What's in the way of sharing your story?
We all might be works in process, but your first, next or current book doesn’t have to be
Whether you're a writer or an aspiring author, you have a message – a story – you want to write, tell, and share. You’re creative and whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, writing and publishing your first, next or current book is something that deep in your heart you want to accomplish – it’s a dream you have.
And it might even feel like the scariest thing you’ll ever do.
And so many barriers can get in the way.
Your inner editor is more like a critic and constantly shows up every time you sit down to write, beating you up for what you did or didn’t write and questioning if anyone will want to read what you’ve created.
Or maybe your staring at a blank page wondering how to even get started, so that this amazing story or message you want to share gets out of your head and into a book to share with others.
Or perhaps it’s not the writing process that scares you as much as the business side of things. When these thoughts come, you procrastinate on the writing and second guess your abilities to handle the business side instead of trusting that you DO have what it takes.
So if you're asking yourself: Can I do this? Am I enough?
The simple answer is yes.
Yes, you can.
Yes, you’re enough - and just as YOU are!
We all might be works in process, but your first, next or current book doesn’t have to be. Writing and sharing your story is challenging and courageous to do, but it’s worth it and so are you.
So if you’re ready to get out of your own way, tell your story, write your book, and confidently share it, then take the first step and let's talk about TufFish.
LET'S TALK!
And if we haven't met before...
Hi, I'm Jen!
I love helping writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but I help make both feel smoother and achievable.
Growing up, I was the kid who would submit an essay over taking a standardized test, if allowed the option; or I'd write papers with a dictionary nearby to find a word I did not know, learn it, and weave it into the paper I was doing at that moment. Since starting my business in 2014, I've published eight titles - one in non-fiction, and seven in the Einstein and Moo series, and been the developmental editor for five titles since 2020.
One of my superpowers is helping you remove the barriers so that you are not only turning that idea into a book, but you're getting out there, sharing your published work, and owning your writing business with confidence!
What's TufFish?
A reader with an editor’s eye and desire for you to be successful to get your vision out into the world.
Developmental Editor
Looking at the big picture of your book, you'll get a critique that focuses on the overall structure and style as well as creative input, specific solutions, and encouragement.
Book Coach
Let's get your book out of your head down on paper and develop a manuscript that’s ready for publication, whether it’s to pitch to agents/publishers or self-publish.
TufFish Membership
Weekly writing space with a library of carefully curated content to support your writing and business growth as well as accountability for your writing and working "on" your business.
Tamsen Horton
Founder and CEO of Prenuer Business Klub (PBK) and Author of Open for Business
https://www.tamsenshorton.com/
"Before working with Jen on my most recent book, I was feeling overwhelmed by trying to 'do it right.' I'd not ever done a book with other authors and so I knew I didn't even know what I didn't know and thankfully Jen was right there at the exact moment that I needed her most. She was beyond professional and exactly as I expected - knew when to push, when to ask, when to prompt, ... she was the book's fairy godmother with magical pixie dust. If you have a book inside you and know without a doubt it's there, then I highly recommend working with Jen to make the experience beyond incredible and achieve an end-result that you are so entirely proud of."
Developmental Editor
Looking at the big picture of your manuscript, you'll get a critique that focuses on the overall structure and style as well as creative input, specific solutions, and encouragement.
Fiction elements include plot and character development, pacing, and showing vs telling.
Non-fiction elements include messaging to your target audience and what's happening with the story arc to help create a transformation for your reader.
By working with someone who has an appreciation of your craft, you've got support from a reader with an editor’s eye and desire for you to be successful to get your vision out into the world.
LET'S TALK!
Daniele Lanzarotta
Author of The Sinner series and Lost Souls series
http://www.danilanzarotta.com/
“It’s true what they that ‘it takes a village,’ and I’m so grateful that Jen is part of mine. Over the years, as a beta reader and then as a brainstorming partner and developmental editor, Jen’s work has added so much value to my writing and taking the character development to new levels. She is amazing at helping me get out of my head when I feel stuck and has an incredible ability to point out exactly what the story is missing, or how the audience will perceive certain things.”
Book Coach
Let's get your book out of your head down on paper and develop a manuscript that’s ready for publication, whether it’s to pitch to agents/publishers or self-publish.
Depending on your needs, some of the things we can cover include defining the scope of your book, messaging for your target audience, organizing and mapping the process, support with accountability, or support working through the emotions that come up on this path.
LET'S TALK!"I feel like you're the missing voice"
- Aspiring author and busy mom
What's in a name? Why TufFish?
The TufFish name was inspired by a conversation with a fellow writer and friend for whom I served as a beta reader for several of her books. The first time she asked me to beta read, I jokingly replied that I would happily be her “fish” and would send her little nudges to “feed the fish” as I would finish chapters and be ready for more. During one of our chats, she told me that I was “one tough fish,” because I would offer specific solutions or creative input and gently push her to continue. This not only helped her storytelling but also improved her writing.
My intention was to help her create the best story possible so that she shined.
And it’s my intention with you too.
Each time you get "unstuck" by brainstorming a story plot for fiction or teasing out how to teach a concept for nonfiction, you feel excited for what’s possible and your writing flows even more. When you have a trusted advisor, sounding board and encourager as you write your book, you take the limits off yourself and create something even better than you thought possible because you were receptive to a reader with an editor’s eye and desire for you to be successful.
Writing a book can feel extremely vulnerable, but it is worth doing if it’s in your heart to do. It means there’s someone else who wants to read what you write. I’ve continued to use “fish” as a term of endearment and would love for you to experience TufFish too.
So whether you need help with plot or character development, idea conceptualization for either fiction or nonfiction, or overcoming writer’s block/imposter syndrome, you have a trusted advisor and mentor as you write your book as well as navigate and lead your business.
Dianne Karg Baron
Studio Jeweller & Instructor, www.diannekargbaron.com and
www.taoofwire.com
"Jen has been an invaluable second pair of eyes as I was preparing my manuscript. On the technical side, she offered copy editing suggestions and comments that helped the pages flow more effectively. She asked insightful questions, and through answering them, I was able to add bonus material that made the book feel even more complete and valuable. Most importantly, she took the time to get to know me, and to understand the philosophical impulse behind what I was writing and who I'm writing for. Her approach is warm and affirming - I came away from our session feeling even more excited about my project!"
"Thank you so much Jen!"
Let's get your book out into the world!
Aspiring author and busy mom
“After talking to Jen, I felt heard. I felt focused and calm about my path ahead. So much of the work I do is completely invisible, so it was amazing to be able to talk to someone and gain insights on these areas I have struggled with quietly and internally for so long. You were able to listen to what I was saying and construct a different narrative than the one I have been stuck telling myself. You put your finger on the problem I couldn't identify on my own. I've made the simple adjustments and feel energized about the path ahead.”
Enjoy the TufFish Show
We're all works in progress, but your first, current or next book doesn't have to be.
Join Jen for author interviews and be part of the conversation LIVE!
Each author interview includes time for your Q and A, so be sure to be there.
Details sent upon registration.
YES, PLEASE!
