Writing life is a hot mix of joys and challenges. If you’re hamstrung by decision fatigue or bollixed by an impossible plot matrix, you’re not alone. I get it, and I got you.
Let’s explore publishing pathways that give your story wings.
A book doula is a strategic partner who helps authors thrive at all stages of the creative journey. As a bestselling author and ghostwriter, I've been to the publishing rodeo and seen the clowns. My craft skills are stellar, thanks to three decades of razor-stropping by some of the best editors in the business, and I love sharing what I've learned.
What writers say about working with me:
“This book could never have seen the light of day without Joni Rodgers, who is so much more than a plot whisperer. She patiently pulls threads and builds trust to help authors like me dig a little deeper, even when it’s painful to do so.”
"Every major success I’ve had in book collaboration can be traced back to attending Joni Rodgers’ ghostwriting masterclass in 2019. I have successfully navigated tricky dilemmas because of Joni’s practical advice. I have landed multiple jobs and met so many cherished colleagues because of relationships that Joni started and/or nurtured. It’s so tough for ghostwriters to find meaningful guidance and education, even though our careers depend on it! I am so grateful that Joni filled that gap for me." Elisa Ung, award-winning, NYT-bestselling book collaborator
(More kind words, kudos, and testimonials.)
About Joni
(Check my credentials. I’ll wait.)
Testimonials
“Rodgers’ strength is a knack for realistic characters and a womanly-wise, laugh-through-tears appreciation of life.”
- Publishers Weekly
"Joni Rodgers, my stalwart Sherpa and friend throughout the writing process, helped me build a vehicle for my vision and opened my eyes to what I'm capable of on my own."
- Bestselling author/activist Elizabeth Smart
"Every major success I’ve had in book collaboration can be traced back to attending Joni Rodgers’ ghostwriting masterclass in 2019. I have successfully navigated tricky dilemmas because of Joni’s practical advice. I have landed multiple jobs and met so many cherished colleagues because of relationships that Joni started and/or nurtured. It’s so tough for ghostwriters to find meaningful guidance and education, even though our careers depend on it! I am so grateful that Joni filled that gap for me."
- Elisa Ung, award-winning, NYT-bestselling book collaborator
“Joni Rodgers helped me find my voice and held my hand through the chaos.”
- Paris Hilton, NYT bestselling author of Paris: The Memoir
"Joni has been a guiding light to me as I shifted from academia to collaborative writing. Her kindness, expertise, and generosity, combined with her practical advice, have been invaluable. I owe her a huge debt."
- Bernadette Murphy, bestselling author/ collaborator
“Joni, you are the light in the dark room I was in. Thank you for hearing me and helping me with my story.”
- Mayte Garcia, author of The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince
"I attended a career-changing workshop weekend Joni hosted and facilitated. She convened the best and brightest women in ghostwriting, and designed an environment where we all left empowered with crucial knowledge and support to step up in our careers. We went home with a new community who years later are my closest colleagues and confidants in the business. I've achieved every goal I imagined for myself during that weekend, and even a few I never imagined."
- Sara Grace, ghostwriter and developmental editor
“This book could never have seen the light of day without Joni Rodgers, who is so much more than a plot whisperer. She patiently pulls threads and builds trust to help authors like me dig a little deeper, even when it’s painful to do so.”
- Vanessa O’Brien, author of To the Greatest Heights
"Joni Rodgers is one of those rare people who gives away her best secrets. Eight years ago, her Winter Ghostwriting Intensive reshaped how I think about this work; not just through the craft wisdom Joni draws from years with high-profile clients, but the frank, generous way she shares it. The connections I made with fellow writers that week have become some of the most sustaining relationships in my professional life. I still feel the ripple effects."
- Sally Collings, ghostwriter and book proposal specialist
“Joni, your genius vision turned black and white into technicolor, amusement into hilarity, touching into heartbreaking, and a very interesting life into a literary page-turner. You promised to be my Sherpa on this climb. You have also been my friend.”
- Swoosie Kurtz, author of Part Swan, Part Goose: An Uncommon Memoir of Womanhood, Work, and Family
“Joni knows my life. It’s like talking to my sister.”
- Don Lemon, #1 NYT bestselling author of This is the Fire and I Once Was Lost
"I wanted to find a ghostwriter to help me say what I wanted to say clearly and honestly. I believe God plopped Joni Rodgers in my lap on purpose. She never missed a deadline, laughed at all my jokes, and became a member of my family, someone I trust implicitly."
- Tony/Emmy winner Kristin Chenoweth
“Joni Rodgers is a born storyteller. She writes with a wit, lyricism, humanity, and joy that make her books impossible to put down.”
- Oscar/Emmy winner Aaron Sorkin
“This talented author knows how to bring pen and ink people to flesh and blood fulfillment.”
- Southern Living Magazine
“Rodgers lives, loves, and writes without a safety net…a mix of Molly Ivins’ blowsy wit and Anna Quindlen’s suburban logic.”
- Entertainment Weekly
"Behold, the STICKY-GRID MOJO, without which we would have been lost. You were able to wrap your head around a project that has seemed insurmountable to us for ten years. ...We could never thank you enough for your guidance, your organization, your help, and most of all, your patience and your friendship."
- Amie & Jolie Sikes, cofounders of the Junk Gypsy design empire
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is it for?
Who is it not for?
What happens during a session?
Possible topics might include:
- memoir structure
- story development
- project strategy
- rejection reality check
- publishing pathways
- ethical use of AI
- cultivating a sustainable writing practice
- ghostwriting as a career
- collaborative relationship issues
- writing life balance
- any other perplexing aspect of this many-tentacled beast that is writing life
What sort of methodology are you into?
Do you meet online or in person?
What’s your background?
How do I get started?
Price
- One 90-min Zoom session focused on the topic of your choice.
- Follow up notes and session summary along.
- Handouts, reading list, and resources relevant to your questions.
Let's talk about what's working, what's not working, and how to level up your writing practice.