Expert Guidance for Your Illustrated Book Journey
One-on-one coaching tailored to visual storytellers
Turn Publishing Uncertainty into Confidence
You have a wonderful story to tell, but the path to publication shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
Navigating the Unknown
Transform uncertainty into a clear roadmap with expert guidance on every step of the self-publishing process, even if you've never published before.
Technical Layout & Design
Learn how to balance text and visuals effectively, create professional layouts, and make design decisions that enhance your story and engage readers.
Meeting Tight Timelines
Accomplish your publishing goals in weeks, not months. Our structured approach helps you avoid common delays and efficiently move from concept to published book.
Looking for more comprehensive support?
Consider joining our Self-Publishing Club, which combines group training with our publishing software for a complete publishing solution. SPC members receive 20% off all coaching services!
Flexible Coaching Support for Your Unique Publishing Journey
Every author’s path is different. Our coaching packages provide the structure you need while adapting to your specific goals and challenges.
Single Session
Booking
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Personalized guidance for your specific needs
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In-depth focus on your chosen topic
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Session recording for your reference
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Follow-up email with action steps
Three Session
Package
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Three 60-minute personalized sessions
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Flexible scheduling for your timeline
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Guidance that evolves with your project
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Email support between sessions
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Priority booking availability
Five Session
Package
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Five 60-minute personalized sessions
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Comprehensive project support
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Priority between-session access
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Adaptable creative & technical guidance
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Strategic publishing planning
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Priority booking and extended support
Self-Publishing Club Members: Save 20%
SPC members receive 20% off all coaching options:
- Single Session: $120 (Regular: $150)
- 3-Session Package: $324 (Regular: $405)
- 5-Session Package: $500 (Regular: $625)
All packages begin with a complimentary 15-minute consultation to understand your unique goals and publishing vision. All sessions are recorded and sent to you via email within 24 hours.
Expert Guidance from Publishing Professionals
Work with coaches who understand both the art and business of illustrated book publishing.
Karen Richard
Lead Publishing Coach & Illustrated Book Specialist
With nearly 20 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, Karen has spent the last five years immersed in self-publishing. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Made Live, Karen has guided authors from initial concept to successful publication. Combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of visual storytelling, she helps authors navigate the unique challenges of bringing illustrated and visually-driven books to life.
I believe every visual story deserves to be shared with the world. My greatest joy is seeing authors transform their illustrated book dreams into tangible realities that delight readers.
Partnered and Integrated With
Ready to work with an expert who understands your vision?
Your Coaching Journey: Simple, Structured, Successful
From first conversation to published book, we’ve designed a clear, supportive process to guide you every step of the way.
This coaching journey can stand alone or complement your participation in our Self-Publishing Club program. Many authors find that combining group learning with targeted one-on-one coaching provides the ideal balance of community support and personalized guidance.
The Made Live Difference
Unlike general coaching services, our process is specifically designed for illustrated books, addressing the unique challenges of visual storytelling, illustration coordination, and technical specifications that other coaching programs often miss.
Success Stories from Authors Like You
Hear from authors who transformed their publishing journey with personalized coaching support.
From Manuscript to Masterpiece
“We are incredibly grateful to Karen not only for her expertise but also for her infectious enthusiasm and direct, purposeful critiques, which elevated our book to a level of excellence I could never have imagined.”
– Anne Laurie and Robin Grant, the team behind Drew and the Magic Pencil
Progressed from first draft to published book in under 8 weeks.
Available now on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com
“Feedback was meticulously detailed and profoundly insightful. I cannot recommend Made Live’s services highly enough.”
– Anne Laurie, PhD
Co-Founder and President of Tricoast Education, Author of Drew and the Magic Pencil
“Karen was an invaluable support in helping us fully realize the potential of our children’s book in development.“
– Robin Grant
Illustrator, Author, and Marketing Director, Tricoast Education
“I could spend months researching, but Karen has the resources, and her expertise is incredibly valuable!“
– Heidi (Blooming Abilities)
Writer, Speaker, Occupational Therapist
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our coaching services.
We specialize in coaching for a wide range of illustrated books, including children’s picture books, graphic novels, poetry collections with visual elements, educational illustrated works, and any book where visuals play a significant role. Our coaches adapt their approach to your specific genre and vision.
All coaching sessions are conducted via video conference, allowing for screen sharing and visual collaboration. Sessions are recorded so you can refer back to them later. Each session lasts 60 minutes, with time for questions, guidance, and actionable next steps.
Absolutely! Many of our clients are first-time authors. Our coaching is designed to meet you where you are, providing more fundamental guidance for beginners and more nuanced support for experienced authors. The personalized nature of our coaching ensures you get exactly the help you need.
Timeline varies based on your project’s complexity and your availability to implement recommendations. Many of our clients complete their publishing journey within 2-3 months (or less) with dedicated coaching. During your free consultation, we can provide a more specific timeline based on your unique project and goals.
Yes! While we don’t provide illustration services directly, we offer guidance on finding and working with illustrators. We can help you create effective illustration briefs, evaluate portfolios, understand pricing standards, and communicate effectively with illustrators to achieve your vision.
We understand life happens! You can reschedule any session with at least 24 hours notice at no charge. We’ll work with you to find a new time that fits your schedule within our available coaching hours.
Definitely. Technical guidance is a core part of our coaching service. We’ll walk you through format requirements, help you understand printing specifications, guide you through file preparation, and ensure your book meets industry standards for publication.
That’s what our free 15-minute consultation is for! During this call, we’ll discuss your project, goals, and challenges to determine if our coaching services align with your needs. There’s no obligation, and you’ll gain clarity on your next best steps regardless.
Yes! All current Self-Publishing Club members receive a 20% discount on coaching sessions. To book discounted coaching sessions, members must use their registered email address when scheduling, request a personalized discount code by emailing karen@made.live (Subject Line: SPC Coaching Discount Request), and apply the code at checkout.
The discount option is valid for the duration of your 12-month SPC membership.
