Jennifer Hayward Consulting Homepage - Jennifer Hayward

About Jennifer

I am an award-winning author who writes sexy, compelling stories, always with a touch of humour. Since my debut in 2013, I have written eighteen titles and sold nearly two million copies of my books to readers in 31 countries and 25 languages.

I penned my first romance at nineteen. When it was rejected, I bristled at my mother’s suggestion that I needed more life experience to write a book. I went on to complete a journalism degree and work as a freelance journalist, before settling into a fifteen-year career in public relations and marketing. The bug to write romance, however, never left me.

A suitable amount of life experience under my belt, I sat down and conjured up the sexiest, most delicious Italian wine magnate I could imagine, had him make his biggest mistake and gave him a wife on the run. That story, The Divorce Party, won Harlequin’s 2012 So You Think You Can Write contest and my first book contract.


With my background as a journalist, marketer and author, I am uniquely positioned to help other writers hone their craft and realize their dreams. While I can’t make you into a NYT Bestseller, I can help you craft your story into the most commercially marketable, compelling manuscript you have in you. I can tell you what makes a romance work, what editors are looking for, as well as the common pitfalls many writers fall into along the way. And perhaps, give you some insider secrets.

Whether it’s a formal coaching relationship where we work together on all aspects of your writing to help you get where you want to be, assistance with specific issues you’re having with your manuscript, or help motivating you to get to the end, I can help. We will come up with a plan we can execute together and I’ll be there for you every step of the way!

I can personally testify to the power of story coaching, because it meant everything to me as a young writer. After receiving a series of dejecting rejections earlier on in my career, I made a promise to invest in myself and my writing. I vowed to actually finish a book. I  immersed myself in story craft courses and hired a published writing coach to examine the strengths and weaknesses of my manuscript. It was, essentially, like having an in-house acquisitions editor at my fingertips, a distinct advantage in a crowded marketplace. I went on to sell to Harlequin shortly afterward, publishing only the second full manuscript I’d written.

After years of working with aspiring writers who’ve approached me for advice, as well as the opportunity I’ve had to mentor young writers in Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest, I decided to start a coaching business. I find working with other writers inspiring, invigorating and rewarding, and I wouldn’t be where I am without the support and inspiration of my own mentors.


Learn more about my coaching services here

STORY COACHING
STORY DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING

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I've always admired Jennifer's talent as an author, and reading one of her novels is like a mini writing course. She nails characterization, pacing, and plot development, and she crafts sparkling dialogue like the writing guru she is. With Jennifer in my writing corner, I was able to ensure my story was the best it could be. She helped me see the forest through the trees, patiently pointing out weaknesses, inconsistencies, and areas where I could make my story stronger. Now I have four published novels to my credit, and I'm working on a fifth with a goal of selling it to Harlequin.
Lisa Weaver | Author of The Billionaire's Bodyguard Bride

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Jennifer Hayward is the queen of the black moment. Our brainstorm sessions help me dig deep into the characters and find the most powerful, satisfying conclusion to my story.
Tara Pammi | Harlequin Presents author of An Innocent to Tame the Italian

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Jen is my longest running sounding board and I would be lost without her! She is always there on the other side of my computer screen or phone line to talk through plot points and brainstorm with me when I'm stuck. When I was writing From Enemies to Expecting, I needed a unique way to get my cosmetic industry marketing executive and my billionaire baseball team owner together and boy did Jen deliver. (the lemonade stand scene is still one of my favorites) I can't think of someone better suited to coach a writer to The End--and beyond!”
Kat Cantrell | USA Today Bestselling Author of The SEALS of Superstition Springs