WHO WE WORK WITH

Barncat has worked with first-time writers who landed top agents within a year. We also work with seasoned journalists switching to long-form writing, literary writers who want to sell without selling out, public speakers who need a "back-of-the-room" book, entrepreneurs and business owners who see the value of having a book to extend their brand and promote their services. Through book-doctor packages, online courses and private coaching, we can help you with literary and genre fiction, non-fiction and memoirs, how-to's, business books, humor, and first-person essays.

Warning: Barncat's services are not for everyone; neither do we accept every client. From our perspective, your enthusiasm, curiosity and creative spirit count more than your level of mastery. From your perspective, you will need a certain degree of courage, self-knowledge and commitment. In our experience, any book with a fundamentally sound idea can be brought up to publishing standards, but not every writer is up for the adventure.

CASE STUDY: “P” has a small coaching business and needed a book to help her raise her profile and position herself as the go-to expert in her field. She hired a ghostwriter, but the resulting proposal was stiff and uninspired; even P could see that. Her idea was good enough that she might have gotten a nibble anyway, but the difference between a barely acceptable proposal and a great one can mean a ton of money, as you shall see. I rewrote the entire proposal, restructured the material, and wrote a sample chapter. I urged P to send it out to agents during a certain season that I believed would work well for her book topic. Within one week, P signed with a top agent at ICM. Next, I rewrote the agent’s pitch letter (with the agent's permission), and within two weeks of sending it out, there was a bidding war that landed P a six-figure deal with a major publisher—and this was during the recent financial crisis! I then ghost-wrote the book, which was published in January 2010.

CASE STUDY: Kate is an entrepreneur in Paris who wanted to write a memoir about starting up a business in a country where she barely spoke the language. She was a first-time writer, yet highly committed to the idea of learning to do it herself. She took a series of online classes with me and was able to complete an entire first draft in six months. She then learned the joys and terrors of the rewrite process, but with great determination and Barncat's editing and coaching help, Kate got the interest of two agents during her very first round of queries. She flew to New York, met with both agents. She signed with Sterling Lord. While her book shops to publishers, Kate found she loved the writing process and challenge so much that she has started on a novel.

Here is a sampling of how Barncat helped other writers who were struggling with issues you might recognize:

"When I decided to write a novel, I knew there was no one better to help me shape my writing into a polished, publication-ready work than Jami."

Hannah Brown Movie Critic, Jerusalem Post

"My first job was at The New York Post and I was incredibly lucky to have Jami Bernard as my first editor. With her to teach me about writing and editing, I went from working as a go-fer to being a reporter in less than two years. "She does more than simply correct bad writing: She teaches her students to write well. The lessons that I learned from working with her on this book have made me a much better writer. "I've been a professional writer for 20 years, and if I still had a great deal to learn from Jami, then any beginning writer will benefit enormously from Barncat's editing service. And, chances are, they will enjoy themselves in the process!"

"Jami Bernard has the unique ability of seeing a piece in its entirety."
Phyllis Terry Friedman Psychologist	"She identifies the themes and underlying structures, and provides specific recommendations to develop the work to its full potential. Her critical feedback is balanced with humor and encouragement!"

Writing is a way of life. It can be utterly terrifying and utterly rewarding. Barncat works with people who are serious about getting past the terrors and enjoying the rewards. In return, we are serious about helping you make that journey.

Learn more about how we can help you get your book ready for publication, or to make an appointment for a complimentary book strategy session.

What Writers Are Saying About Barncat

“Not since Annie LaMott has anyone found ways to knock down the obstacles and ease the neuroses that keep even the best writers from their work."
– Judy Rakowsky, journalist

“Jami Bernard is an amazing teacher. She helped bring out my theme and kept me going when I thought I had nothing in me. She’s great!”
– Liza Deyrmenjian, owner, Liza D. Productions

“Jami Bernard doesn’t just teach writing. She inspires, nurtures, supports and improves it. Always brilliant, insightful, fun and open, Jami gives writers the technical tools, the creative push, and the practical focus to go beyond what they thought possible."
– Keller Grace, writer

“Because of Jami's help, my memoir is ten times better now!”
– Janiss Garza, author, White Line Fever and Dear Sparkle: Advice from One Cat to Another

“Jami Bernard has an amazing ear for writer’s voices. Her edits enhance an author’s voice instead of changing it. Her humorous and insightful lessons helped make our prose sing.”
– Christine Koubek

“Jami Bernard's teaching style for memoir works because she floods the zone with easy-to-grasp details and how-to writing tips. Her advice for how to organize and present your life's story is accented with true wit and wisdom."
– Melody Simmons