Book Coaching Programme

Finish the book
you were
born to write.

A structured, six-month one-on-one coaching programme for Rwandan writers who are serious about completing their manuscript with expert guidance at every step.

Apply now Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Applications Closed

Next cohort — coming soon

We are not currently accepting applications

Next window opens

January 15, 2027

We'll announce on social media when the next cohort opens. In the meantime, you are welcome to email us with questions.

Get notified →

Programme at a glance

6-month coaching journey

6
Months
12+
Sessions
1:1
Dedicated coach
4
Phases
✓
Dedicated one-on-one coach throughout
✓
Bi-weekly 60-minute coaching sessions
✓
Chapter feedback between sessions
✓
Craft lessons tailored to your genre
✓
Full manuscript review at programme end
✓
Publishing pathway guidance on completion
What is book coaching?

Coaching is not editing.

"Coaching helps you write the book. Editing improves the book once it's written."

A book coach works alongside you throughout the writing process, helping you clarify your vision, maintain momentum, overcome blocks, and develop your craft. You write. Your coach guides, challenges, encourages and holds you accountable.

Editing begins after your manuscript is complete. Coaching begins before you've written the first chapter or picks you up from wherever you are stuck.

Coaching vs our other services

Service When Coaching
Book ReviewDraft completeAny stage
Manuscript EditingDraft completeAny stage
Publishing SupportManuscript finalAny stage
Working sessionOne-off6 months
Your coachOne readDedicated 1:1
AccountabilityNoYes — every week
Qualification

Is this programme for you?

This programme is right for you if…

  • ✓You have a clear book idea but keep getting stuck or starting over
  • ✓You've been working on a manuscript for months or years without finishing
  • ✓You are committed to completing a book and can dedicate time weekly
  • ✓You want structured guidance alongside your own writing process
  • ✓You are open to honest feedback and willing to revise
  • ✓You are writing a book in one of the following categories: fiction (novel, novella, short story collection), creative non-fiction (memoir, autobiography, biography, essays, personal narratives), non-fiction (faith-based, personal development, educational, business, or inspirational books), or children’s literature (children’s fiction, middle-grade fiction, or young adult fiction).

You do not need to have published before. Many of our coached writers are completing their first manuscript.

You may not need coaching if…

  • —Your manuscript is already complete and polished (try Editing instead)
  • —You need a quick one-off read and feedback (try Book Review)
  • —You cannot commit to regular sessions or writing homework
  • —You are looking for someone to write your book for you (try Writing Assistance)
  • —You are not yet ready to receive honest, critical feedback on your work

If you're unsure, apply anyway and tell us where you are. We'll recommend the right service for your situation.

The programme structure

Four phases. Six months.

01 Phase 1 · Month 1

Foundation & Planning

Weeks 1 – 4

  • Story discovery sessions to clarify your vision
  • Ideal reader identification
  • Structural outline development
  • Goal setting & writing schedule
  • Understanding your genre's conventions
02 Phase 2 · Months 2–4

Building the Draft

Weeks 5 – 16

  • Chapter-by-chapter writing & feedback
  • Bi-weekly 60-minute coaching sessions
  • Craft lessons tailored to your needs
  • Solving blocks: character, plot, voice, pacing
  • Accountability check-ins between sessions
03 Phase 3 · Month 5

Revision & Refinement

Weeks 17 – 20

  • Full first draft review with your coach
  • Structural revision guidance
  • Voice and style refinement
  • Tackling the most challenging sections
  • Preparing for the final push
04 Phase 4 · Month 6

Completion & Next Steps

Weeks 21 – 24

  • Final manuscript polish
  • Publishing pathway planning
  • Author platform basics
  • Submission or self-publishing next steps
  • Graduation & continuation options
Everything you get

What's included

Dedicated 1:1 Coach

One experienced coach assigned to you for the full six months. They learn your voice, your goals and your specific challenges and stay with you throughout.

12 Coaching Sessions

Bi-weekly 60-minute one-on-one sessions via video or in-person (Kigali). Online sessions are recorded so you can refer back to any guidance at any time.

Ongoing Feedback

Submit chapters between sessions and receive written feedback within 5 working days. No waiting weeks to know if you are on the right track.

