Masana Library Project Fundraiser:
A Eunice Ngogodo Initiative
"Masana" is a Xitsonga word for sunshine/ sun rays/ warmth of the sun.
The Masana Library Project is an initiative which aims to make the future of South African learners
brighter by improving their education where possible.
The core value of The Masana Library Project is information sharing.
This can be done through books, but it can also be done through mentorship.
The dream is for Khesethwane High School to
have a fully-fledged library with its own computers, a full-time librarian,
programs and workshops that run throughout the year,
and a vibrant reading student body.
The Masana team are constantly looking for ways to make the book 'come alive', and to
show learners how words impact their lives.
The Masana Library Project is an initiative which aims to make the future of South African learners
brighter by improving their education where possible.
The core value of The Masana Library Project is information sharing.
This can be done through books, but it can also be done through mentorship.
The dream is for Khesethwane High School to
have a fully-fledged library with its own computers, a full-time librarian,
programs and workshops that run throughout the year,
and a vibrant reading student body.
The Masana team are constantly looking for ways to make the book 'come alive', and to
show learners how words impact their lives.
Amazing Sponsored Prizes Up for Grabs
Lidija Hilje is an author and Author Accelerator certified book coach based in Croatia.
After earning a law degree, she spent a decade practicing in Croatian courts before transitioning to
book coaching and writing in English as her second language.
Her debut novel SLANTING TOWARDS THE SEA is forthcoming from Simon&Schuster in the US,
and Daunt Books Publishing in the UK in July 2025.
The prize Lidija has sponsored:
Prize: One Month Coaching Package to help a writer outline their literary/upmarket/ women's fiction novel.
This service includes access to Lidija Hilje's signature program Novel With Meaning
(5 video modules with accompanying worksheets), written feedback on worksheets, and two coaching calls.
Value: $900.
Where you can find Lidija:
https://lidijahilje.com/
Instagram: @lidijahilje
Threads: @lidijahilje
Bluesky: @lidijahilje.bsky.social
After earning a law degree, she spent a decade practicing in Croatian courts before transitioning to
book coaching and writing in English as her second language.
Her debut novel SLANTING TOWARDS THE SEA is forthcoming from Simon&Schuster in the US,
and Daunt Books Publishing in the UK in July 2025.
The prize Lidija has sponsored:
Prize: One Month Coaching Package to help a writer outline their literary/upmarket/ women's fiction novel.
This service includes access to Lidija Hilje's signature program Novel With Meaning
(5 video modules with accompanying worksheets), written feedback on worksheets, and two coaching calls.
Value: $900.
Where you can find Lidija:
https://lidijahilje.com/
Instagram: @lidijahilje
Threads: @lidijahilje
Bluesky: @lidijahilje.bsky.social
Rebecca Faith Heyman holds a BA/MA in English and American Literature from New York University,
and has been editing since 2009.
Rebecca offers support to authors pursuing both traditional publishing (Greta Kelly, Emily Belden, Sarah Prager)
and self-publishing (Louise Bay, Elise Kova, Annie Mollova).
She is the creator of First Line Frenzy™, a community learning project for writers that has grown into a global phenomenon.
Rebecca is known for her ability to bring clarity, humor, and keen discernment to every phase of the writing process.
The Prize Rebecca has sponsored:
Partial Manuscript Critique + Video Call.
50-page manuscript critique in any fiction genre.
The critique will include hand-written annotations on a PDF of your pages,
as well as typed chapter-end notes as needed, and a longer-form editorial memo to conclude.
Once you've had a chance to review the feedback, we'll meet via phone or video call to discuss!
Where you can find Rebecca:
https://rebeccafaitheditorial.com/services
Substack: https://readingandwritingwithrebecca.substack.com/
and has been editing since 2009.
Rebecca offers support to authors pursuing both traditional publishing (Greta Kelly, Emily Belden, Sarah Prager)
and self-publishing (Louise Bay, Elise Kova, Annie Mollova).
She is the creator of First Line Frenzy™, a community learning project for writers that has grown into a global phenomenon.
