The Novel Doctor Is In

I love storytelling
and together we can make your story stronger.

I love the writing process and I can be your chief cheerleader, helping to encourage you. I’m a bestselling author, but as a book doctor, I receive much satisfaction through helping writers like you succeed.

I receive consistently positive feedback from writers I coach. For years, I’ve assisted writers with their creative process on books from young adult fantasy to New York Times literary fiction to spy thrillers. Start the book doctor process by telling me about your book for free or by scheduling a paid one-hour consultation.

You can read more about my qualifications as a book doctor before we talk — I hold an MFA in creative fiction from the Rainier Writing Workshop and an MA in English literature. I came to this meaningful book coaching work after years of work as a professional editor and journalist. I also have over 15 years of experience as a senior marketing and business manager in the technology industry (Microsoft, Intel, Adobe, etc.). Finishing a book can be a complex endeavor, and I can help you manage this process to a successful conclusion. 

My role as a book coach is to push you forward to the finish line of completing your book and bringing your story into the world.

Let’s go! 

Tell Me Your Story

Book Doctor Testimonials 

“A master storyteller.”

— New York Times bestselling author Brenda Rickman Vantrease

“Hayes brings a magical quality to his work…. from years of mentoring and listening to his students.”

— New York Times bestselling author Steve Silberman

Book Doctor Endorsements

“Ned provided thoughtful advice and invaluable insight as I launched my first self-published book. He is timely and considerate, answering any questions I had with clarity. The publishing journey has lots of twists and turns. Ned is the perfect guide!”

— Rose Collins, Two Tale Books, self-published author

“Ned Hayes has distinguished himself, not only as a bestselling author of works for adults and young readers alike, but as a trusted advisor and editor of others’ writing including my own. His streamlining, clarifying principles apply equally well to fiction and nonfiction. He’s a fantastic marketer as well. If you listen and apply what he says, not only will your book get better, your chances of selling it skyrocket.”

— Christian Carvajal, traditionally published & self-published author

“Ned was able to see in the rough draft of my novel, Tupelo, the heart of what I was attempting, to see better than I could alone what worked and what didn’t. Following his advice, I was able to deliver my most successful novel to date.”

— Alec Clayton, small press publisher at Mud Flat Press and author of 10 novels

Tell Me Your Story

Writing Endorsements

“Brilliantly conceived and beautifully executed… conveyed in mesmerizing prose. A joy to read.”

— Booklist, Starred Review

“Brilliant, insightful, unflinching and wise… Remarkable.”

— Ella March Chase New York Times bestselling author

“Writes from a deep well of knowledge.”

— SFF master Robert V.S. Redick, Stonecoast MFA Program Instructor

“Insight into uniquely important perspective(s)… very authentic.”

— New York Times bestselling author Temple Grandin

“Exquisitely written…. a brave & charismatic narrator… an amazing novel.”

— Karen Maitland, international bestselling author of The Owl Killers

“A considerable achievement… powerful and elegant… morally complex.”

–- David Huddle, former military intelligence specialist, MFA professor and award-winning author of over 20 books including My Immaculate Assassin

“Like a literary Rubik’s Cube, puzzling and full of compellingly offbeat traps and escapes… Captivating.”

–- Nisi Shawl, Nebula-nominated author of Everfair

➤ Read More Writing Endorsements

Tell Me Your Story