The Book Alchemist

Book Alchemy 101

What is book alchemy?

When to call an alchemist

What is book alchemy?

Book alchemy sounds mysterious for one simple reason: It is. I cannot define it in one word or phrase, because every project—be it a seed idea or a completed manuscript—is unique and requires its own special elixir. What I can say is this unique, multifaceted service blends artistry with science and can—

Transform a concept into a completed manuscript.
Fix plot holes and bumpy prose.
Breathe new life into a tired manuscript.
Create books that fully engage your target audience.
Offer unique solutions to common book problems.
Give your book what it needs to flourish in a competitive marketplace.

Meet the Alchemist

When to call an alchemist

What is book alchemy?

Diana Ceres has been helping authors transform their books for over 20 years. Diagnosing (and fixing) ailing manuscripts is one of her superpowers. She also excels in creating smart book structure, marketable book titles, and hooks that grab readers from the very first page.

Diana has helped authors hit the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists. Specializing in memoir, self-help, and business titles, she is known for her collaborative and constructive approach to ghostwriting and manuscript development.

Blessed with the gifts of creativity and good taste, she knows what sells and can help you get your book market ready. If you're serious about writing and want to take your work to a professional level, book your consult today!

When to call an alchemist

You have an idea for a book but aren't sure how to execute it.
You want feedback as you write.
Your book needs more than a standard edit (book doctoring).
You want a creative coach to guide you through the writing process, start to finish.
You want someone to write your book for you (ghostwriting).
You've been told your book needs a stronger hook.
Your book has been edited, but it's not quite "there" yet.
Agents are not responding to your queries.
You're ready to let go of any attachment to your work and write a book that sells!

What to Expect

(Completed Manuscript)

Just as no two books are the same, the alchemist cannot say what your book will need until she reads it.

Step 1

Book a 30-minute consult.

There is no fee for this service. It's an opportunity for the alchemist to learn a little about you and your project to see how she can best assist you.

Step 2

Submit your manuscript for evaluation.

Just as you pay your doctor when you are sick, the alchemist charges a fee to read and diagnose your manuscript to determine what type of alchemy it needs. For this service you receive a detailed report and a follow-up call.

Step 3

Discuss findings and next steps.

This is when we go over the report in detail, answer questions, and select the right elixir to help you reach your publishing goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact me if you cannot find an answer to your question.

do you have a specialty?

Yes. I specialize in memoir, self-help, and business titles.

who is your ideal client?

I work best with those who are true collaborators. My ideal clients are aspiring authors who are open to feedback and fully committed to the time and expertise it takes to get their books market ready.

Why Do you call yourself a Book alchemist?

I call myself a book alchemist, because I incorporate a blended approach of artistry and science during my collaborations with authors while leaving just enough space for some magic to infuse every manuscript I work on.

can you write an entire book in my voice?

Absolutely. As an empath, I've always been a bit of a chameleon. I use my intuition and expert listening and observational skills to learn your speech patterns, gestures, and quirks so I can write a book that sounds exactly like you.

What are your fees?

Alchemy takes time and expertise. Given the intricate nature of the work, saying yes to you means I may have to turn another author down. Fees vary depending on the elixir you choose:

Manuscript evaluation: Detailed report and follow-up call ($1,500)*
Manuscript development: Writing feedback, start to finish ($15,000)*
Book doctoring: Make ailing manuscripts market ready ($25,000)*
Coaching with ghostwriting: Up to 50,000 words ($35,000)**
Ghostwriting: Children's books and early readers up to 1,500 words ($5,000)
Ghostwriting: Memoir and business titles ($75,000)*

*Up to 50,000 words. Manuscripts over this amount will require additional time and fees.

**For this hybrid service, you must commit to writing at least half of your manuscript and grant the alchemist a "with credit" on your book cover.

Do you offer discounts?

While I do not offer discounts, my fees reflect the unique skillset and expertise that I bring to each project. I do, however, divide my project fees into equal installments to align with key milestones, if that helps make the overall cost more affordable to you.

I already know what I want. do i still have to submit my manuscript for evaluation?

100%. If you have a completed manuscript, I still want to evaluate it to ensure I select the right elixir (service) for your book. I do this because I want to help your book reach its fullest potential.

How long does it take?

While each project is unique, I can offer some averages, based on my experience:

Manuscript evaluation takes around 2-3 weeks.
Book doctoring takes anywhere from 3-6 months, depending on the length of your manuscript and the condition of the prose.
Manuscript development can take anywhere from 4-12 months, depending on your target word count and the time it takes you to incorporate feedback.
Hybrid coaching with ghostwriting takes around 6-12 months, depending on target length and how much time you need to incorporate feedback.
Ghostwriting can take up to 12 months, depending on target length and the amount of time you need to review content and send feedback.

Can you help me come up with a good title?

Absolutely. Titling is part of the coaching and ghostwriting package, as is comp title research to ensure your title is unique, marketable, and appealing to your target audience.

Is book alchemy the same thing as copyediting?

No. They are two different services. Book alchemy can include developmental editing, which is a higher level of editing that is used to fix things like structural problems and issues with the flow of the narrative. I also provide a second read to ensure your manuscript is ready to shop around to agents and publishers. However, publishers will have their own in-house editors who will take care of the copyediting and other editorial services for you.

Do you have industry contacts?

Yes. When your manuscript is in its final stages, we can discuss different publishing options. Some authors want to get an agent and go the traditional route, others decide to work with a hybrid publisher to receive higher royalties and maintain more creative control of their content, and there are some who choose to self-publish. I can help you navigate whichever option aligns best with your publishing goals when your manuscript is ready.