Rebecca is known for her ability to bring clarity, humor, and keen discernment to every phase of the writing process.
The Prize Rebecca has sponsored:
Partial Manuscript Critique + Video Call.
50-page manuscript critique in any fiction genre.
The critique will include hand-written annotations on a PDF of your pages,
as well as typed chapter-end notes as needed, and a longer-form editorial memo to conclude.
Once you've had a chance to review the feedback, we'll meet via phone or video call to discuss!
Where you can find Rebecca:
https://rebeccafaitheditorial.com/services
Substack: https://readingandwritingwithrebecca.substack.com/
Trevor Brooks is currently an MFA Candidate for a Masters in Creative Writing.
Back in 2021, he certified as an Author Accelerator Book Coach and has been working full time as a coach + editor ever since.
As a writing coach and developmental editor, he's worked with a range of talented writers,
from debut to professionally published, helping like-minded creatives to hone their craft and perfect their stories.
He specializes in Literary Thrillers and Mysteries,
and has a passion for working with writers who long to tell stories that will endure through many future generations.
The prize Trevor has sponsored:
Developmental analysis and critique of the first three chapters (up to 7,500 words) of winner’s manuscript
+ 2 free Brainstorming Zoom calls.
The winning writer and Trevor will meet for a 1-hour Kickoff Call to discuss the writer’s current WIP,
as well as any specifics the writer would like for Trevor to focus on in his evaluation.
Findings will be presented via a 3-5 page editorial letter—an in-depth analysis detailing everything related to POV, continuity, pacing, the opening pages as an immediate aggressor for the coming story, character arch + agency, dialogue,
sub-plots, maintaining tension, etc. All of this alongside line-by-line edits/comments on the client’s pages themselves.
Post-eval, you and Trevor will meet for a 60-minute Zoom call to go over the evaluation in its entirety and to,
most importantly, ensure writer clarity. T
here following, the writer and Trevor will construct a game plan for how to tackle revisions.
Where you can find Trevor:
https://trevorbrooksbooks.com/
Instagram: @trevorbrooks
Back in 2021, he certified as an Author Accelerator Book Coach and has been working full time as a coach + editor ever since.
As a writing coach and developmental editor, he's worked with a range of talented writers,
from debut to professionally published, helping like-minded creatives to hone their craft and perfect their stories.
He specializes in Literary Thrillers and Mysteries,
and has a passion for working with writers who long to tell stories that will endure through many future generations.
The prize Trevor has sponsored:
Developmental analysis and critique of the first three chapters (up to 7,500 words) of winner’s manuscript
+ 2 free Brainstorming Zoom calls.
The winning writer and Trevor will meet for a 1-hour Kickoff Call to discuss the writer’s current WIP,
as well as any specifics the writer would like for Trevor to focus on in his evaluation.
Findings will be presented via a 3-5 page editorial letter—an in-depth analysis detailing everything related to POV, continuity, pacing, the opening pages as an immediate aggressor for the coming story, character arch + agency, dialogue,
sub-plots, maintaining tension, etc. All of this alongside line-by-line edits/comments on the client’s pages themselves.
Post-eval, you and Trevor will meet for a 60-minute Zoom call to go over the evaluation in its entirety and to,
most importantly, ensure writer clarity. T
here following, the writer and Trevor will construct a game plan for how to tackle revisions.
Where you can find Trevor:
https://trevorbrooksbooks.com/
Instagram: @trevorbrooks
Nicole Meier is a certified book coach and author of four novels.
She hosts the Steps to Story podcast for emerging novel writers.
Her books have been recognized by Booklist, Refinery29, BookBub, and Popsugar.
She lives and works in the Pacific Northwest.
Her services include courses, developmental editing, and 1:1 coaching.
The prize Nicole has sponsored:
25-Page developmental edit.
Take a deep dive into your novel manuscript with this partial developmental edit.
With this package, you'll receive feedback in the form of big-picture notes on your manuscript’s first 25 pages,
in-line comments with actionable suggestions on scene structure, character, plot, pacing, believability, POV, and style.
