I Started As a Self-Published Author

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One random weekday morning, a novel idea hit me so hard I couldn't ignore it. I was a stay-at-home mom with a toddler and zero publishing experience, but I started writing anyway.

 

I woke up at 5am for months. I romanticized the process. I imagined agents calling, readers loving it, bookstores carrying it.

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Then I finished the first draft and reality hit: I had no idea what to do next.

 

I took the long, painful route—every podcast, every webinar, every blog post. I taught myself how to self-edit, how to query, how to build an author platform, how to create a content strategy.

 

Eventually, I published The Art of Murder under the pen name Claire Ripley.

 

And then I realized: authors need someone who's been through this. Someone who gets it.

 

I Became That Person

 

I started editing manuscripts for other authors. I loved it—the puzzle of making a good story great, the collaboration, the moment when a writer finally sees what their book could be.

 

Then I got hired as Marketing Manager at a boutique publisher. For two years, I managed book launches, coached authors through their marketing overwhelm, and learned what actually moves the needle in book sales.

 

After that, I joined a communications agency where I managed complex campaigns from concept to execution. I learned strategic planning, project management, and how to create messaging that converts.

 

Now I combine all of it—the firsthand author experience, the editorial expertise, the marketing strategy, the project management discipline—to help romance and fantasy authors do what I did, but faster and with less trial-and-error.

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Why Romance & Fantasy?

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Because these are the genres I love, the books I read, and the authors I understand.

 

I won't flag your magic system as "unrealistic."
 

I won't suggest you tone down the spice.
 

I won't tell you to add a love triangle to make it "more marketable."

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I know your tropes. I respect your genre conventions. I understand what your readers expect.

And I know how to help you deliver it in a way that makes them obsessed with your books.

 

My Philosophy

 

On Editing:
 

Your story, elevated. Your voice, preserved. Your vision, honored.

I'm not here to rewrite your book or turn it into something it's not. I'm here to help you make it the best version of what YOU want it to be.

 

On Marketing:
 

Authentic relationships over transactional tactics. Every time.

I don't believe in growth-hacking, "going viral," or spending 6 hours a day on TikTok. I believe in sustainable strategies that help you connect with the readers who will love your work.

 

On Coaching:
Writing is hard. Publishing is harder. You don't have to do it alone.

I'm here to be your partner, your accountability buddy, and your biggest advocate. I'll celebrate your wins, help you navigate the setbacks, and keep you moving forward.

 

When I'm Not Working With Authors

 

I'm a single mom, obsessed with my Boxer, an avid reader (obviously), mediocre at tennis, and perpetually trying to keep my sourdough starter alive. 

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I have ADHD, which means I'm very good at building systems that actually work for creative brains. Time-blocking, batching, and structured workflows aren't just business advice—they're survival strategies.

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Let's Work Together

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Whether you need editing, marketing strategy, or hands-on coaching, I'd love to help you publish a book you're proud of.

 

Get your free sample edit

 

Schedule a Free Discovery Call

 

Still not sure if we're a good fit? Join my newsletter, The Editor's Inbox, where I share editing tips, book marketing strategies, and publishing insights for romance and fantasy authors.

 

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