Craft Lessons

Bespoke lessons on the craft elements you need most such as dialogue, point of view, structure, pacing, and characterisation, delivered when they are most relevant to your writing.

Full Manuscript Review

A complete read and written assessment of your finished manuscript at the end of the programme, including recommendations for revision and next steps.

Publishing Guidance

A clear publishing pathway session at programme end, whether you are pursuing traditional publishing, self-publishing, or literary journals and competitions.

Your guide

Meet your coach

Patrick Nzabonimpa
10+
Writers coached

Patrick Nzabonimpa

Writer, editor, poet & journalist

Patrick Nzabonimpa is a Rwandan writer, editor, poet, and journalist whose literary work has appeared in Brittle Paper, Africa in Dialogue, WSA Magazine, and several anthologies including Love’s Eternal Tale and Threads and Faces: Stories on Identity and Belonging. His debut short story collection, A Thread of Silent Echoes, was published by Vine Leaves Press (Greece) in April 2026, and his comic book Mutoni: The Innovator of Kiruku was published by Imagine We Rwanda in March 2025.

He has served as a judge for the African Writers Awards in the short story category in both 2024 and 2025, and has been recognised with multiple honours including the Rwanda National Council for Science and Technology’s Best Science Communicator award (2023), the UNESCO/GIZ AI Reporting Challenge (2024), and the Empower Africa Now award for short fiction (2020). He is the founder of Writers Space Africa — Rwanda Chapter and the pioneer of Umukarago literary magazine.

“The book inside you matters. My job is to help you get it out.

Fiction Poetry Creative Non-Fiction Memoir Essay
Visit patricknzabonimpa.com →
Writers who completed the programme

Their books exist now.

"

I had been trying to write my memoir for four years. In six months with Ishimwe, I completed a full first draft. What changed? I finally had someone to answer to — and someone who believed in the story as much as I did.

GM

Grace Mukamusoni

Memoirist · Kigali

Completed her memoir — 2024
"

I came in with 40 pages of a novel I'd been circling for two years. I finished Phase 2 with a full draft. The coaching sessions were the most valuable writing time of my week — not because Ishimwe wrote for me, but because she made me write better.

BK

Bernard Kagabo

Novelist · Butare

Completed his novel — 2024
"

I am a professional who had a story I needed to tell. I was not a writer — or so I thought. The programme taught me I was, all along. My book is with a publisher now. I still can't quite believe it.

PN

Pauline Niyonzima

Author & Healthcare Professional

Book with publisher — 2025
Common questions

Frequently asked

How many sessions are included?

The programme includes 12 bi-weekly 60-minute sessions over six months, one every two weeks. Additional sessions can be added if needed.

Do I need a complete manuscript to apply?

No. You can join at any stage with just an idea, a chapter, or a full draft that needs reshaping. Tell us where you are in the application.

What genres do you coach?

We coach across all genres: literary fiction, memoir, creative non-fiction, essay collections, children's literature and poetry collections.

What if I miss a session?

Life happens. Sessions can be rescheduled with 48 hours' notice. Missed sessions do not carry over, but we build flexibility into the programme schedule.

Is the programme in English?

Sessions are conducted in English. We can coach manuscripts written in Kinyarwanda — please note this in your application.

How much does it cost?

Pricing is on inquiry and varies by context. We offer sliding scale fees for writers who need financial flexibility. No writer is turned away for budget alone. Tell us your situation.

Ready to begin?

Apply for the programme

1

Submit your application

Fill in the form. Be honest about where you are with your manuscript and what you hope to achieve. There are no wrong answers.

2

We review within 10 working days

We read every application carefully. We may ask for a writing sample (a chapter or an excerpt) to better understand your work.

3

Discovery call

If your application is shortlisted, we invite you to a 30-minute call with your prospective coach.

4

Programme begins

Once matched, we set a start date, agree a schedule, and begin Phase 1. Your first session happens within two weeks of acceptance.

Note on availability: We take a limited number of writers per cohort to ensure every writer receives the full attention of their coach. If there is a waitlist when you apply, we will notify you of your position and expected start date.

Coaching Programme Application

We'll respond within 5 working days

There are no wrong answers. Honesty helps us match you with the right coach.

We respond to every application, accepted or not.
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