Joanne Metivier
Between Drafts
I help writers who feel stuck in their stories.
People who choose to spend their available time writing usually have ideas, grit and motivation in spades. Even so, it’s common for something to go awry during the writing process.We’re often unsure what our actual story is when we start chasing down an idea, and of course that’s part of the fun.We keep following our idea. Sometimes it works out. We finish our project and experience a high like no other.Other times, it doesn’t work. Sooner or later, not having a clear idea of our story’s structure stops being fun. We’re stalled. And frustrated.When writing gets hard, we grab onto anything we believe will keep us afloat and swimming. Stopping and thinking about our project feels necessary because it is. But pausing can turn into hiding (in books, courses, conferences, writing groups, or whatever). We risk handing over authorship to others and getting stuck in an endless feedback loop.What we need at that point is not more theory, but someone on our team who can observe what we’re actually doing, tell us exactly what we need to hear, and guide us back to moving forward with confidence in our decisions. (And cheer us on while we flail over whatever it was that got us stuck in the first place.)
About Me
Joanne Metivier
Between Drafts
I’m a book coach specialising in story structure for psychological and character-driven fiction. There’s nothing I love more than getting lost in a book and puzzling out how characters tick.I help writers see the underlying structure of their book so they can make informed decisions and finish their projects.This work is for writers who need to clarify their story structure and the protagonist’s journey before writing forward. My approach to giving feedback focuses on clear next steps to help them do this.It’s well-suited to overthinking writers who want feedback that pays very close attention to what the story is actually doing. This kind of writer wants to know what their story is, not what they wish they could be. They’re equally humble about their craft and serious about the work.I work with writers who are open to this approach. If you want to understand what your story is doing, and how to connect with its ideal reader, we may be a good fit.I’m experienced in working with writers for whom English is not their first language.
Training and Background
My background in research, teaching, and narrative analysis informs a coaching approach grounded in close reading and structural clarity.I’m an Author Accelerator certified book coach, trained to use a set of practical story-analysis tools developed to help serious writers make clear, informed decisions about their work. My research training, and my experience as a teacher and examiner in research methods and theoretical frameworks, inform how I use these tools in my work: critically, independently, and in service of the writer rather than any single methodology.
How I Came to This Work
My work as a book coach is grounded in long-term engagement with story and with writers, rather than a recent change in direction.I’ve been writing fiction and working with narrative forms for over three decades, across literary, popular, and serial storytelling. Alongside my own writing practice, I’ve spent more than twenty years working closely with other writers in a range of settings, including higher education, adult education, community learning, and one-to-one mentorship.Much of my professional background has involved reading developing work with care, identifying what it is already doing, and helping writers understand the structural choices available to them at a given moment. This includes teaching creative writing, supervising projects, examining student work, and supporting writers at different stages of confidence and experience.My approach to coaching is also informed by my own academic research into how fiction writers develop voice, fluency, and self-trust over time. Rather than focusing on outcomes or shortcuts, I’m interested in how writers come to understand their own work more clearly, so they can make decisions that are sustainable and aligned with what they’re trying to write.Becoming a certified Author Accelerator book coach formalised work I had already been doing for many years: reading drafts closely, offering diagnostic feedback, and helping writers orient themselves within their own projects without taking authorship away from them.
Services
Joanne Metivier
Between Drafts
I offer a small number of focused services designed to support writers at specific decision points in the planning, drafting or revision process.If you’re at the idea stage, I can help you with the decisions needed for a strong start. Alternatively, you may have plenty of material, but a growing sense that your story isn’t holding together yet. I can also help when revisions have stalled, and any change feels like it may make things worse.Each package provides feedback suited to where you are in your project, plus next steps focused on what your current draft suggests you may wish to work on next.To see the kinds of support I offer, you can view my coaching packages.
Selected Client Feedback
“
I was fortunate to have Jo Metivier as my mentor/coach for review of my novel as part of her Author Accelerator certification.The entire process was well organized, starting from the initial Mini Blueprint, the review of the first 20 pages of the novel and the final conference call to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the novel.I appreciated Jo’s insights at every step in the process. It is probably challenging to provide critical feedback to an author of a completed draft of a novel, knowing that the author has worked for many years through multiple iterations.Jo provided her feedback in a very professional and above all respectful and encouraging manner, leading me to logically understand potential pathways forward.Her insights suggested that the novel might benefit from a different structure, but rather than feeling daunted by this challenge, I felt refreshed and enthused.— Elizabeth Brown (Women’s Fiction)
“
Jo Metivier is someone you would want in your corner when working on a piece of writing. Whether it’s an article, a novel, or a non-fiction book, Jo is a sage and skilled writing coach and mentor.Not only will she keep you on track and centred with your core idea, she will provide the support and framework to keep you writing. Having known Jo in her professional capacity for over twenty years, I can attest to the combination of compassion and clear, insightful feedback she brings to her work. Her background in creative writing research and mentoring gives her a depth of experience that informs her thoughtful, grounded approach.If you’re a writer embarking on your next adventure, I’d encourage you to take Jo with you!— Anni McTavish (Creative Arts)
Packages
Joanne Metivier
Between Drafts
These are distinct ways of working together, designed for different decision points in a project. You can choose the option that best fits your current needs.Prices are set to reflect the kind of reading and thinking your project calls for.
