The Strategic Author

A guided coaching program to help you think like a publisher — so your book is more than just written. It’s ready.

If you're feeling stuck, scattered, or unsure what comes next — you're not alone. Most first-time authors think like writers, focused on the story they want to tell.

But publishers think differently.
They think like strategists.

They ask:

Who is this book really for?
Why would they choose it?
Where does it belong — in the market, on the shelf, in a reader’s life?

This program teaches you how to think like both — the writer who has something to say and the publisher who knows how to shape it for the world.

Because when your message meets the moment, your book becomes unstoppable.

Join a 3-month small-group coaching experience designed to help you finally move forward — with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that works.

Image of bookshelves filled with numerous books and the overlay text 'The Strategy Author' written in white casual font.

Apply Now ❥

“Working with Linda clarified everything. I went from vague ideas to a clear roadmap for my book.”

— Anne Fiorelli

The Problem: You’re writing … but are you writing the right book?

Person in a mustard sweater typing on a laptop at a wooden table with a magazine nearby.

Whether your goal is to finish your manuscript, pitch agents, build your platform, or finally market your book effectively, this program gives you the clarity, structure, and expert support you need to move forward strategically.

Writing a book is hard.

Sometimes it feels like writing on water. Ideas swirl. The shape shifts. There’s nothing solid to hold onto. That’s where I come in.

This Program Helps You Think Like a Publisher.

In just 3 months, you’ll learn how to envision your book the way agents and editors do when deciding what to publish.

Apply now!

“I have worked with a couple of different book coaches, and this is the first time I’m exiting the book proposal process and feeling like I have a very solid proposal that I am truly excited about.”

— Maya Sharfi

Meet your Coach

A woman with shoulder-length gray hair, wearing black glasses and a black top, smiling slightly against a plain white background.

I’m Linda Secondari, founder of Studiolo Secondari and a publishing strategist with more than two decades of experience helping authors create books that resonate and find their audiences. I cut my teeth as an in-house Creative Director — most recently at Oxford University Press — where I partnered with editors, marketers, publishers, and authors to shape meaningful books and position them for real-world impact.

Those years taught me how books compete in a crowded marketplace: how they signal to readers, how they communicate value, and how they’re discovered. My work now centers on sharing that understanding with authors who want to produce books with clarity, intention, and a strong sense of where their place is.

I bring a blend of creative direction, editorial insight, and market strategy — all designed to help you approach your work with the mindset and confidence of a seasoned publishing professional.

Here’s what I’ve learned after shaping hundreds of books:

The most successful authors don’t just write well — they think like publishers.

“Finally, a book coach with the professional poise to create a productive environment for the members of the group, and the deep industry experience to inform their guidance. Spending three months in The Strategic Author program gave much-needed clarity to my writer’s journey.”

— S.Fairbank

How The Strategic Author Helps Writers

This Program Helps You Think Like a Publisher

Over 3 months, you’ll look at your book through the same lens agents and editors use to decide what to publish — and why.

This program is for you if…

You’re sitting on a half-draft or stuck in idea mode
You’re unsure how to position your book or pitch it
You want feedback that’s strategic, not just supportive
You’re ready to stop circling and start deciding

You’ll walk away with:

A proven framework to position your book for discoverability and resonance
A comparables matrix that sets your book apart in a crowded market
A sharp one-liner pitch for agents, media, and audiences
A format path (self, hybrid, or traditional) that aligns with your goals
A publishing roadmap tailored to your timeline and vision

“It was like having a publishing-savvy thought partner. I needed that kind of insight — and permission — to move forward.”

— A Happy Coaching Client

Invest in your book — and your future
as an author

One-time payment

$1,750

Includes

Full access to all live group sessions, masterclasses, and masterminds
Three-month membership in The Strategic Author cohort and community
Exclusive member pricing on one-on-one support
Full access to program resources, recordings, and reference materials

Apply Now ❥

3 monthly payments

$590

Includes

Full access to all live group sessions, masterclasses, and masterminds
Three-month membership in The Strategic Author cohort and community
Exclusive member pricing on one-on-one support
Full access to program resources, recordings, and reference materials

Apply Now ❥

“You really believed in my book idea, and that was your starting point. When you added all of your publishing expertise, it was extremely helpful and made a significant difference.”

— A Happy Coaching Client

How It works

The Strategic Author is a guided program for authors who want to approach publishing with clarity, intention, and business awareness. The program focuses on helping participants develop a coherent publishing strategy while building a practical understanding of how the publishing industry works.

Through structured group sessions, shared resources, and ongoing discussion, authors learn how to make informed decisions about positioning, timing, opportunities, and trade-offs. The goal is not just to finish a book, but to understand how that book fits into a larger professional and creative context.

Continuous Support

The community is connected through a private platform that hosts all program resources, events, and group chats. It is a place to ask questions, share insights, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate progress. Linda is actively present in the community, offering feedback, insight, and strategic guidance where helpful. Conversations take place both within your core group and across the broader network, creating continuity and perspective beyond any single session..

Live Group Sessions

A steady rhythm of live sessions designed to support focused progress and group connection:

Two 60-minute small group sessions
One monthly mastermind to explore a specific publishing topic
One office hours session to clarify questions, work through challenges, and connect
Monthly coworking sessions for focused work alongside the TSA community

Resources & Tools

Access session recordings, guides, and practical tools designed to support the development of your publishing strategy. Materials are focused on helping authors make informed decisions and move forward with clarity.

Receive curated overviews of relevant industry news, along with a calendar of publishing events and opportunities to engage with the publishing profession.

Personalized Support

From focused strategy sessions to manuscript and pitch review, members can access one-on-one support as needed. Guidance is available at key moments to help clarify direction, strengthen work in progress, and support next steps. These services are available at key moments as needed, with preferred pricing for The Strategic Author members.

Linda collaborates with and is a member of these respected professional organizations and others
(I’m a joiner!)