We’ll wrap it up with a 30-minute coaching call to go over the feedback. (Value $250)
Where you can find Nicole:
https://nicolemeier.com/
Substack: https://nicolemeierwrites.substack.com/
She hosts the Steps to Story podcast for emerging novel writers.
Her books have been recognized by Booklist, Refinery29, BookBub, and Popsugar.
She lives and works in the Pacific Northwest.
Her services include courses, developmental editing, and 1:1 coaching.
The prize Nicole has sponsored:
25-Page developmental edit.
Take a deep dive into your novel manuscript with this partial developmental edit.
With this package, you'll receive feedback in the form of big-picture notes on your manuscript’s first 25 pages,
in-line comments with actionable suggestions on scene structure, character, plot, pacing, believability, POV, and style.
We’ll wrap it up with a 30-minute coaching call to go over the feedback. (Value $250)
Where you can find Nicole:
https://nicolemeier.com/
Substack: https://nicolemeierwrites.substack.com/
Christina Boyd wears many hats as she is a writer, an editor under her own banner, The Quill Ink, a reviewer, and an artist.
Since 2013, Christina has curated seven multi-author anthologies and edited over fifty-five books.
A life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America and the Pacific Northwest Writers Association,
Christina lives quietly in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her dear Mr. B and a silver Labrador--
now that her Boydlings have gone off on adventures.
The Prize Christina has sponsored:
A Line Edit up to 80,000 words (value $1200.)
Copy editing, also known as line editing, focuses on refining the writing style, including grammar, word choice, spelling,
punctuation, and sentence structure.
I mark anachronisms and repetition, improve flow, and ensure language clarity and style consistency.
I specialize in Georgian and Victorian eras and also edit contemporary romance.
Where you can find Christina:
https://www.thequillink.com/
Instagram: @christinaboyd_writes
Since 2013, Christina has curated seven multi-author anthologies and edited over fifty-five books.
A life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America and the Pacific Northwest Writers Association,
Christina lives quietly in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her dear Mr. B and a silver Labrador--
now that her Boydlings have gone off on adventures.
The Prize Christina has sponsored:
A Line Edit up to 80,000 words (value $1200.)
Copy editing, also known as line editing, focuses on refining the writing style, including grammar, word choice, spelling,
punctuation, and sentence structure.
I mark anachronisms and repetition, improve flow, and ensure language clarity and style consistency.
I specialize in Georgian and Victorian eras and also edit contemporary romance.
Where you can find Christina:
https://www.thequillink.com/
Instagram: @christinaboyd_writes
Hanna R. Neier is a novelist, lifestyle writer and freelance editor.
Her essays, interviews, critiques and other articles have appeared in POPSUGAR, Lilith Magazine, Kveller and Motherly, among other publications, and she is the 2025 winner of the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award.
On the editing side, she works with writers to help them find their voice, build their story and keep their readers turning the page.
The prize Hanna has sponsored:
A developmental edit of the first 10 pages of a novel or memoir.
Valued at $100 (USD).
Where you can find Hanna:
www.hannaneier.com
Her essays, interviews, critiques and other articles have appeared in POPSUGAR, Lilith Magazine, Kveller and Motherly, among other publications, and she is the 2025 winner of the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award.
On the editing side, she works with writers to help them find their voice, build their story and keep their readers turning the page.
The prize Hanna has sponsored:
A developmental edit of the first 10 pages of a novel or memoir.
Valued at $100 (USD).
Where you can find Hanna:
www.hannaneier.com
Lisa Rivers worked in theatre education for 20 years, exploring improv, storytelling, plays, and musicals with children and teens.
She created her own company, The Drama Playground, where she ran workshops in schools, afterschool programs,
lunch classes, and drama camps. Throughout this time, she also studied writing and editing for novels and
plays and finished her certification in Publishing from The Chang School of Continuing Education.
Over the last four years, she has focused on developmental editing for novels where she helps authors structure and enhance their stories.
