, we'll combine practical guidance and expert feedback with evidence-based coaching to build your confidence and help you find more ease and joy in your writing.
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Writing can feel isolating and full of uncertainty. I'm here to walk alongside you with warmth, encouragement, and gentle accountability—plus a good dose of humour when you need it most. From first draft to final polish, you don't have to navigate this journey alone, whether you're writing your debut novel or your next traditionally published book.
Soundboarding ideas for your structural edits, character development and plot twists.
Taking you from first draft, through developmental and line editing, to querying literary agents.
A deep dive into what this book is really about, what the story is you are trying to tell, and then working together on finding out how best to tell it.
Helping you to discover how to intuitively write to the end of your first draft (and beyond!) with a sense of ease and enjoyment.
Accountability deadlines, to keep you on track with moving your novel forwards with momentum and excitement.
Examples of things I help with:
About Portia
After gaining my degree in English and Drama from Goldsmiths, University of London, I was offered the role of contributing Deputy Editor of Performing Arts, for Blouin Artinfo international magazine group; covering the UK, Europe, Caribbean, Australasia and Asia. My in-depth features and reviews about theatre, dance, film and TV were translated into fourteen languages and published worldwide, which lead me to also write for other magazines as a travel and lifestyle journalist, as well as writing the regular, open and honest, personal essays column ‘The Good Life’, for Cohorted Cult magazine. Both my fiction and non-fiction writing has won awards and prizes, as well as being performed on BBC radio and stage.
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Alongside my career in journalism, I have worked worldwide with authors of both fiction and non-fiction for over a decade as a book editor, mentor and ghost writer, as well as continuing to work on various projects in theatre. I penned the official biography of 2X Grammy nominated artist, J. Nation, during my time living back in my birth country of Antigua during my twenties, and this experimental, literary biography went on to be released alongside J. Nation's album 'Hard work' throughout the Caribbean and the U.S.A, going on to reach number one on the Caribbean Music Billboard charts.
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I had to step away from my career for a number of years due to severe ill-health after I contracted a tropical disease. During this time, I immersed myself deeply in meditation and mindfulness-based practices, and I stripped back to living life in an intuitive and minimalist way. Because of the severity of my illness, I had to teach my body to walk again, read and write after spending two years largely bedbound, then housebound. My rehabilitation from illness took many years and required my constant dedication and trust in the process—I had to build my life and body again from the ground up. Once I was well enough, I returned to my writing practice and career and found that the life-skills and holistic learning I had gathered through the toughest years of my life had transformed the way I approached my writing projects. I have since gone on to train in areas of psychology, mindfulness-based techniques and coaching, as well as continuing my professional development as a writer and editor with further qualifications beyond my degree. I draw upon both my professional expertise and personal experiences in my work as a book coach, editor and author mentor, helping both agented and unsigned novelists write their books in a way that feels beautiful, authentic and nourishing for them, whilst supporting their career goals and big creative dreams.
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In my own writing, I am currently working on a historical fiction novel which was awarded a Highly Commended place on the I Am Writing Historical Competition shortlist in 2025.
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Born in Antigua W.I. and raised in multiple places, I went to high school in Liverpool, UK (where I happily acquired my northern accent), and I now live in beautiful Scotland.
I am based in Scotland and work with clients throughout the UK and EU.
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Client testimonial
"Before working with Portia I’d been through a re-write / professional edit already with another editor, and I’d submitted to around 10 agents with no luck. When I came to Portia, I was quite stuck, tweaking around the edges rather than tackling the core issue: what am I really trying to say here? And where does the story begin? Is it good enough? Is there plot? Are there high stakes? Etc. A lot of unanswered questions.
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I had no idea really what a book coach was, but I was prepared to give it a go as clearly there are emotions tied up with such a personal work, and with something you’ve dedicated months and years to, and I wanted to work with someone who would be sympathetic to that, as well as have editorial and industry expertise. I was surprised that Portia saw straight through to the core of the book, simply by talking with me for 30 minutes. It opened my eyes to what I was trying to say – she dug it out of
me, if you like. It was there all along, but I had gotten lost in the weeds. Portia’s feedback meant I could edit the novel in an efficient and focused way.
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If you are considering working with Portia, go for it. You will be very surprised by how the manuscript in front of you transforms into something new - something much better and richer, and that you’re excited to query agents about. As soon as Portia gives advice, you just want to run home and implement it. Thank you!"
