Magic happens when you stop isolating
& start connecting with other writers.
Bring that book in you to life!
Hello you, beautiful, passionate, vision-driven creative! Welcome to The Beautiful Writers Group — an affordable ($50 a month) membership community to support you from IDEA to DONE. I’m Linda Sivertsen, a magical thinker who believes in your big dreams. Don’t think you have what it takes? I’m a college dropout who put six commas in every sentence and went on to write, co-author, and ghostwrite eleven books (two New York Times bestsellers), 40+ magazine articles, and host one of the world’s top writing podcasts 🎙️ since 2015 while helping hundreds of clients land dream agents & publishing deals.
I founded this group with Danielle LaPorte in 2014 as a place for writers to work with me without the expense of private consulting or one of my Writing Retreats. I aim to make your path easier by sharing camaraderie, resources, shortcuts, and perspectives from my decades of experience telling stories—mine and others—in an industry I cherish. My books have won many awards, made headlines, hit all the lists, and put me on national TV. I’ve met deadlines at the foot of my parents’ deathbeds, written regularly from 3:00 – 6:00 a.m. when my kid was young, and delivered chapters to Simon & Schuster AND Hyperion from the fetal position after learning that my then-husband of nineteen years had a girlfriend. Need support? Wow, do I relate! And so does this big, beautiful community.
Need accountability? A cheering section? A way to keep your butt in thy seat? We’ve got you!
Of course, the Beautiful Writers Group lives online—in our membership site and private Facebook group—and on our monthly Q & A calls. But that doesn’t stop members from meeting by phone, FaceTime, Zoom, or in their respective cities. (There’s never any pressure to bond, by the way. Many want to quietly watch from the sidelines and learn from industry trends and articles members share in our private Facebook group. They listen to the Expert Interviews and recorded Q&A calls at their leisure, which the lurker in me loves.)
You’re going to LOVE the Beautiful Writers Group if:
- You’re a writer—online, offline, or in the pages of your journal—ready to go pro or public. Not yet 100% convinced? Get clarity and insights from fellow travelers living the dream (really).
- You long to be part of a circle of writers working toward similar goals.
- You’re overwhelmed or just lost and ache to take your momentum from dial-up to high speed.
- It’s time for answers, accountability, contacts, inspiration, camaraderie, + cutting-edge direction yesterday already.
- That stomach-turning feeling you get when you think of building a platform and pitching your gifts? You’re over it. Soothing your nervous system with support and expertise sounds like ahhhh.
- Stepping into this game for the sheer love of creative community lights you up like the thrill of a finished paragraph.
- You’re “this close” to “The End,” but need extra zazz to carry you over the finish line.
“You know those writer’s groups where you feel like you give more then you get? Yeah, this isn’t that. Even when I try really hard, I can’t possibly give as much solid, grounded advice as I receive from Linda, Sam, and the BWG members. BWG helped me navigate from draft manuscript to book tour. Whatever stage you’re in with trying to move your story into the world, you can expect high-level, unvarnished, supportive advice from people who have been where you want to go.“
Clare Frank | Author of Burnt: A Memoir of Fighting Fire (Harry N. Abrams, May 2023)
“Thank you, Linda Sivertsen and everyone in the Beautiful Writers Group for your support and valuable insights and expertise! It’s so fun bringing our books to life together!”
Laura Haver | from the Acknowledgment pages of Play Together: Games & Activities for the Whole Family to Boost Creativity, Connection & Mindfulness (Hatherleigh Press, Aug. 2023)
“Linda Sivertsen and Samantha Bennett are the Thelma and Louise of the author community: creatively daring, heart-forward and whip-smart with their advice. I love the monthly calls not just for practical career guidance, but also for the lively, informative banter between them. It’s like sharing a glass of wine with your two smartest, wittiest girlfriends who are wildly successful in the publishing industry. Those of us lucky enough to be in the community soak up all they have to offer. If the Beautiful Writers Group were a wine, it would be a seductive blend that leaves you both satisfied and longing for more.”
Natalie MacLean | author of the National Bestseller, Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much (memoir, Dundurn Press, June 2023)
Why a membership group?