What This Service DoesThis is often a good starting point for writers who want clarity before committing to more extensive structural work. If you’ve settled on an idea and want to test its structural strength, this package provides comprehensive feedback focused on story fundamentals. Whether you’re at the planning stage, partway through a draft, or reorienting a project, you’ll receive a thorough assessment of what your current pages are doing. I’ll show you what your writing sample is currently flagging about your genre and ideal reader, and be clear about what your submitted pages suggest may need attention next.
What You Submit
A one-page questionnaire telling me about your story and why it matters.
The first 3,000 words of your manuscript.
What You’ll Receive
Detailed inline comments on your submitted pages using MS Word, Apple Pages or Google Docs tracked changes.
An editorial summary with diagnostic feedback focused on story fundamentals, especially how the genre and ideal reader indicated in your one-page questionnaire are currently lining up with your opening pages.
Structure and TimingThis service has a 1-2 week turnaround time.The Manuscript Diagnostic Review does not include a live coaching call, assess a full manuscript, or determine a project’s viability. Additional services require a separate agreement.Once you have submitted your pages, email communication is limited to administrative matters (such as scheduling or deadline adjustments).
Price: £150
Packages
Joanne Metivier
Between Drafts
These are distinct ways of working together, designed for different decision points in a project. You can choose the option that best fits your current needs.Prices are set to reflect the kind of reading and thinking your project calls for.
What This Service DoesIf you’ve committed to a novel idea and want to test its strength before drafting in earnest, this review offers a focused assessment of how your story is currently taking shape.
This package uses the Blueprint method developed by Jennie Nash of Author Accelerator, which I am certified to teach.
You’ll receive detailed feedback on how well you are articulating genre, ideal reader, story arc, and protagonist trajectory in your current materials. I’ll help you establish a strong foundation to support you as you write forward.
What You Submit
A completed intake questionnaire.
A fully completed Blueprint (all steps attempted, even if provisional).
A complete InsideOutline for one novel project.
What You’ll Receive
Detailed written feedback on your full Blueprint.
A structural tension assessment identifying pressure points within the InsideOutline.
One 60-minute video call to clarify observations and answer questions about the feedback.
A copy of Blueprint for a Book: Build Your Novel from the Inside Out, by Jennie Nash.
Structure and TimingThis is an 8–10 week container. You’ll have up to 6 weeks to complete and submit your Blueprint and InsideOutline. I’ll return feedback and schedule our coaching call within 2–4 weeks.This service is designed as a contained structural review. Email communication during the Blueprint development phase is limited to administrative matters (such as scheduling or deadline adjustments). Developmental feedback or guidance on the Blueprint is not included prior to submission. Additional services require a separate agreement.
Price: £425
Packages
Joanne Metivier
Between Drafts
These are distinct ways of working together, designed for different decision points in a project. You can choose the option that best fits your current needs.Prices are set to reflect the kind of reading and thinking your project calls for.
What This Service DoesOpening pages carry a great deal of weight. If you want to understand how yours are establishing character and conflict, and how effectively they are setting up your story’s direction, stakes, and genre expectations, this package provides a clear, focused assessment. You’ll receive structured feedback designed to untangle what is currently working from what isn’t. I’ll help you see exactly what your pages are currently doing, and where they may need strengthening.
What You Submit
An intake questionnaire, which I’ll email to you.
The opening chapters of your manuscript, up to a maximum of 40 pages (double-spaced), or 10,000 words.
What You’ll Receive
Detailed inline comments on your submitted chapters using MS Word, Apple Pages or Google Doc tracked changes.
An editorial letter focused on how your opening chapters are setting up the overall story arc and protagonist trajectory, plus how these are aligned with your indicated genre and ideal reader.
One 60-minute live call focusing on feedback clarification and what your opening chapters suggest may be in need of attention next.
Structure and TimingTypical turnaround time for this package is 2-3 weeks.Once you have submitted your intake questionnaire, if we decide to move forward with coaching, I’ll confirm the timing for me to return my feedback and for our live call.This service focuses on analysis of the submitted opening chapters, and does not include ongoing support. Additional services require a separate agreement.
Price: £500
Packages
Joanne Metivier
Between Drafts
These are distinct ways of working together, designed for different decision points in a project. You can choose the option that best fits your current needs.Prices are set to reflect the kind of reading and thinking your project calls for.
What This Service DoesIf you’ve completed a full draft and want a clear, evidence-based assessment of how the entire manuscript is functioning as a whole, this review provides structural feedback on your story arc, protagonist trajectory, and how effectively genre and ideal reader expectations are being met.
What You Submit
An intake questionnaire, which I’ll email to you.
Your current draft of your manuscript (within the typical word count range for your chosen genre).
