Words matter.

 
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Latest News

 
 

Be Your Own Bestie hits the NYT Bestseller List

Be Your Own Bestie by Misha Brown recently debuted at #2 on The New York Times bestseller list (Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous) as well as making an appearance on the USA Today bestseller list.

I served as the book coach on the project, and it’s been a joy to watch this moment unfold. Misha has built his platform through advocacy, empathy, and a genuine commitment to helping people feel seen. I can attest to the fact that he brought that same care, work ethic, and humor to this book.

Birth Vibes by Jen Hamilton on pre-sale

Everyone’s favorite Labor & Delivery nurse, Jen Hamilton, will release her debut book, Birth Vibes, on May 5, 2026.

I spent more than a year alternately laughing and crying with Jen as this book was birthed into the world. Not only is it funny and heartwarming (in Jen’s typical way), but it’s also a treasure trove of information, whether you’re currently pregnant, thinking about getting pregnant, or have previously been pregnant. Go, Jen!

Almost 30 Featured in Times Square

This was surreal—how amazing to see Almost 30 blasted throughout Times Square. Authors Lindsay Simcik and Krista Williams could not have deserved it more. The intention, hours, and focus they put into writing this book—even as Lindsay was pregnant and Krista was going through major shifts in her personal life—was nothing short of stunning.

Although I’ve got a decade on these women, I learned so much from them.

Hi, my name is Nikki, and I love books.

When I was a kid, I loved reading them.

As an adult, I love making them—both writing my own, and helping other people write theirs.

Through both my own experience and witnessing that of others, one thing I’ve learned for sure is that the process of writing (and finishing) a book will change your life in ways you can’t even begin to imagine.

I help people write books in a variety of ways, including ghostwriting, book proposal writing, book coaching, developmental editing, and manuscript evaluation. Over the course of my career, I’ve worked just about every book-nerd job there is, from being an acquisitions editor at Random House to a ghostwriter, editor, and book coach. I’ve worked with everyone from New York Times bestsellers to first-time authors, and I’ve mentored people who have gone on to build careers in publishing and writing. And (humble-brag alert): my success rate with book proposals acquired by mainstream publishers currently stands at 100%.

I’m also an author in my own right, and have published biographies about both Dave Matthews Band and New Kids on the Block with Simon & Schuster’s Touchstone division.

Editorial Services

 
 

Ghostwriting

I work with ghostwriting clients of all stripes—from authors with a book deal in traditional publishing to those who want to self-publish their own work. As a non-fiction ghostwriter, I work closely with my authors to understand their goals, develop and shape their book idea, interview for content, write the full manuscript, and revise. This process ends with a finished manuscript in hand, ready to hand off for production.
 

book proposal writing

Book proposals are a very unique and specialized art, an interesting fusion of sales document and editorial showcase. As a former acquisitions editor myself, I understand what editors are looking for when making decisions about the manuscripts that cross their desk and write with that in mind. I have a 100% success rate of book proposals placed with major publishers, including Penguin-Random House, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette.

Book Coaching

Book coaching is somewhat of an emerging service in the world of publishing, and it’s currently one of my favorite things to do. I enjoy and believe in it so much—and it can be so varied—that I’ve dedicated an entire page to the topic!

Learn more about book coaching here.
 

manuscript evaluation

In my evaluations, I give your manuscript a thorough read through just like I would as an in-house acquisitions editor, then make recommendations for structure, content, and voice. I let you know what really works about your book, too (which is just as important to know as what’s not working, and often over-looked). At the end of the process, I will deliver an editorial letter of my professional observations that includes a detailed plan for moving forward, as well as an optional phone or video chat for any questions you might have or items you want to discuss.

 
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My Books

In addition to writing other people’s books, I’ve also written a couple of my own. If you’re a fan of Dave Matthews Band or New Kids on the Block, check ‘em out.

Learn More

 
 

Publisher’s weekly

Van Noy takes what seems like a clichéd pop story—New Kids’ meteoric rise and equally swift collapse—and turns it into something special, a fascinating tale that will delight the band’s large fan base as well as enlighten its harsh critics.

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Want to work with me?

There are so many ways to go about teaming up on a book project, and so many X factors that go into whether or not a client and ghostwriter/book coach/editor are a good fit.

If you’d like to learn more about working with me on your non-fiction book project, let’s set up a free 30-minute consultation call.