Because trying to envision a book, and then write it, edit it, find an agent, get it published, and market it as a one-person show can make you feel hopelessly alone. Not to mention burned out and slightly crazy pants. But writing and world-changing isn’t meant to be a solitary endeavor. In fact, it’s better with a community — richer creativity, flatter learning curve, faster results. More sanity. And laughter. At least that’s what many of our members–including self-formed subgroups and accountability buddies–have told us. Forget apathy, excuses, overwhelm, or writer’s block. This is consistent. Your refuge. Whether you struggle to carve out even 15 minutes to write before your day gets nuts; you’re blessed to have built your life around your sacred writing time, or more commonly, your world is an up-and-down-mish-mash of the two extremes, we feel ‘ya and it’s all here. If you’re a blogger, submitting articles to magazines, self-publishing your first manuscript, or going for a full-on traditional book deal (with an advance!), this is your place to refuel and breathe vitality — and compassionate accountability — into your writing life. All for only $50 per month.
Support from a community of writers does wonders…
Case in point, Steph Jagger who met her “Wolf Pack” of bestie writing buds. She also found the support and connections to get a great literary agent too, who walked Steph into the biggest publishing houses in New York, resulting in a multiple 6-figure book deal with HarperWave (an imprint of HarperCollins). The electrifying part for the rest of us? Steph shared the play-by-play with us in the group—and in an hour call for members (in our ever-expanding library)—which allowed us all to feel that we were right there with her in those publishing meetings.
“Four months ago, I was plugging away in a lonely little silo thinking, ‘This might be a self-published book.’ Two months ago, I sat in a coffeeshop with another woman from The BWG and daydreamed. And now?! To deliver my final manuscript to my PUBLISHER in the next 8 weeks! Following that: Linda’s Carmel Writing Retreat for book number two! After all of this, I simply wouldn’t consider not going. I feel so much love for Linda and this group that you wouldn’t even believe how much… not even if you saw it!”
Steph Jagger | Unbound: A Story of Snow and Self-Discovery, Harper Wave
“Linda is magic. Truly. Her insights, the depth of her knowledge, her love of people, writers and words, is pure inspiration. I am blessed to be in her world, a place of love, joy, vulnerability, camaraderie, and support. As I flesh out my next book, I can’t think of a more motivating place to be than the BWG.”
Barbara Newman | author of the YA eco-fantasy The Dreamcatcher Codes (a love letter to Mother Earth and all her daughters, Green Writers Press, 2021)
“I normally shy away from online writing groups; their quality is usually spotty… My first requirement is that I’m around serious writers. Because that’s the only way I get better. BWG has met that expectation and more! Within 6 months I became a completely full-time writer and manifested $36,000 and . . . this is the best part . . . I get to say I’m a writer when people ask so what do you do? BWG has played a pivotal role, providing a level of professional and personal growth I never could have imagined. Six months ago, an e-mail promising nothing less than magic flew into my inbox. Now I know, it wasn’t an exaggeration: magic really does happen here.”
Cynthia Linderman
There are so many members to celebrate—and we do in the group! My wish is that you’ll feel at home here, and create (and receive) your own magic. Use our resources and writing and publishing intel to expand your writing experience. And, may you likewise find our FUN and thriving private Facebook group a place to celebrate your wins (big and small), discover your voice, your people, and your confidence. And take your book(s), blog, or biz to the next level. You never know when the advice, experience, or a resource posted by a member will change your life. It happened to me, recently, in a big way and felt nothing short of heaven sent!
Our members are out in their communities, penning pieces for major publications, and inspiring and connecting with their fellow BWGers at every stage.
What you get as a member of the Beautiful Writers Group:
1) Monthly Q & A Calls
Join me & one of my dearest writing pals, Samantha Bennett, bestselling author of Get It Done; Start Right Where You Are, and the upcoming The 15-Minute Method (June 2024) for fresh answers to anything under the sun. We start these 60-90-minute live monthly audio calls (also recorded) by catching up on what we’re currently navigating in our writing, marketing, and PR lives—talking real as girlfriends do. Then, we read and answer each member’s Qs—many of whom are on the call and post-follow-up questions. I LOVE these chats. Even after eight years of hosting them with Sam, I’m still amazed by her quick wit (a seasoned improv actress) and spot-on WISE advice outside my experience. That’s the benefit of partnership — we’re stronger because of our varying perspectives and career paths.