What You’ll Receive
Detailed inline comments on your first 20 pages using MS Word, Apple Pages or Google Doc tracked changes.
An editorial letter focused on how your manuscript’s structure is supporting the entire story arc and protagonist trajectory, plus how these elements are aligned with your indicated genre and ideal reader.
One 60-minute live call focusing on feedback clarification and what the full draft suggests may be in need of attention next.
Structure and TimingTypical turnaround time for this package is 6-8 weeks.Once you’ve submitted your intake questionnaire, if we decide to move forward with coaching, I’ll confirm the timing for me to return my feedback and for our live call.The Full Manuscript Review is a structural evaluation, not a developmental edit.As noted above, you will receive a detailed editorial letter assessing your manuscript’s overall architecture, including story arc, protagonist trajectory, genre alignment, and ideal reader positioning, along with detailed inline comments on the first 20 pages to illustrate how structural issues are appearing on the page.A developmental edit, by contrast, typically involves comprehensive in-line commentary throughout the entire manuscript and close line-by-line engagement with scene execution. That is a more intensive editorial process.This review is designed to help you understand what your draft is currently doing at a structural level so you can make informed decisions about revision. Many writers find that this level of diagnostic clarity gives them a clear, manageable path forward without the scope or expense of a full developmental edit.
Price: £800
Contact
Joanne Metivier
Between Drafts
If you’d like to explore working together, email me to begin a short
conversation about your project and what kind of support would be most useful.I’ll reply within two business days with next steps.If it’s easier to begin with a brief call, just say so, and I’ll share a few times.
Notes
February 202624/2: On Repetitive RhythmsAs I sit propped up in bed with a cat, drinking tea and scrolling through updates to conversations I follow, I’m noticing a repetitive pattern that’s starting to dominate my feed.Writing in my inbox is starting to merge into what feels like a monologue. Rhythms are getting super-predictable.Shortening paragraphs to one line to compensate for technological constraints of reading on mobile, for instance.I may be over-sensitive to this pattern of formulaic writing designed to please the algorithm. I don’t want to sound alarmist, or moralising. Copying what works is deeply human. Every writer starts out writing boddice-ripping or sword-fighting fanfiction in class.I’m willing to admit that replicating the strategies of influencers and thought leaders can work. Some people are adept at it. Successful posts set the standard, followers mimic them, refine the technique, the cycle goes on. People will go right ahead and do their thing, as they should.What does matter I think is how the drive to produce algorithm-friendly content can make genuine communication and ordinary participation feel risky or pointless. What’s felt as pressure creates self-consciousness.Now I’ve got that off my chest, I can get moving and start adding things to my done list. I want to start doodling again, but today may be a day for thesaurus sheets. When I’m working up to a scene and in need of a break, collecting words into weird, wacky and adventurous combinations feels soothing in the best way. I love that in 2026, a copy of Roget’s (current one picked up for pennies at a library sale) remains an essential part of the writer’s toolbox. I hope that never changes. I will never not dig the little hit of neurological bliss I get when I stumble across a word that’s off the beaten path.This note's a little raw, just for fun. It’s all rehearsal.19/2: St Radigunds Ward, Late summer, 2021I’d agreed to meet M at the bottom of the steps. I watched her descend stiffly from her front door to the pavement where I was waiting. She was in her green parka, her usual walking attire.This wasn’t our typical socially distanced outing. A few days earlier, in M’s living room, I’d sipped my tea and listened to her tale of woe about the crumbling left-wing alliance in the local constituency Labour party. They needed a candidate to stand for election to Dover town council, St Radigunds ward, urgently. This was late summer 2021. The incumbent had stepped down mid-term, thinking of joining the Greens, apparently. My agreement was secured. (I think the brain fog must have been especially bad that day). “Charlie thinks we should save you for District,” M said, referring to the current CLP Chair. I demurred. I was curious about the democratic process, but something in me shrank from committing to the performance of political ambition.My energy would be tested on the campaign trail as it was. St Rads is a sprawling ward, covering large swathes of hilly 60s council estates, chunky Victorian houses, and endless rows of cramped terraces running along valley bottoms that were once farmland.That Thursday, I smiled at M in greeting. We set off towards the dog-mess-strewn path behind London Road leading to Aldi. The reedbeds of the river Dour would be the backdrop for M’s photograph of me for the campaign leaflet. “Nice jacket,” she said. I took her at face value.“Thanks,” I said, relieved that I’d decided to pair my charity-shop-purchased Burberry navy pinstripe with jeans and a red Uniqlo vest. I’d agonised over what to put on, the pandemic having slightly scrambled my sartorial radar. Like everyone else, I’d spent most of the previous eighteen months indoors. “If you think it’s okay?”“You look like a Tory,” she said. That was the moment I could have walked away.On election night, M accompanied me to the count. When I lost by nine votes, the first feeling was annoyance. I don’t like to lose, even when I’m in the wrong game. The second was relief.Soon after that I stepped back from the CLP and added “getting involved in local politics” to my list of things I wouldn’t be stupid enough to do twice in one lifetime.