- Rachael, represented by Bergstrom Studio
Testimonials
"Of all the conversations and input I've had on this book and whether to pursue it, it's honestly the time with you that was the most valuable and that made the BIG difference. That first, deep conversation we had was a break-through moment for me. I wouldn't have signed with my agent without your help and encouragement. Thank you!!"
Nicola, represented by United Agents
“You've helped me to solve all my problems that were holding me back from writing this book and helped me to feel free. Everything we did together has been so helpful! Thank you for all of your encouragement.”
Jessica, literary fiction
"Portia has been reliable, consistent, encouraging and
professional. Portia really believed in my book and wanted to push it forwards. In some ways, it’s the same book as it was, and in other ways, it’s totally different. The way I view the book, the
way I approach the story, the way I pitched it to agents: all that has evolved in a major way, and in just a few months.
Portia has blown the book wide open – that is,
helped me to open my eyes to the crux of the story. I now know what my book is about, and that sounds basic, but somewhere
along the way I’d lost track. That came through book coach work!
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I had multiple offers from agents after working with Portia - I owe her a lot for her support and enthusiasm and really getting my query pitch to the level it needed to be. She will be top of my acknowledgment's page when my book comes out."
Rachael, represented by Bergstrom Studio
"Working with Portia has been incredible for my writing process. Her approach is thoughtful, intuitive, and supportive, she has helped me to overcome blocks and make significant progress on my book. I've also been offered a feature in a magazine, which is pretty cool! I am so grateful for Portia's guidance and expertise. I've had so much advice from people who aren't following their own words of wisdom with living-well and writing, but Portia is living hers, she is doing it and succeeding. Thank you, Portia, for your wonderful words of encouragement and for everything else! You're going to help so many people!"
Jemma, non-fiction
"It's been good to learn from you about the publishing journey after completing a manuscript, you're so knowledgable. Thank you for being so encouraging too, our sessions have been incredibly helpful. Your input on my messy manuscript has been invaluable. You have made me so excited about my book again!"
Laura, memoir
Can I help with your book?
Genres I am a good fit for:
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-women's fiction
-book club fiction
-accessible literary fiction
-literary fiction
-love/relationship stories (of all kinds: romance, mother/daughter love, friendships etc.)
-feminist fiction
-historical fiction
-chick-lit
-up-lit
-cosy crime
-novels written from life
-narrative biography
-adaptations and investigations of previous literature (eg. Wide Sargasso Sea, Medusa, Mythos, Jane Austen Investigates etc)
-children’s books for ages 11+ (exc. picture books)
-YA
-New Adult
-magical realism
-non-fiction that has already secured a traditional publishing deal (inc. memoir)
-Something that fits in the above but with a magical twist
Genres that aren't right for me:
-dystopian fiction
-sci-fi
-thrillers/horror
-fantasy fiction sagas
-non-fiction (other than listed)
-short story, poetry or essay collections
-books that are intended to be snippets of things with no narrative/story
If your genre isn't listed or you are unclear of your exact genre but have a feeling your book might be my 'cup of tea' based on what you can gather from the genres outlined above, then feel free to get in touch and I'll let you know if your project and I are a good fit. I look forward to hearing about your beautiful book project.
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Please note, I currently only accept clients who identify as women and/or use she/her amongst their preferred pronouns.
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I also only sign clients who really, really want to write this book. This one. The sparkly one that keeps you awake at night with dreams of holding it in your hands.
Get in Touch
I am based in Scotland and work with clients throughout the UK and EU.
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Please note, I currently only accept clients who identify as women and/or use she/her amongst their preferred pronouns.
I'd love to learn more about you and your writing project. Since every author's journey is unique and I don't believe in a 'one size fits all' approach to editing, I create personalised packages that fit your specific needs and goals, often blending editing and book coaching to help you reach your personal writing dreams.
Please share a bit about your novel and where you are in the writing process using the form below. I'll be in touch to ask for a short sample of the book's opening pages and to arrange a complimentary fifteen-minute video chat where we can explore how I might support your project. If we're a good match, I'll follow up with a tailored proposal for your individualised editing and coaching package. Concessions are available for those with disabilities—just let me know in your enquiry if this would be helpful and applicable to you.
I'm excited to hear about your writing journey!