Let us brainstorm our best, most intuitive, and seasoned feedback for your project(s) and riff on whatever’s tripping you up: committing to a book idea, writing the perfect hook, promoting your writing, finding that agent already, building your platform, it’s all game. Share your website address, too, if relevant. Members say things like, “I feel like I’m with old friends,” “Like magic, I always get what I need,” and “I listen to them over and over and hear something new each time!” Ahhh.
2) 3-Hour Write-Ins (every Monday & Wednesday)!
Connection. Accountability. Productivity. Magic.
What & When: Every Monday + Wednesday, members log onto Zoom, say hello, and share what they’re working on. We hit mute, turn off our cameras (or not), and report back three hours later. Bam! Gettin’ ‘er done, baby. It’s miraculous how efficient you become when you’ve got to give a progress report. Ha. I (Linda) am your host every Monday afternoon/evening (from 4:00 p.m. PT to 7:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. ET to 10:00 p.m. ET). Lovely long-time member Jenny McKaig-Speed hosts our Wednesday groups from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. PT/2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET. I might join hers. She might join mine. We sub for each other when needed. What can I say? It’s a love-fest.
3) Weekly Motivational + Newsworthy Newsletters
Inspirational + Resourceful + Ass-kicking missives with all the latest goings on and recommendations. Our uber-talented, comedic journalist/memoirist/musician Jenn Sutkowski pops into your inbox with stories, writing tips, motivation, suggestions, resources, and a wrap-up of what’s going on in the FB group (especially sweet if you’re not a social media fan or haven’t logged in lately). Following Jenn’s piece, I write up whatever’s on my mind that week—sometimes, what’s all up in my face. It’s uncanny how Jenn and I track. If she’s IN it, I often am, too. In the last few months, I’ve shared musings on dealing with resistance, finding my focus, and filling my creative well, as well as solo podcast vulnerability, word economy, and dreamy PR plans. As my dreams are dashed, realized, or simmering away, you can bet I bring them to the group so we’re nourished together!
4) A Full Audio Library of Writerly Advice
Our library of audio downloads includes years of value packed Q & A coaching calls with bestselling author Samantha Bennett and me, covering every aspect of a writer’s life. Additionally, the call archives go back to when Danielle LaPorte and I used to co-jam (too valuable to ditch). All audios are waiting for you to listen to NOW, with more on the way.
5) A Private Writer’s Facebook Community
Social media at its best. Access to our AMAZING private Facebook group, where we share resources, make longstanding connections, ask for help, discuss the biz of writing and publishing, get inspired by each other’s journeys, offer encouragement and support in the messy middle (of life, and in our manuscripts + proposals!), bounce ideas around, and celebrate our wins. Together. Our members are BRILLIANT, big-hearted souls who care and get it. For some, it’s their one safe place to begin to own their writing dreams. For others already public with their work, the BWG is another source of support in rallying fellow book lovers for launch-tastic results. (PS. Not on FB? It’s all good! Our weekly newsletter will keep you up to date on all things BWG, as will the monthly Q&A calls.)
6) Resource List for Writers
Members wanna know: Who do I call or recommend when it’s time to find an editor, ghostwriter, illustrator, photographer, or other freelancer. I opened up my address book and compiled a list of my favorite love bugs who may just be the perfect addition to your dream team. Gold.
7) Expert Interviews
You didn’t think my inquiring mind stopped with my podcast guests, did you? Hosting the Beautiful Writers Podcast only makes me want to talk to MORE industry experts!
Samantha Bennett and I turn on our recorders with bestselling authors, a literary agent, an entertainment lawyer, publishing + marketing experts, and more. They all blow my mind — and I’ve been in this game for decades. As a member, you get exclusive access to these ongoing expert interviews (mini-classes) unavailable to the public. Our interviewees share everything from craft, writing with humor and about other people, wooing and benefiting from Beta Readers, developing a successful workshop and media platform, navigating Amazon (did you know you can sometimes get 1-star reviews deleted?!) and other booksellers; best practices for pitching and choosing an agent; getting endorsements; building your list, recording your audiobook, the oh-so-pesky wrangling time issue when loved ones are pulling on your pant legs, quitting your day job (or not) to write, writing while traveling the world, keeping your belief and your vibes high, and so much more.