She especially loves digging deep into character's motivations, goals, pacing, and scene work.
Other than storytelling, she fills her days with pickleball, paddleboarding, and travel.
The prize Lisa has sponsored:
A developmental edit of the first 50 pages of your novel.
This will include a Zoom meeting before and after the edits, along with written feedback.
Where you can find Lisa:
Instagram: @lisarivers.editorial
She created her own company, The Drama Playground, where she ran workshops in schools, afterschool programs,
lunch classes, and drama camps. Throughout this time, she also studied writing and editing for novels and
plays and finished her certification in Publishing from The Chang School of Continuing Education.
Over the last four years, she has focused on developmental editing for novels where she helps authors structure and enhance their stories.
She especially loves digging deep into character's motivations, goals, pacing, and scene work.
Other than storytelling, she fills her days with pickleball, paddleboarding, and travel.
The prize Lisa has sponsored:
A developmental edit of the first 50 pages of your novel.
This will include a Zoom meeting before and after the edits, along with written feedback.
Where you can find Lisa:
Instagram: @lisarivers.editorial
Elizabeth Held is a writer in Washington, D.C. who has contributed to Vulture,
The Washington Post, USA TODAY, Parade and Slate, among others.
She writes a weekly book recommendation newsletter, What To Read If, with more than 9,000 subscribers.
The prize Elizabeth has sponsored:
One-Hour Substack Coaching Session.
I'll dive into your publication and if you're willing to share access your analytics
to develop a series of recommendations on how to grow your subscriber base.
Where you can find Elizabeth:
Substack: https://whattoreadif.substack.com/
Instagram and Threads: @theeheld
The Washington Post, USA TODAY, Parade and Slate, among others.
She writes a weekly book recommendation newsletter, What To Read If, with more than 9,000 subscribers.
The prize Elizabeth has sponsored:
One-Hour Substack Coaching Session.
I'll dive into your publication and if you're willing to share access your analytics
to develop a series of recommendations on how to grow your subscriber base.
Where you can find Elizabeth:
Substack: https://whattoreadif.substack.com/
Instagram and Threads: @theeheld
Karen Geiger is a licensed speech-language pathologist, certified book coach, and therapeutic journal writing facilitator. She helps midlife women gain clarity, find their voice, and write the stories they've always wanted to share.
Her journey took an unexpected turn when she began teaching journal writing at the Erie Cancer Wellness Center.
This experience deepened her belief in the power of language and stories. Today, Karen guides women through their personal transformations—from navigating hot flashes to finally writing the book they've dreamed about for decades.
Beginning in March, she will have the honor of working with Dr. Heather Hirsch as the creative consultant for her online Collaborative.
As an Author Accelerator book coach, Karen specializes in helping midlife women create clarity, find their voice, and write forward, guiding them from initial idea to finished manuscript.
This May, Karen will lead a session at the Pennwriters Conference on writing a character’s journal.
Her book, The Storied Life Journal, debuted as a #1 bestseller in midlife self-help on Amazon.
When she’s not teaching or writing her cozy mystery novel, Karen can be found on the pickleball court, perfecting her dinks.
The prize Karen has sponsored:
Transform Your Rough Draft into a Compelling Manuscript
1:1 Developmental edit program
*Captivate readers from the first page.
*Shape your scenes and characters to build emotional impact.
*Ensure clear pacing and flow that keeps readers hooked throughout your story.
*Weave patterns and themes throughout the story.
Ready to elevate your manuscript?
What’s Included:
*A full manuscript review and detailed critique.
*1 in-depth 1:1 manuscript consultation calls.
*A comprehensive editorial letter addressing story structure, character arcs, and pacing.
*Scene-by-scene feedback on your first three chapters, with in-line critiques.
*A personalized revision strategy plan to guide your next steps.
Value: $850
Where you can find Karen:
Substack: https://substack.com/@karengeiger
http://karenfgeiger.com/
Her journey took an unexpected turn when she began teaching journal writing at the Erie Cancer Wellness Center.
