Build

Build is a collaborative, six month long, full-service programme of strategic Instagram support that will give you everything you need to use Instagram effectively and sustainably to build a platform and/ or launch your book.

In BUILD I work with you to make sure you’re not over-thinking, second-guessing, or wasting your time on tactics that are not designed for you.

Instead, I will guide you to a way of using Instagram effectively that feels aligned, sustainable and even fun.

If you’ve found your way here someone has probably told you that to publish and sell your book you need to ‘grow a platform’. 

I’m here to tell you that is possible, and it doesn’t have to feel awful. 

My approach is the antidote to influencer-culture and pushy bro-marketing tactics that ignore the needs of writers and authors. Instead I advocate for using Instagram to tend to our connections with our communities, and as an expression of our creativity, layering our own preferences and capacity over the realities of the platform so you can still achieve your aims without feeling horrible or burning out. 

In BUILD we co-create a bespoke approach to Instagram over six months that will give you strategic focus and deliver the results you want. This package provides the time and space to lay firm foundations, before building your confidence, developing new skills, and finding clarity over what is the right approach to Instagram for you.   

You will move from feeling overwhelmed and apprehensive, to confident and in control of the day-to-day demands of marketing your book and/ or building your platform.

BUILD might be the right choice for you if you’re:

  • a writer of any genre who is just starting out, or who has only used Instagram in a casual way

  • a writer of any genre who feels overwhelmed by the demands of the platform. You might have questions like how to make different kinds of posts, how to find your readers, how to grow your audience, how often should you post, what should you post about about… and so on.

  • a writer of any genre who feels apprehensive about being more visible, and/ or who feels weird or uncomfortable about self-promotion in general

  • a non-fiction writer who has been told you need to build a platform before publishers will be interested in your book - the longer time-frame in BUILD gives us space to implement a full testing and refine process so we can hone your content and accelerate your growth

  • a writer of any genre who is planning to self-publish, who wants to get a head start on building a platform so you’re not launching your book into the void

  • OR a fiction writer with a traditional publishing deal who feels anxious about using Instagram. NB: if you’re aiming to trad publish and are still working on your manuscript, I advise you to focus on that first. In the meantime, you might be interested in the TOO MUCH INSTAGRAM monthly membership for some light touch support to get you started.

  • ready to invest time in taking action to strengthen your book proposal and/ or elevate your book launch


How does it work?

Month 1: an initial 90 minute scaffolding session where we dig into the details about you, your preferences, your book, and your ideal reader. We use these insights to inform your overall content strategy, which we then use to plan your posts for the month ahead.

Months 2, 3, 4, 5: one 60 minute session per month. We will focus on key areas where you need guidance; troubleshoot any problems; look at what is working well; and use this information to plan your posts for the month ahead. These sessions will tend to your goals and help you get the most out of your time on Instagram.

Month 6: a 90 minute reflection session to take stock of where you’re at, and make a plan for your next steps

PLUS you’ll also enjoy access to weekly check-ins via Instagram DM or email so you can get feedback or ask for advice in between our sessions. 


Price £999

Paying upfront helps sustain my business, however I also offer non-penalty payment plans: three payments x £333 OR six payments of £166.50*

*it’s important to me that my work is as accessible as possible so longer payment plans can be arranged on request

What’s it like to work with me?

  • 'Coaching sessions with Nicola have empowered me to try new ways of utilising social media with confidence - amplifying my online presence and helping me to connect with my audience in a meaningful way. Who knew I would come to like making Reels so much?! At the centre of Nicola's approach is a deep understanding of storytelling, helping me craft my social media presence in a way that resonates with my ideal reader. I no longer worry if I'm shouting into the void. Now, I look forward to engaging with my audience and building a community around the topics that feature in my writing.

    Elaine Gregersen, award-winning writer, memoirist, podcaster

  • 'Before I started working with Nicola, I was a complete Instagram novice but over the course of our sessions I've learnt how to create content specific to my ideal reader, the purpose of different content placements, how to be time efficient (as a busy mum of 3 this is essential for me!) and I now feel safe to show up online and take up space. Instagram is now an inspiring and liberating part of my writing experience and I have Nic to thank for this.'

    anon, memoirist and award-winning writer

  • 'Nicola helped me overcome my fear of Instagram and actually made it a fun place to be. After working with her, Instagram became a place of community and connection. I was terrified of using social media before I worked with her, but now I know how I can use it in a way that suits me.

    Susan Cahill, author of children’s fiction and podcaster