Want a Preview of Our Expert Interviews?
Tim Grahl, seasoned book marketer and author of Your First 1000 Copies: The Step-by-Step Guide to Marketing Your Book
Rhonda Britten, Speaker, Emmy-winning Life Coach, and bestselling author of Fearless Living + 3 other books with Dutton/Penguin
Sean Pratt, TV, film, and theater actor who’s personally narrated over 1,000+ audiobooks . . . and counting!
Empower yourself! In this fun, 6-minute audio excerpt, Arielle Ford, bestselling author of The Soulmate Secret, shares a practice for attracting your dream book team.
I invite you to join The Beautiful Writers Group for just $50 per month or save with our annual plan and get 2 months free.
Linda’s hourly consulting work and writing retreats are high-ticket and therefore not always feasible. Ditto for access to Sam Bennett’s calendar. The Beautiful Writers Group coaching calls are a rare opportunity to ask Linda & Sam anything you’d like regarding your creative career! Win-win-win all around.
About Linda Sivertsen
Linda Sivertsen is living her creative writing fantasy life and wants to help you claim yours. In LOVE with books—reading, writing, and selling them—her titles have won many awards and hit all the lists as an author, co-author, and former magazine editor and ghostwriter. When she’s not fostering literary love matches on her Beautiful Writers Podcast (a favorite stop for writers on tour like Cheryl Strayed, Terry McMillan, Glennon Doyle, Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Gilbert, Tomi Adeyemi, Sabaa Tahir, Van Jones, Dr. Jane Goodall, Brené Brown, Seth Godin, Martha Beck, Steven Pressfield, Dani Shapiro, Marie Forleo, Mary Karr, Rhonda Byrne, Lee Child, Dean Koontz, Patricia Cornwell, Anne Lamott, OMG—never mind, there’s too many, including top literary agents!), Linda can be found writing, promoting her latest book, Beautiful Writers, or midwifing books at her Carmel or virtual writing retreats. Hobbies include rescuing wild horses about to be shipped to slaughter, riding one of her own, and running with her ever-growing pack of dogs. Linda and her husband live on their ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona.
PS. On a mission to save forests via her role as a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Ambassador, Linda’s latest book is published sustainably on FSC paper. (Hint: You can ask for that too, dontchaknow.)
Praise for Linda
“I own every writing book ever written, and Linda Sivertsen has done the near-impossible: given writing itself a personality. There’s a reason we all say yes to coming on her literature podcast–and to being excerpted about our writing processes in this book. I feel like I’m in the very best company. And. Good God, can this woman write! I love Linda’s voice and her honesty. Her stories are cinematic, hilarious, heartfelt, and pitch-perfect—with energy and punch, so often lacking in nonfiction.”
Terry McMillan | #1 New York Times bestselling author of Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and eight other bestsellers
“Linda Sivertsen is someone everyone should know.”
Martha Beck | New York Times bestselling author of The Way of Integrity, an Oprah’s Book Club selection
“When I look back on my career as a top book publicist, literary agent, author of eleven books, and sister of bestselling author Debbie Ford, the one person I’d call my literary soulmate is Linda Sivertsen. Whether editing one of my books, recommending writing books that transformed my work, or sharing a technique or story with me that altered my thinking, it’s Linda who has had the biggest influence on my writing career.”
Arielle Ford | bestselling author of The Soulmate Secret and former book publicist to Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Wayne Dyer, and Neale Donald Walsch
“Linda is pure magic. With her rare combination of keen editorial insight, unparalleled knowledge of the industry and relentless optimism, she’s the kind of writing coach and friend a writer can only dream of. She’s also a little psychic – only a few days before my debut novel Mirror In The Sky was picked up by Razorbill/Penguin, she sent me a text with a picture of the perfume Terra Nova, the original title of my manuscript. ‘Found this in my bureau today,’ she said. ‘It’s gonna happen soon!’ And of course it did.”
