INTRO
We understand that not every publishing question fits into a defined stage or a specific service. For this reason, the Strategic Consultation exists. It covers the moments you’re between sessions and something comes up; the moments you’ve worked with us before and need to return for a focused hour on a new challenge to solve; and the moments you’re simply in a stage that isn’t specifically listed anywhere — and you just need an experienced consultant to think it through with you. The Strategic Consultation is one hour of focused conversation. For whatever is on your desk right now that needs a strategic answer, let’s meet!
WHO THIS IS FOR
The Strategic Consultation is open to any nonfiction author at any stage of the publishing journey. It’s for you if:
- You have a specific question, challenge, or decision you need clarity on and you don’t need a full session focused on concept development or framework building — just a focused strategic hour
- You’re between sessions with Author Partner and something has come up that you need guidance on before your next engagement
- You’re in a publishing stage not specifically covered by another Author Partner service — mid-query, mid-negotiation, mid-production, post-launch, or anywhere in between
- You want to think something through with someone who has been inside the publishing industry for 15+ years before making a decision you can’t easily undo
- You’ve completed a Framework Builder session or the Idea Developer and want to return for ongoing strategic support as things develop
WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE
Every Strategic Consultation includes:
- 60 minutes of focused 1:1 consulting with Nakia J.S. Thompson — no agenda except yours
- Real, honest answers built around your specific situation — not generic advice
- A clear next step — by the end of every session you’ll know exactly what to do next
- Written follow-up notes delivered to your inbox within 48 hours — key decisions and recommended next steps documented so you have something concrete to reference going forward
WHAT WE CAN WORK ON
Every Strategic Consultation is built around what you bring to it. Come with your most pressing challenge, question, or decision and we’ll spend the full hour working through it with focus and honesty. Some of the most common things authors bring to this session:
Publishing Path & Strategy: We’ll talk through whether traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid is right for your book — and what each path actually requires for your specific situation. If you’ve received an offer or contract, I can help you understand what’s in front of you before you sign anything.
Book Development & Positioning: We’ll get specific about your target audience, sharpen your concept and angle, and figure out what’s not working in your outline, proposal, or book plan — and exactly how to fix it. If you need help identifying your comparable titles or differentiating your book in a crowded category, that’s exactly what we’ll do.
Platform & Marketing Strategy: I’ll help you build or strengthen your author platform, develop a content strategy that actually supports your book, and plan a launch approach that makes sense for where your audience is. If marketing feels overwhelming, we’ll simplify it into something you can actually execute.
Agent & Publisher Relations: I’ll help you understand what literary agents and publishers are looking for. We’ll map out your query strategy — who to approach and how — and work through what to do if you’re not hearing back. If an agent has given you feedback and you’re not sure how to respond or whether to revise, let’s discuss your options.
Self-Publishing Decisions: From platform selection and pricing strategy to production timelines and distribution — I’ll help you understand the real costs and decisions involved so you invest your budget in the right places. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ll build a clear order of operations for your indie publishing path.
Career & Business Strategy: We’ll talk about how your book fits into your broader business, brand, or ministry — and how to use it to open doors to speaking, consulting, courses, or other revenue. If you’re thinking about what to write next or how to build long-term author brand equity, that conversation belongs here too.
HOW IT WORKS
- Book your session and pay deposit — Select a date and time using the booking link. Total investment for this session is $300. A 50% deposit of $150 is due at booking and the remaining $150 is charged within 24 hours after your session.
- Complete the intake form — Tell us what you want to cover, what challenge or question you’re bringing, and any relevant context. The more specific you are the more focused and productive your hour will be.
- Show up ready — Join your Zoom session at your scheduled time. Come with your question, your challenge, or your decision — and be ready to think out loud and be honest about where you are.
- Receive your written follow-up — Within 24-48 hours of your session you’ll receive a written summary of key decisions and recommended next steps so you have something concrete to work from.