Novel Coaching for Mystery, Thriller & Literary Fiction Writers

Work one-on-one with an Iowa MFA, Former Stanford & Harvard Extension Instructor, and published novelist to finally finish your book

The writing coach to help you:

  • start your novel
  • revise your manuscript
  • submit for publication

Take your manuscript to the next level!

What Kind of Writer Are You?

Take this quiz for personalized recommendations to improve your writing!

Is It Time to Get Expert Support for Your Novel?

Serious about your novel? Let’s get you the support that moves the needle.

If you’re a novelist working on mystery, thriller, or literary fiction and want a dependable strategy to finish your book.

I can help you take the next right step.

If you’re in the middle of your draft and feel overwhelmed, unfocused, or unsure what your story truly needs. I help dedicated writers make steady progress so they can finish their book and submit it to publication knowing it’s their best work.

I help writers break through that stuck place every week.

If you’ve got a strong manuscript and want professional, seasoned feedback—the kind that sharpens your story without rewriting your voice.

That’s exactly what I do.

Let’s strengthen your novel together.

Who Is Novel Coaching For?

  • Writers drafting their first or second novel
  • Writers struggling with momentum, confidence, or clarity
  • Authors preparing for revision, beta readers, or querying

What Will You Gain?

  • A personalized plan—not generic advice
  • Accountability without pressure
  • Professional guidance that respects your voice and goals

Book a Strategy Session

On this free call, we’ll create a high-level game plan to finish your novel, whether you’re stuck in the middle of a manuscript, starting a new book, or ready to go all-in on finishing.

Do Writers Really Need a Coach?

Not everyone does. But if you want structure, feedback, and accountability from someone who understands the creative, emotional, and technical demands of writing a novel—coaching accelerates progress in ways that DIY never will.

Your Writing Matters. Let’s Treat It Like It Does.

Most writers try to go it alone—drafting, revising, and second-guessing without ever knowing whether they’re on the right path. But serious writers don’t just work harder… they get professional support that accelerates everything.

Whether you’re building a career as a mystery/thriller novelist, crafting literary fiction with depth, or balancing writing with a demanding professional life— your work deserves expert attention, structure, and real momentum.

Here’s how I help writers like you elevate their novels:

  • Getting Started the Right Way
    If you’re struggling to launch a new writing project or can’t figure out where to begin, I help you build clarity, structure, and a repeatable process so you never lose momentum.
  • Breaking Through Drafting & Revision Walls
    If you’re stuck in the middle—confused, overwhelmed, or unsure how to improve—I help you move forward with confidence and tools that actually work.
  • Leveling Up a Manuscript You’re Already Proud Of
    If you’ve taken your book as far as you can alone, I’ll help you refine it with the precision, depth, and clarity your story deserves

What Clients Are Saying

I worked with Seth for my last three novels. He was instrumental in the development of publishable manuscripts, helping me with voice, plot and pacing. His feedback was thoughtful, practical—and actionable.
Mark Coggins, award-winning author of the August Riordan series
Seth has helped me go from countless failed starts of short stories and novels, to finishing and publishing these stories and my first novel is out! He is great at focusing you on what needs to be done to finish and helping you realize the story you are trying to tell.
Elizabeth Coleman, author of City of Sevens
My time with Seth was invaluable as a writer. He’s incredibly professional and insightful. I recommend his services to any writer looking for guidance in their work or career.
Gale Massey, author of The Girl from Blind River
Seth has mastered the balance between being fair-minded and analytical, and being positive and supportive. He kept me on-task, and at the same time taught me how to keep myself on task.
Lynn Bemiller, author of The Cold Warrior's Guide to Medicine
It’s only because of Seth that I’m still working on my dream to complete a novel. I would’ve given up if I didn’t have him by my side encouraging, supporting and challenging me.
Vicki Ferenbach, author of Corpse Pose
Seth has helped me develop my craft, pushed me to improve my plotting, and shown me how to revise. At every step, he offered encouragement and support. It is thanks to his excellent coaching that I have finished my first thriller novel, which is not out on submission by an agent. Working with Seth is an absolute pleasure, personally and professionally.
Alyce Werdel, author of Vengeance, a novel

Published author of 15 books:

Meet Seth Harwood

Novel Coach for Mystery, Thriller & Literary Fiction Writers

I’m an Iowa Writers’ Workshop MFA graduate, published novelist, and Certified Author Accelerator Book Coach with over twenty years of experience helping writers develop their work. I’ve taught fiction at Stanford University, Harvard Extension, and in workshops across the country—guiding authors to build stronger stories, deepen their craft, and finish their books with confidence.

I work with serious writers of mystery, thriller, and literary fiction who want a clear, structured path through drafting, revision, and preparation for publication. My coaching combines personalized craft feedback with strategic support, so you always know what to work on—and why it matters.

As both a long-time teacher and a working novelist, I understand the full process: the challenge of shaping a compelling story and the practical steps required to make a manuscript market-ready. Whether you’re developing your draft or preparing to pitch agents, my goal is to help you move forward with clarity, momentum, and professional-caliber guidance.

If you’re ready to finish your novel and take the next step toward publication, I’d be glad to help you get there.

Credentials & Experience:

Iowa Writers’ Workshop MFA • Certified Author Accelerator Book Coach • Published Novelist • Former Stanford & Harvard Extension Instructor