Testimonials
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"Without AJ’s consistent coaching to get raw and to allow Daniela to be the main character that she is, I don’t think my novel would be published today."
Rachel Corsini, Author of Sushi and Sea Lions
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"I’ve struggled with creating eye-catching, attention-grabbing openings, and now readers love them—thanks to Ainsley’s guidance!"
Mila Steele
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"AJ has a keen eye for craft and helps cut through anything extraneous to the heart of a story—grabbing the attention (and heart) of readers in the process!"
BL Thota, Author of Summer of Bets
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"AJ approaches everything with intentionality and sincerity—her thoughtful insight makes you feel like the most important person in the world."
Morgan Rider, Author of A Goddess Unraveled
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"I’ve had the pleasure of working with AJ on everything from sexy sports romances to slow-burn fantasy adventures, and she always brings patience, insight, and constructive feedback that makes revisions not just manageable but enjoyable."
Dene Plews, Author Queen of Thieves
Heal Writer’s Block
and free your voice.
What if writer’s block isn’t a wall to break through, but a part of you waving a red flag, screaming it doesn’t feel safe to create?
What if that part has its own story to tell?
And what if the only thing standing between you and your next chapter is the courage to listen?
No Bad Drafts invites you to stop fighting your writer's block and start listening to it. Drawing on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and her background in counseling, book coach Ainsley James shows you how to meet the parts of yourself that block your words and uncover the wounds they’re protecting. Instead of working against these parts, you’ll learn how to write alongside them.
Inside, you’ll discover how to:
Heal the parts keeping you from the page.
Free your authentic voice and finally write with joy.
Grow self-compassion and a deeper understanding of yourself.
Because there are no bad drafts—only parts of you waiting to feel safe enough to create.
Why work with a book coach?
Let’s face it: writing can be lonely and full of self-doubt. (Screaming into the void, party of one?)
Having an experienced author and coach by your side can elevate your manuscript’s emotional impact, ensuring it resonates deeply with your target audience.
More importantly, it can save you money on long, costly edits down the road.
Why Choose Me?
With an MSEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and years of experience counseling, writing, editing, and mentoring, I bring a unique blend of skills that will get you excited about your story, no matter how messy and distress-y you feel right now.
I’ve learned A LOT over the years, and now I want to share my experience with you.
Author Services
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Author Services 〰️
Full Service Book Coaching
Designed for writers who want 1:1 support while they draft the book of their heart, this 6-month program provides more than a hype girl bestie at your side, but an accountability partner, a support system, and an experienced mentor to help you write a clean first draft.
Publishing Mentorship and Editing Support
For the woman who has already written her book, this program provides editing and publishing support. I help you define your publishing goals, perform a three-pass edit to get your book ready for publication, format the book, and assist with cover design and marketing plans.
Hook Readers From the First Page
I’ve perfected the art of opening chapters. Let me share my knowledge with you, because truthfully, the first five chapters set the tone for your entire book. They introduce your world, establish your characters, and, most importantly—make readers fall in love. This means crafting the perfect meet-cute or first encounter that feels fresh, natural, and full of chemistry.
My First Five Analysis ensures your book grabs attention from the start, giving you the tools to refine your opening so agents, editors, and future readers can’t stop turning pages.
Suffering through a bout of creative burnout or writer’s block? I got your back. In 90 minutes, we’ll dive deep into the parts that are keeping you stuck and work to release the blocks keeping you from writing.
Apply to work 1:1 with me to establish a Self-Led, sustainable writing practice.
$350 per 90-minute session
Confidentiality Guarantee
Your IP is safe with me. I have a contract ready and waiting to sign that protects your draft and your peace of mind. Working with me is 100% confidential.