Aditi Khorana | author of Mirror In The Sky & The Library of Fates, Razorbill/Penguin
A little more BWG love
“Before joining BWG I was a solo writer, committed to the ‘idea’ of writing, but never with the time to prioritize it or let it be what it wanted to be. Since becoming a member I’ve clarified my book idea; found my inner circle of sacred writing sisters, and learned more about the publishing process than I ever thought possible. This super supportive group and the ridiculously informative (and often hilarious) expert interviews alone are worth the small membership fee—but having access to Linda’s beautiful brain (and even more beautiful heart) on the coaching calls—well that’s beyond words.” #icanteven
Casey Erin Wood
“I just got offered a contract to write a book on Persephone and women’s empowerment! This is the first contract I’ve received for a stand alone book (as opposed to having pieces published in anthologies) and I can sincerely say that the things I have learned from being in this group have been a tremendous help.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to do a happy dance (in the privacy of my room because, you know, it’s probably going to look pretty silly…).
Robin Corak | Persephone: Practicing the Art of Personal Power, Moon Books
“I’ve always been a writer, but didn’t always carve out time to actually write. I figured at the very least, signing up to be a part of the BWG would help me be accountable to more than just myself. Well, it turns out the group provided much more than the accountability I was seeking. It was a place where I found other passionate creatives who often shared similar struggles as me. It was a place where I could listen to advice and stories from established authors. It was a place where I could receive meaningful responses to my questions from Linda and Danielle. It was a place where I got to give & receive feedback from a place of deep love and support. It was a place where I rediscovered the voice within me that had been quiet for so long… it was a place that helped me return to me. And for that I’m eternally grateful.”
Nic Strack
“Thank you for the support, love & wisdom, ladies. Proposal, here I come!!! Feeling oh-so-grateful. I could seriously shout from the rooftops how much this group has changed my life! LOVE you, BWG-er’s. xoxo.”
Carly Butler | Life’s Letter: One woman’s journey retracing the steps of her grandmother’s love letters, 67 years later, Carly Verheyen
“Glorious! This is exactly what I needed and what continues to be my dream for gleanings in BWG. I loved hearing you both in conversation with Dani J. Shapiro. She is one of the true honest writers. As a memoirist who digs, but still knows she could dig deeper, Dani Shapiro got me. Thank you. Thank you.”
Patti Hall | Loving Large: A Mother’s Rare Disease Memoir, Dundurn Press
Make your magic happen. Join The Beautiful Writers Group for just $50 per month or save with our annual plan and get 2 months free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do payments work? Are there refunds? Can I cancel any time?
Like most memberships, the payments are automatic each month so you don’t have to think about them. You can cancel at any time. Bear in mind that there are no refunds for months you’ve already purchased. (Cancellation is easy and the instructions are on the member site FAQ.)
What if I can’t listen to the call live?
If you can’t join us, it’s all good! We’ll post a link of the recording in our private Facebook group, and it will stay available in the call archives on our site as long as the membership is in existence. Also, all questions are submitted ahead of time in the Facebook group, so you’ll have an equal chance to get your question answered whether you listen live or not.
When are the monthly calls?
Usually at 1:30 PST on the second or third Thursday of the month. We post all dates + times on the membership site and always send out a reminder ahead of time. And, of course, we send a link out in case you miss it or want to listen to it at a later date.
When are the weekly write-ins?
Every Monday evening Linda hosts on Zoom from 4:00 p.m. PT to 7:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. ET to 10:00 p.m. ET.
On Wednesday afternoons, Jenny McKaig-Speed hosts the Zoom call from 11:30 a.m. PT to 2:30 p.m. PT/2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.
Will I get step-by-step advice on how to write a book?
The BWG is a membership community filled with tips, insights, and support, and you can get answers to your specific questions through each month’s Q & A coaching call, but it’s not an online course, so it doesn’t include A-Z how-to on writing a book. For more in-depth, hands-on coaching, think about joining Linda for a Carmel Writing Retreat or Virtual Retreat. If you’re looking for an excellent guide to creating book proposals that help you land publishing deals, consider Your Big Beautiful Book Plan or Linda’s online course Book Proposal Magic.