This experience deepened her belief in the power of language and stories. Today, Karen guides women through their personal transformations—from navigating hot flashes to finally writing the book they've dreamed about for decades.
Beginning in March, she will have the honor of working with Dr. Heather Hirsch as the creative consultant for her online Collaborative.
As an Author Accelerator book coach, Karen specializes in helping midlife women create clarity, find their voice, and write forward, guiding them from initial idea to finished manuscript.
This May, Karen will lead a session at the Pennwriters Conference on writing a character’s journal.
Her book, The Storied Life Journal, debuted as a #1 bestseller in midlife self-help on Amazon.
When she’s not teaching or writing her cozy mystery novel, Karen can be found on the pickleball court, perfecting her dinks.
The prize Karen has sponsored:
Transform Your Rough Draft into a Compelling Manuscript
1:1 Developmental edit program
*Captivate readers from the first page.
*Shape your scenes and characters to build emotional impact.
*Ensure clear pacing and flow that keeps readers hooked throughout your story.
*Weave patterns and themes throughout the story.
Ready to elevate your manuscript?
What’s Included:
*A full manuscript review and detailed critique.
*1 in-depth 1:1 manuscript consultation calls.
*A comprehensive editorial letter addressing story structure, character arcs, and pacing.
*Scene-by-scene feedback on your first three chapters, with in-line critiques.
*A personalized revision strategy plan to guide your next steps.
Value: $850
Where you can find Karen:
Substack: https://substack.com/@karengeiger
http://karenfgeiger.com/
Alecsandra Kakon is an English Literature professor at Concordia University and Dawson College,
holding an MA in Hispanic Literature and a PhD in Comparative Literature.
Her doctoral work explored the anatomy of silence in complex traumas through a feminist and decolonial lens.
Alongside her academic pursuits, she published a weekly online blog entitled My Profile Projects, rooted in narrative therapy to dispel the myth of disconnection by weaving together the collective memoir of 52 womxn.
An advocate for inclusion in both literature and life, Alecs leads an educational program based on her children’s book,
Sometimes, an Amazon bestseller that provides continued training for K–11 teachers
on how to create more inclusive environments in schools. Her debut novel, This is Why I Need You,
will be published in 2026 with ECW Press. Alecs lives in Montreal with her three larger-than-life children.
The prize Alecs has sponsored:
A spot in one of her online writing workshops.
Every month, through her platform Cereal Creatives, Alecs runs small-group sessions tailored to different stages of the writing process:
Creative Pathways: For writers exploring their creativity and developing their craft (no experience required).
Plot & Polish: For writers working on partial or complete manuscripts,
focusing on structure, prose, character development, pacing, and more.
Where you can find Alecs:
https://cerealcreatives.com/workshops
Instagram: @alecskakon
There are also two guest appearances on Books with Hooks up for grabs!
holding an MA in Hispanic Literature and a PhD in Comparative Literature.
Her doctoral work explored the anatomy of silence in complex traumas through a feminist and decolonial lens.
Alongside her academic pursuits, she published a weekly online blog entitled My Profile Projects, rooted in narrative therapy to dispel the myth of disconnection by weaving together the collective memoir of 52 womxn.
An advocate for inclusion in both literature and life, Alecs leads an educational program based on her children’s book,
Sometimes, an Amazon bestseller that provides continued training for K–11 teachers
on how to create more inclusive environments in schools. Her debut novel, This is Why I Need You,
will be published in 2026 with ECW Press. Alecs lives in Montreal with her three larger-than-life children.
The prize Alecs has sponsored:
A spot in one of her online writing workshops.
Every month, through her platform Cereal Creatives, Alecs runs small-group sessions tailored to different stages of the writing process:
Creative Pathways: For writers exploring their creativity and developing their craft (no experience required).
Plot & Polish: For writers working on partial or complete manuscripts,
focusing on structure, prose, character development, pacing, and more.
Where you can find Alecs:
https://cerealcreatives.com/workshops
Instagram: @alecskakon
There are also two guest appearances on Books with Hooks up for grabs!